Don't Hibernate Your Camaro

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Cy Chowattukunnel
The Camaro is definitely one of those cars that everybody seems to love. If you're a Camaro driver who lives up north, you'll need winter / snow tires to keep your vehicle safe. Given the wide variety of Camaro trim levels and drivers' needs, both the Studless Ice and Snow and Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire options should be considered.

Winter / Snow Tire Sizes

Depending on your trim level and engine, your Original Equipment tires may have one of the following set-ups: 245/55-18 or 245/50-19 on all four corners, or the staggered set-up of 245/45-20 on the front and 275/40-20 on the rear or 245/40-21 on the front and 275/35-21 on the rear.

If you live in a harsh winter area like Green Bay, Wisconsin that receives lots of snow and you can moderate how hard you drive when the temperatures are warm and the roads are dry, then you should look at 225/65-17 Studless Ice and Snow tires. Camaro SS drivers should consider 235/55-19 Studless Ice and Snow tires since 17" wheels won't clear the O.E. Brembo brakes.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Your Camaro uses a valve-stem-mounted Direct TPMS. O.E. sensors are $50* each and installation is part of our standard mounting and balancing. Your Camaro won't automatically learn the new sensors but you can initialize them yourself by following the instructions in your owner's manual.

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Studless Ice and Snow)

A great Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with a Studless Ice and Snow tire option would be the 225/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on the 17x8 Moda EB1 at $1,116** plus shipping.

235/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70
225/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
17x8 35mm offset Hyper Silver Moda EB1
17x8 35mm offset Moda EB1

Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package (Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow)

A Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package to consider with a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire would be the 245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow on the 19x8.5 Sport Edition WX5 at $1,720** plus shipping.

245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
245/50-19 Pirelli Scorpion
Ice & Snow
19x8.5 Bright Silver 28mm offset Sport Edition WX5
19x8.5 Bright Silver 28mm offset
Sport Edition WX5

2011 Chevy Camaro Winter FAQ:
  1. The Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow is listed as a Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow tire but you're recommending it for my Camaro, why? Because many of today's full-size sport sedans, muscle cars and sports cars share vehicle platforms with smaller crossover and sport utility vehicles, they also share their tall tire sizes. The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow was introduced in 2003 with selected sizes for crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs. Then, well before the current Camaro became available for enthusiasts, Pirelli began adding 50-, 45- and 40-series T-, H- and V-speed rated tires in 17", 18", 19" and 20" wheel diameters for higher performance crossover vehicle applications. Pirelli chose to put these sizes into their Scorpion family and by doing so, the Scorpion Ice & Snow line also "crossed over" to be appropriate for many of today's car applications that use tall tire sizes. So while the Scorpion Ice & Snow's tire category may seem unusual for a Camaro, its combination of dimensions, wintertime traction and high speed durability are appropriate.

  2. I have 20" wheels as Original Equipment, can I run 20" winter / snow tires? You can run 20" snow tires but there isn't a matching set in a 245/45-20 front and 275/40-20 rear set-up, so you would have to run 245/45-20 on the front and back.
*Prices subject to change
**Including sensors, prices subject to change

Winter Wheel Fitment for Brembo-Equipped Ford Mustang GTs and GT500s

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by Marshall Wisler
Sport Edition F10 Silver PaintedRecently, a wheel has been added to our fitment arsenal that allows for additional winter options on Brembo-equipped 2011-12 Ford Mustang GTs and 2007+ GT500s. These cars, equipped with 14" front brakes and four-piston calipers have until now been very difficult to cost-effectively outfit for the winter.

Having a design that focuses on spoke clearance as well as carefully selected offset, the Sport Edition F10 provides the necessary clearance to avoid brake interference. In addition, it's offered in 18" fitments that allows for more tire selections and additional tire sidewall height that many drivers look for to cushion harsh blows on rough winter roads. 

While this wheel was crafted to clear factory big brake kits, it will also fit on any 2005+ Mustang.

Driving a powerful, RWD, solid axle car through winter conditions can be challenging enough with any equipment. While you'll still need to be attentive and aware of the vehicle's capabilities, a proper Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package can turn your summer sports car into a year-round, all-weather warrior.

Start enjoying winter driving in your vehicle and build your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

Boss 302S Wheels Available for Your 2005+ Ford Mustang

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
Ford Racing Boss 302S If you're looking to spice up your Mustang with a little bit of factory induced flair, take a look at the new Boss 302S wheel from Ford Racing.

