[DeTomaso]1980s Pantera GT5/GT5-S brake pads

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/1/06 14:45:28, joernco at online.no writes:

<< Anyone know the part number on Porterfield pads for GT5 calipers? >>

>>>No--and neither does Porterfield, as it turns out.

I had to phone them today to order pads for the Wilwood calipers on my 427 
Cobra, and while I was at it, I asked them about GT5 brake pads.  The person I 
spoke with was only familiar with the standard 1970s Pantera brake pads (which 
they stock on the shelf).

GT5 and GT5-S Panteras use much larger three-piston Girling calipers and 
vented rotors, which were also used on the Gr3 Panteras, as well as the Deauville 
and Longchamp.  I believe (but do not know for sure) that the brakes were also 
used on some Bentley and Rolls-Royce models, and probably some other cars as 
well.

The tech person suggested that you could send them photographs of the pads, 
and the calipers, and they would then be able to match them.  When you take the 
photos, put a ruler alongside the pads so that they can get an idea of the 
physical dimensions.

Send the photos along with your request to:

porterfieldbrakes at earthlink.net

They know to expect to hear from some guy in Norway with a weird Pantera that 
doesn't use "normal" Pantera brakes. :>)

Of course, the easy thing to do would be to ask the Pantera vendors, who 
probably stock aftermarket GT5 pads from established manufacturers, i.e. EBC, SBS, 
etc.  You would probably pay a little bit more, but it would be much easier 
than going through the hassle of trying to determine what Porterfield pads 
would fit.

What would be REALLY nice would be if some GT5 or GT5-S owner who lived near 
Costa Mesa would amble over to the Porterfield factory (1767 Placentia Ave, 
Costa Mesa CA  92627) and actually let throccos and my Shelby GT-350 clone, I 
have found that they simply aren't adequate for track work at my elevated 
B-group speeds, and thus have a set of dedicated R4 full-race pads that I drop into 
the GT-350 when I take it to the track.  Seeking some sort of dual-purpose 
compromise in my 2200 lb Cobra, I opted for Hawk HP+ pads for the Wilwood 
Superlite II calipers.  They cost only $92 for the set.  I will give a full report 
once I get them installed.

Mike