By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
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For enthusiasts of high-performance driving and those looking to optimize their vehicle's responsiveness, a southwest speed kit can be the difference between a standard commute and an engaging driving experience. These specialized component sets are designed to address specific mechanical bottlenecks, focusing on improving acceleration, handling precision, and overall throttle response. Whether you are targeting track days or simply want more agility in spirited street driving, choosing the right kit requires a nuanced understanding of how individual components interact with your vehicle's existing architecture.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Southwest Speed Kits
The three top picks on this page — ranked by PM Score, our 0–10 measure built from the customer star rating and review volume.
Wilwood Karting Kit with Brake Caliper & Pads, Master Cylinder, 5' of Nylon Line, & 90 Degree Fitting to use with Caliper if necessary. (Wilwood Part #120-5498, #260-5520, #928-503, & #928-560).
Wilwood Karting Kit with Brake Caliper & Pads, Master Cylinder, 5' of Nylon Line, & 90 Degree Fitting to use with Caliper if necessary. (Wilwood Part #120-5498, #260-5520, #928-503, & #928-560). Kit Includes: Wilwood Go-Kart Caliper for .125" Rotors Fits 0.125" Thick rotors Features Two 1.00" Pistons Weighs only 1.2 lbs. Comes with high friction brake pads.
Wilwood Go-Kart Master Cylinder with a 1/2" Bore 1/2" Bore Weighs only .55 lbs. This super lightweight aluminum master cylinder designed specifically for kart & jr. dragster racing applications incorporates an adjustable lever ratio with a remote mount clear fluid reservoir for easy monitoring The assembly comes ready to install and includes billet bracket, lock-wired drilled hardware, & fluid line fitting .
5 Feet of -3 Nylon Brake Line 3/16" Nylon tubing 5' Should equip most karts with some left-over.
90 Degree Fitting for Caliper Depending on how everything is mounted, the line might run to the caliper at a bad angle for the straight fitting. This 90 degree fitting installs in place of the straight fitting in the caliper to allow smoother, neater plumbing with less chance of kinking 90 Degree compression hose end 1/8" NPT Female to -3 Nylon hose.
Junior dragster racers and serious karting enthusiasts demand uncompromising stopping power without the penalty of excess weight. This Wilwood kit delivers exactly that by pairing a featherweight 1.2 lb caliper with a high-friction pad set designed specifically for 1/8" rotors. The inclusion of a 1/2" bore aluminum master cylinder is a game-changer. It weighs just over half a pound and features an adjustable lever ratio to fine-tune your feel. I particularly value the thoughtful inclusion of the 90-degree fitting, which prevents line kinking in tight chassis configurations. With five feet of nylon tubing and a remote reservoir for easy fluid monitoring, this setup provides a professional-grade plumbing solution that makes installation straightforward and reliable for competitive racing.
What We Like
Ultra-lightweight aluminum
High-friction pads
Adjustable lever ratio
Remote fluid reservoir
Includes 90-degree fitting
#2
NEW WILWOOD FRONT DISC BRAKE & STOCK HEIGHT SPINDLE KIT WITH STEERING ARMS, 11" DRILLED ROTORS, BLACK CALIPERS, PADS, HUBS, LINES FOR 67-69 GM F-BODY...