The new Boss 302 has been heralded by many as the baddest Mustang ever built. With 444 horsepower on tap, a track-tuned suspension, aggressive Mustang rims (wheels) and tires and monstrous brakes, it's hard to find fault with these claims. Unfortunately, while the new Boss 302 may turn blazing fast lap times and turn heads while doing it, the cost for such pleasure is a staggering $45,000. No doubt still a tremendous performance bargain, but this price tag sadly puts it out of range for the large majority of buyers considering the purchase of America's iconic pony car.

Fear not, as parts exist to freshen up the pony already in your stable. Whether you own a 2005-2010 4.0L V6, 2005-2010 4.6L V8, 2011+ 3.7L V6 or a 2011+ 5.0, the new Boss 302S wheels are designed to fit all members of the S197 chassis team. Designed for use with Brembo brakes, these wheels will even fit the 2011+ 5.0L GTs equipped with the optional Brembo package and any 2007+ GT500. This truly is a versatile wheel that can be used with a large range of applications. What's more is these wheels can be used in a 19x9 at all four corners or with a 19x9 front and 19x10 rear stagger. 

So if you're in need of new Mustang wheels, search by vehicle to find the set that works best with this American legend. 

The Necessity of Aftermarket Shocks / Struts

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
Since their inception into the market, the 2011 Mustang GT and the 5th Generation 2010+ Camaro have attracted much attention, and I must note I too fell prey to their new designs.

In February, I took ownership of a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 6-speed. The only options on my car were the Brembo performance brake and wheel package and the 3.73 rear gears. I wanted the fastest base Mustang GT I could buy, but yet even that was not without room for improvement.

My first step toward correcting the lackluster steering response and turn-in feel was to replace the spring and strut / shock assemblies. My components of choice were the off-the-shelf 2011 Mustang GT Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and a set of 2010 Mustang GT model Bilstein struts and shocks. Although Bilstein does not yet have a 2011 Mustang GT specific fitment at this time, the use of 2005-2010 Ford Racing strut mounts and the 2010 model Bilstein struts allowed me to successfully use the components. For a more plug and play application and a user friendly guaranteed fitment, consumers can purchase the matching Eibach Pro-Damper Kit which is specifically tuned for Eibach springs on the 2011 models and bolts up without any modification to the strut mount units.

Strut Rod Diameter
Although the Eibach springs are not the stiffest available, their progressive rate is far beyond the factory rate of 150lbs/in. For that reason, it is important to increase the compression and rebound rates of the shock assemblies, not only to increase the life of the shock, but also to increase performance while cornering, and reduce unfavorable motion on transitions and rough surfaces.

At left is a picture of the factory 2011 Mustang GT front strut and its Bilstein rival. The differences in shaft size should be obvious. Upon installing this aftermarket suspension package, my 2011 GT feels like an entirely new car. It doesn't exhibit the floating feeling associated with the stock pieces, and generally feels firmer and more responsive. The steering inputs are met with crisp turn-in and the car behaves very neutral at the limit, which left me quite surprised.

For questions on suspension and more, contact one of our sales specialists.

Big Brake Kits at Tire Rack

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Chad Hocker
Brembo Big Brake Kits upgrade the look and performance of your vehicle's braking system. The brake systems combine fixed 4-piston aluminum calipers and high performance brake pads, with 1- and 2- piece vented discs and Goodridge® steel braided brake lines. These race inspired Brembo Big Brake kits are designed to offer superior stopping power for drivers that are serious about getting their sports cars, sedans, sporty coupes, light trucks and SUVs to slow down in a hurry.

In most cases,the Brembo Big Brake Kit's massive aluminum calipers and large diameter brake discs require an aftermarket wheel with the necessary brake clearance. Take a look at the chart below to see the full line of Brembo Grand Turismo Big Brake kits.

Contact one of our sales specialists to ensure product compatibility as they have developed a list of appropriate wheel options per vehicle based on exact brake kit options.


Brembo Gran Turismo Brake Systems
Caliper
Styles
Style 1 Style 2 Style 3 Style 4
4-Piston
Black
4-Piston
Black
4-Piston
Red
4-Piston
Red
Rotor
Styles
Style A Style B Style C Style D
1-Piece
Drilled
Vented
2-Piece
Drilled
Vented
2-Piece
Drilled
Vented
2-Piece
Slotted
Vented

Style 1A

Style 2B

Style 3C

Style 4D

Shop by vehicle to see which braking options work best for your vehicle.

Additional Information:

Brembo Gran Turismo Brake Upgrade for Porsche 911

Friday, March 4, 2011 by Logan Woodworth
Brembo Gran Turismo SystemsMany Porsche owners are looking for better lap times at the track and more aggressive brake performance on the street from their 911.

If you have already tried changing your brake pads and still lack the performance you are looking for, it may be time to upgrade to a larger caliper and rotor.

Brembo has built a reputation of producing quality products for drivers looking for the ultimate in braking performance. The Brembo Gran Turismo Systems provide excellent stopping power in everyday traffic, as well as high performance during street and track driving.

For more information, contact one of Tire Rack's sales specialists.

Them's Da Brakes

Saturday, July 17, 2010 by Logan Woodworth
With many track and street enthusiasts focused on getting more horsepower to the wheels, braking systems often get forgotten.

On the track, upgrading your car's brakes can shave valuable seconds from lap times and increase braking consistency.

On the street, a Brembo brake kit will improve the appearance of your vehicle while also improving performance and safety.

Brembo GT caliper/rotor kits are available for many vehicles and in several colors. Common vehicle fitments include Corvette, Mustang, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Escalade, 350Z and Mercedes-Benz.

The right brake rotors mean everything on the track.

Thursday, July 8, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
All aftermarket brake products are not suitable for the high speeds associated with track use. For example, stay clear of drilled or dimpled rotors. They may look high-performance and they can resist some of the gasses that tend to build up between the brake pad and the rotor, but they can't handle the temperatures that result from track speeds and repetitive stops. If you do choose to use these types of rotors on your race vehicle, which we do not recommend, we suggest you carefully inspect your brake components before each and every use—and definitely stop driving on them if you see any sign of deterioration.

It is probably best to just stay away from racing with drilled and dimpled brake rotors since improper use will negate their warranty. And you never know if or when you'll need to call upon that warranty for help. Instead, consider the following:
Centric Premium Rotor


Centric Premium Rotors




Brembo Brakes


Brembo Sport Slotted Rotors








DBA 4000 Series Rotors







DBA 5000 Series Rotors




This, of course, is not the complete list of race capable rotors. Click here for a complete list of rotors and then filter your search to view track-appropriate options.

Brembo GT Big Brake Kits and Proper Fit

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Logan Woodworth

Brembo GT 294mm Big Brake Kit When considering a Big Brake Kit from Brembo or any another brand, it is important to be aware of all potential fitment issues.

Other than bolting on to the car properly, be sure that your wheels will provide enough clearance for both the larger rotor and caliper (see illustration below right). 

Wheel fitment is critical and often forgotten when upgrading brakes. Considerations for proper fit include: wheel diameter, offset or backspacing, and spoke design.

When shopping for brakes by vehicle, you can be sure to get the proper fit if you are using O.E. (factory) wheels. If you are using custom wheels, be sure to contact one of our sales specialists for fitment recommendations.

Brake Squeak!

Friday, May 7, 2010 by Mac McNabb
Are you having issues with your brakes squeaking? Is it time for a replacement or are they fairly new?

Let's start with the possibility that they need to be replaced. Often the manufacturer of your brake pad will add metal clips that cause squealing or squeaking to occur when the pads are worn. If this seems to be the case, time for new brakes. Here is a quick part list of what you will need:
Hawk
PADS.  You need to select a pad that works well for how you drive.

Semi Metallic:   more aggressive and more stopping power, but more noise and dust.
                        Examples:  Hawk HPS Street Sport, ATE Original Premium One
                                          Satisfied GranSport GS6
Ceramic:          less dust and noise, but not as aggressive bite and stopping power.
                        Examples:  Akebono Pro ACT, ATE Premium One, Hawk Performance Ceramic

ROTORS.   More than likely you will need rotors. It is recommended that you do not turn your rotors, but replace with new ones. A rotor's effectiveness is based on dispersing heat, and taking any metal away will diminish its ability to do such.

Solid:               Normal driving to autocross racing (parking lot with cones/markers)
                        Centric, Cryo-Stop, Brembo
Slotted:           Extremely aggressive driving to road racing. (large, repeated speed changes)
                       ATE, Power Slot, Power Slot Cryo, Brembo, DBAPower Slot

FLUID.  If it has been 50+ thousand miles or you drive your vehicle hard, you may consider flushing your fluid. If you fluid looks like coffee or tea at the caliper end, time to flush.

So if you are the type of person that decides to change the brakes on your BMW 335i and are looking for an added edge, this is a project you can do! Remember when you upgraded to the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tire? Choosing the right brakes will make the same difference for stopping as the difference the right tire makes for cornering!