Southwest Speed Wilwood Front Disc Brake Kit
SOUTHWEST SPEED
140-10996-D_9801_9646
0.00 X 0.00 X 0.00 Inches
Brand New Wilwood Pro Series Bolt-On Front Hub, Dynalite 4 Caliper, and 11" Disc Brake Kit with Steel Braided Brake Line Kit, Stock Height Spindles, and Steering Arms (Part # 140-10996-D, # 103-9801, # 101-9646, # 293-8307) for Both Front Wheels | * Only one side pictured | * See the images, diagram, and the list below for a detail of the parts included | * Features Drilled and Slotted Rotors, Black Calipers and Stock Height Spindles
Wilwood brake kits consist of specifically engineered and matched groups of components designed to provide superior brake system performance and custom appeal over a wide range of applications | * FDL Pro Series front hub kits offer complete disc brake upgrade solutions for traditional non-ABS spindle applications on American muscle cars, vintage rods, and heavyweight drag cars | * Based on the venerable Forged Billet Dynalite caliper, these versatile kits are easily optioned to suit the braking requirements and style preferences for a daily driver, serious competition, or the most discriminating show enthusiast | * Most kits require no modification for installation | * These kits can be used with either manual or power boost master cylinders
Southwest Speed spindles are a direct replacement for the OE spindles | * Strong forged 4140 steel construction | * They will accept the stock ball joints | * Steel braided line kit includes stainless steel braided lines, caliper fittings to attach lines to Wilwood calipers, and brake line fittings to attach lines directly to the stock hard lines | *** These Big Brake kits require at least 15" diameter wheels***
Brake kit includes parts for both front wheels: | * Stock Replacement Spindles | * Steering Arms | * Drilled and Slotted, 0.810" Thick x 11.00" O.D. Rotors | * Dynalite 4 Piston Calipers - Black | * Steel Braided Line Kit | * Caliper Mounting Brackets | * BP-10 Smart Compound Brake Pads | * Brake Hubs | * Bearings, Races, Seals, Bolts, Washers, Dust Caps | * All Hardware bolts, washers, shims, and nuts to install the complete braking system on both front wheels | * Complete brake kit weighs approximately 60 lbs
The Southwest Speed Wilwood Front Disc Brake Kit delivers a massive performance leap for classic GM F-Body and X-Body enthusiasts. This isn't just a simple pad swap. It is a comprehensive overhaul featuring heavy-duty 4140 forged steel spindles and high-performance Dynalite 4-piston calipers. I love how this kit solves the headache of compatibility by including everything from the hubs and bearings to the stainless steel braided lines. The 11-inch drilled and slotted rotors look aggressive behind a wheel, though you do need at least a 15-inch diameter to clear the hardware. Whether you are running a daily driver or a serious show car, the combination of black calipers and professional-grade hardware provides the stopping power these vintage muscle cars desperately need.
NEW CURRIE DISC BRAKE KIT WITH CABLE SET & BRAKE LINE SET, REAR PARKING BRAKE FOR BΙG FОRD NЕW STYLЕ AXLE FLANGES, 11" ROTORS, CALIPERS, 5 X 5" BOLT P...
Southwest Speed Currie Explorer Rear Disc Brake Kit
Currie Explorer Rear Parking Brake, Bolt-On 11" Disc Brake Kit with Parking Brake Cable Set, Flexline Set, and Hard Line Set (Part #CE-6012E3 Kit) for Both Rear Wheels.
Fits: Big Bearing Ford New Style (also known as Torino) Rear Ends with a 3.562" x 2.000" Mounting Pattern on the Axle Flange & with a 2.50" Flange Offset (see diagrams in images)
Currie brake kits consist of specifically engineered & matched groups of components designed to provide superior brake system performance & custom appeal over a wide range of applications.
These brake kits require at least 15" diameter wheels.
Find the full list of components for the this brake kit in the listing description below.
The Southwest Speed Currie Explorer Rear Parking Brake Kit turns a standard setup into a high-performance stopping machine with its comprehensive 11-inch disc brake components. This isn't just a collection of random parts. It is a precision-engineered system specifically designed for Big Bearing Ford New Style rear ends. You get everything needed for a professional installation, including the calipers, rotors, parking brake cable set, and both flex and hard line sets. It is a massive upgrade for anyone running a 3.562" x 2.000" mounting pattern with a 2.50" flange offset. Just keep in mind that you will need at least 15-inch wheels to clear these larger rotors. It is a heavy-duty solution that brings both custom appeal and reliable performance to your axle.
NEW SOUTHWEST SPEED RACING DELUXE HOT ROD FRONT BRAKE KIT WITH 5 X 4 1/2" HUBS,ROTORS,BRAKE CALIPERS,BRACKETS,BEARINGS,SEALS,HARDWARE,ETC,GRANADA HUB...
Brand New Southwest Speed Front Hub, Rotor, And Caliper Kit For Hot Rods, Street Rods, And Restorations With A 5 X 4 1/2" Bolt Pattern (SWS Part # 203-870). | * Custom Designed Kit Fits Together Perfectly Without Any Modification And Gives You Enough Parts To Do Both Front Wheels. | * All Pieces Are 100% Brand New.