Stop!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 by Gus Liszewski
I don't know about everyone else, but in my opinion there is nothing worse than not being able to stop. So let's take a minute to talk about brakes. Stopping power is derived from the friction material. Friction material is more commonly known as a brake pad. Pads create friction against the rotor which allows the vehicle to stop. This whole process creates a lot of heat and the heat can be the problem.
                                                           
Rotors are available from a lot of different sources and and from multiple manufacturers.  Some are a basic metallurgy and normally are not very resistant to the effects of heat. Products sold at Tire Rack manufactured by DBA, Centric, Power Slot, Brembo, and ATE are premium products with metal alloys which have less impurities and will be less likely to have failure due to over heating.

Cryogenic treating is a process that hardens the steel of a rotor and results in a molecular restructuring that makes the surface harder and more durable. Power Slot offers a cryo rotor, and these are strongly recommended for those who spend time on the track or put their vehicle through some extreme conditions.

When it comes to pads, I recommend the Hawk Performance products. Hawk has some of the most consistent products on the market, and offer a wide range of pads starting with a quiet and comfortable ceramic pad, up through pads that are designed to be used on the race track only.  The best part of the HAWK line...they have everything in between too!

When it comes to replacing the wheels and tires on an SUV and plus sizing is the direction that you have chosen to go, remember that with bigger wheels comes higher weights. The rotational mass that comes along with the larger wheels will put more stress on the braking system and this should be considered. The last thing that you want to do is park your newly upgraded truck in the trunk of someone's civic.  

When selecting brake pads and rotors, it is important to remember that you need to consider your driving style, your expectations, and the vehicle's dynamics.
There is something out there for everyone....so stop...and smell the brake dust!

Ever wonder what it takes to make Brembo brake rotors?

Monday, May 3, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
They're some of the most popular replacement brake rotors on the market, and there's a reason for it. Brembo brake rotors are produced on the most sophisticated equipment available, all under the philosophy that "testing and re-testing to improve and perfect" is the only way to go. Here's an in-depth look at the company's practices:

First up, a prototype that undergoes intense testing to bring out any potential weaknesses. Testing is done on a test bench and a brake dynamometer, after which it's put on a vehicle so that trained drivers can "feel" any imperfections. When all of this is done, Brembo engineers review the results and make any necessary modifications to the prototype.

When the team is pleased, the prototype travels to the foundry where production takes place. It's a detailed process, but the Brembo team takes great care to make sure that every step is environmentally friendly. Raw materials are chosen and the product begins to form.

The machining phase is carried out according to the exact criteria outlined by the engineers, and with only a .0025-inch runout (which is exactly half of the industry standard). All products are electronically balanced, and quality control is ever present.

In the end, men and machine work together to create a finished product that satisfies drivers like you on the streets or on the tracks. You can rest assured that all finished products are examined to make sure the results are in line with Brembo's "improve and perfect" philosophy.

At Tire Rack, we have a complete selection of Brembo brake systems and rotors for a variety of different vehicles. Shop according to your vehicle to see which Brembo products suit your needs.




Time for replacement brake rotors?

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
If your OEM rotors have seen better days, then it's high-time you purchase replacement brake rotors. Not exactly sure what "better days" means? Technically speaking, every brake rotor has a "Worn Rotor Minimum Thickness" limit. You can find this information engraved on the edge of the brake disc, and you'll have to measure accordingly. But if you're using your vehicle on the track, it's a completely different story as brake components on a race car undergo extreme heat and pressure. They'll wear faster and should be replaced well before their wear limits (read more).

And since brake rotors are a major component of your brake system, you'll want to make sure that only a trained mechanic does the swap out. Incorrectly installing any new brake component can seriously curb your safety.

Read more about brake rotors, then search Tire Rack's inventory. We'll give you a list of appropriate rotors that might include ATE, Power Slot and Brembo rotors.





Go Brembo when you need to improve brake performance.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
Brembo is one of the most well-respected names in the aftermarket brake industry. An Italian company, Brembo takes every measure possible to help drivers rest assured that they've upgraded their braking power and level of performance.

From Brembo brake pads to high performance rotors, no product slips through the strictest of quality standards. And lucky for you, Tire Rack has those same standards—and we feature a number of Brembo brake components, including:

• Gran Turismo Brake Systems
Replacement Rotors

Search all of our brake components to find these Brembo products and more for your vehicle.





Show off those brake calipers!

Thursday, April 1, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
As you drive down the road, you may notice a flash of red through the spokes of the wheels on the car next to you. They might be Brembo brakes, or perhaps a symbol of the creative driver within.
The G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem set gives you the creative freedom to personalize yet another aspect of your vehicle. Give your stock brake calipers an expensive, high performance look and add color to rear drum brake-equipped vehicles. The paint is easily applied with a brush, and actually helps protect such an important part of your vehicle from harmful oils, chemicals and rust.

And the best part—you don't even have to remove your calipers to paint them.

You can choose from the following colors:



 
 
Shop all brake components available at Tire Rack.

When you buy brake pads, choose from the right performance category.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
As we all know, brake pads are a crucial element of your vehicle. Buy the wrong ones, or install them incorrectly, and a whole heck of a lot can go wrong—that's why we do our best to help you out when you need to buy brake pads. Starting with performance categories. Find out where your vehicle resides, and we can narrow down a selection of brake pads that make sense. Take a look:

PREMIUM:Minimal brake dust, moderate stopping power.
Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic
ATE Original
Hawk Performance Ceramic

PERFORMANCE STREET: Noticeable increase in performance for the spirited driver.
Akebono Street Performance
Hawk HPS
Brembo Sport

AUTOCROSS/TRACK: Aggressive brakes for high-speed competitors.
Hawk Black
Hawk DTC-60
Hawk HP Plus

TRUCK/SUV: For large diameter Tire & Wheel Packages that tow or carry heavy loads.
Hawk HP SuperDuty
Hawk LTS

These, of course, are just a few of the brake pad products we offer. Search our entire inventory for a more detailed list of products well-suited to your vehicle.

Brembo Big Brake KITS!!!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Mac McNabb
Product PhotoAre you looking for some serious stopping power for your late model sports car? Do your rotors and calipers show through your wheels and you need a much bigger and better look?

Brembo Big Brake KITS are for you!

Magazine cover looks with road racing stopping power. What could be better?

Gran Turismo Kits are the complete caliper, line and rotor kit for your vehicle. 

The Turismo Brake Systems are big brakes on a budget, utilizing your calipers in the assembly. This kit matched with some caliper paint could be the perfect "budget big brake kit" solution.

Brembo Brake Rotors

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
Brakes can only withstand so much slamming. As with all good things, they must come to an end. But what many drivers don't realize: As brake pads wear out, the brake rotors do, too.

Brembo is known throughout the industry for their racing and race-inspired high performance braking systems. Over 26 million Brembo brake rotors are manufactured every year. While some of those brake rotors become Original Equipment, many of them are purchased as replacement options on vehicles just like yours.

Brembo OE Replacement Brake Rotors are designed to meet or exceed any standards previously set by your vehicle's O.E. rotors. 

In addition, Brembo features a number of brake rotors that upgrade performance levels, too. Choose from one- or two-piece cast rotors that are machined to exact tolerances, electronically balanced, and highly inspected to meet strict Brembo (and industry) standards.

A simple search produces a compatible list.

"Can I use my Brembo rotors on the track?"

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Tire Rack Team
In a track setting, high speeds produce even higher temperatures that push brake components to the limit. If you have High Performance Sport Drilled or Slotted Brembo rotors then you should probably exit to pit row. For good. Although they considerably enhance your vehicle's appearance and performance, these Brembo rotors won't withstand those higher temperatures. However, if you DO use them on the track (though we don't recommend it), it is extremely important that they are carefully inspected. Any sign of deterioration would make them unsafe to drive on. (And, unfortunately, using them on the track depletes your warranty.)

Brembo Gran Turismo Brake SystemIf you're in need of some track-worthy Brembo rotors, we recommend the Brembo Gran Turismo Brake System. It's an Ultra High Performance package that offers race-inspired braking components (including rotors) that improve performance both on and off the track.

To see if this product is right for your vehicle, search our inventory of brake components.

Brembo Brake Pads

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Tire Rack Team


In 1961, Brembo took the brake market with their knack for design, development and production. To this day, they lead the industry with racing and aftermarket brake components and systems—which is why Brembo brakes appear as Original Equipment components on some of the world's finest passenger cars from the likes of BMW, Porsche, Ferrari and more.

In addition, Brembo brake pads have helped a variety of racing teams (from Formula 1 to CART, NASCAR, FIA World Rally and Superbike organizations) take home the coveted checkered flag.

This level of performance satisfaction is available to you as well. Whether you want to improve your current braking system, or possibly upgrade to an enhanced aftermarket package, Brembo can help. Just search Tire Rack's inventory of brake components by vehicle to see which Brembo products are right for you.