Kit Includes: | * 2 - Granada Front Hubs And Rotors | * 5 X 4 1/2" Bolt Pattern With 1/2"-20 Fine Threaded Studs | * 1.00" Thick X 11" O.D. Rotor Races Installed | * If You Have A 5 X 4 1/2" Bolt Pattern On The Rear, You Can | * Put These On The Front And Make All 4 Wheels Match Strength Has Never And Will Never Be A Problem With Southwest Speed Hubs And Rotors. They Are Designed To Always Prevent Overheating, Distortion, And Cracking | * Weighs Approximately 21.54 Lbs
2 - Bearing Kits To Put The Granada Hubs And Rotors On Pinto / Mustang II Spindles | * Each Kit Includes: | * 1 - Hub Seal | 1 - Inner Wheel Bearing | 1 - Outer Wheel Bearing | 1 - Spindle Nut | 1 - Thrust Washer | 1 - Lock Washer | 1 - Dust Cover | 1 - Cotter Pin | 2 - Completely Brand New GM Metric Calipers (Left And Right) | Brand New Cast Steel Calipers | Directly Replaces The 1978 And Later D154 Type Stock Gm Metric Calipers | 2 1/2" Stock Piston Size (2 3/8" And 2 5/8" Pistons Available)
Floating Design | Bleeder Screws | 2-Brake Caliper Brackets To Put GM Metric Calipers On Pinto/Mustang II Spindles (Left & Right) | Lightweight Steel Construction | Bolt-on Design Mounts Calipers On Rear Side Of Front Wheels | 2-Complete Brake Caliper Bolt Kits | Necessary Hardware To Put Caliper Brackets On Spindles With GM Metric Calipers | Each Kit Includes: | 2-GM Caliper Bolts | 1-7/16" Coarse X 1 1/2" Long Hex Head Bolt | 1-1/2" Fine X 2" Long Hex Head Bolt | 1-1/2" Sae Medium Flat Washer
Original, Stock Applications: | * These Hubs And Rotors Were Stock On The Following Cars: | * 1975 - 80 F𐐬rd Granada | * 1974 - 77 F𐐬rd Maverick | * 1974 - 77 Mercury Comet | * 1975 - 80 Mercury Monarch | * 1977 - 80 Lincoln Versailles | * The "Pinto / Mustang II Spindles" Mentioned Above Were Stock On The Following Cars (and Are Available In The Southwest Speed Store): | * 1974 - 80 F𐐬rd Pinto | * 1974 - 80 F𐐬rd Mustang II | * 1974 - 80 Mercury Bobcat
Any hot rod builder working with Pinto or Mustang II spindles needs this specific upgrade to ditch outdated braking systems for something actually reliable. This Southwest Speed kit is a complete overhaul that eliminates the headache of hunting down individual components because it provides everything from the Granada hubs and rotors to the GM metric calipers. I love that it's a true bolt-on solution designed to prevent the overheating and rotor distortion that plagues cheaper setups. Since it uses a 5 x 4 1/2 inch bolt pattern, you can even match your rear wheels for a uniform look across the whole chassis. It is a heavy-duty, 100% brand-new assembly that turns a vintage spindle into a modern, high-strength stopping machine without requiring any custom fabrication.
NEW SOUTHWEST SPEED RACING DELUXE HOT ROD FRONT BRAKE & MUSTANG II SPINDLE KIT,5 X 5" HUBS,ROTORS,CALIPERS,BRACKETS,BEARINGS,SEALS,HARDWARE,GRANADA HU...
Brand New Southwest Speed Front Hub, Rotor, Caliper, & Spindle Kit For Hot Rods, Street Rods, & Restorations With A 5 X 5" Bolt Pattern (SWS Part # 203-878). | * Custom Designed Kit Fits Together Perfectly Without Any Modification And Gives You Enough Parts To Do Both Front Wheels. | * All Pieces Are 100% Brand New
Kit Includes: | * 2 - Pinto / Mustang II Spindles (Left & Right) | * Forged Steel Construction For Maximum Strength | * 10 Degree Pin Inclination | * Fits Stock Pinto Upper & Lower Ball Joints | * Weighs Approximately 8.28 Lbs | * 2 - Granada Front Hubs & Rotors | * 5 X 5"" Bolt Pattern With 5/8""-11 Coarse Studs | * .810"" Thick X 11"" O.D. Rotor | * Races Installed | * Weighs Approximately 17.50 Lbs
2 - Brake Caliper Brackets To Put GM Metric Calipers On Pinto Spindles (Left & Right) | Lightweight Steel Construction | Bolt-On Design Mounts Calipers On The Rear Side Of Front Wheels | 2 - Complete Brake Caliper Bolt Kits | Necessary Hardware To Put The Brake Caliper Brackets On The Pinto Spindles With GM Metric Calipers | Each Kit Includes: | 2 - GM Caliper Bolts | 1 - 7/16" Coarse X 1 1/2" Long Hex Head Bolt | 1 - 1/2" Fine X 2" Long Hex Head Bolt | 1 - 1/2" SAE Medium Flat Washer
Original, Stock Applications: | * This Hub & Rotor Design Was Stock On The Following Cars (only With A 5 X 4 1/2" Bolt Pattern & 1/2"-20 Fine Studs): | * 1975 - 80 Granada | * 1974 - 77 Maverick | * 1974 - 77 Comet | * 1975 - 80 Monarch | * 1977 - 80 Versailles | * These Spindles Were Stock On The Following Cars: | * 1974 - 80 Pinto | * 1974 - 80 Mustang Ii | * 1974 - 80 Bobcat
The Southwest Speed Deluxe Hot Rod Front Brake and Mustang II Spindle Kit is a comprehensive, bolt-on solution for anyone looking to upgrade their street rod's stance and stopping power simultaneously. Instead of hunting down individual components, you get a perfectly matched set of forged steel spindles, Granada hubs, and GM metric calipers that work together without any custom fabrication. The kit is impressively thorough, including everything from the 5 x 5" rotors to the specific bearing kits and mounting hardware needed for both front wheels. I love that it utilizes a floating caliper design and includes the necessary brackets to mount them on the rear side of the wheels. It is a massive time-saver for restorations where reliability and strength are non-negotiable.
A Guide to Selecting the Best southwest speed kits
Identify Your Primary Performance Objective
The first step in selecting a speed kit is defining what 'speed' means for your specific application. Performance kits are rarely one-size-fits-all. They are usually categorized by their intended impact on the vehicle. If your goal is improved launch and straight-line acceleration, you should look for kits that focus on drivetrain efficiency, such as upgraded bushings, lighter flywheels, or improved intake systems. However, if you define speed through cornering speed and lateral grip, your search should pivot toward suspension geometry kits, sway bar upgrades, and improved steering rack components. Mixing objectives without a clear plan can lead to a vehicle that is fast in a straight line but dangerously unstable in turns.
Evaluate Component Synergy and Compatibility
A common mistake in performance tuning is purchasing high-quality individual parts that work against one another. A high-quality speed kit should offer a cohesive ecosystem of parts. For example, if a kit includes upgraded control arms, ensure the accompanying bushings are rated for the increased stress levels those arms will encounter. When reviewing kits, look for manufacturers that specialize in integrated systems rather than those that simply bundle random performance parts. You want to ensure that the increased rigidity provided by one component doesn't cause excessive vibration or premature wear in another part of the chassis.
Material Quality and Durability Standards
Performance components are subjected to much higher thermal and mechanical stresses than factory-standard parts. When comparing kits, pay close attention to the metallurgy and composite materials used. For suspension-focused kits, look for forged aluminum or high-strength steel rather than cast components, as forged parts offer superior strength-to-weight ratios and better fatigue resistance. For engine or intake-related speed kits, ensure that seals, hoses, and gaskets are rated for high-temperature environments to prevent failure during extended high-RPM usage. A kit that is slightly more expensive but utilizes premium, race-grade materials will almost always provide better long-term value than a budget kit that requires frequent replacement.
Installation Complexity and Professional Requirements
Before committing to a kit, assess your own mechanical proficiency or your budget for professional installation. Some speed kits are 'bolt-on' solutions that can be handled with standard hand tools, while others—particularly those involving drivetrain or deep suspension modifications—may require specialized alignment machines, hydraulic presses, or even engine hoisting. If a kit requires significant disassembly of the subframe or engine bay, factor in the labor costs. It is often better to invest in a slightly more comprehensive kit that can be installed in one professional session rather than buying multiple smaller kits that require multiple shop visits.
The Importance of Tuning and Calibration
Finally, remember that many speed kits, especially those affecting the air-fuel ratio or electronic throttle response, are not truly 'plug-and-play.' A kit that changes the way air enters the engine or how the transmission shifts often requires a secondary step: ECU remapping or software calibration. When shopping, check the kit descriptions to see if they specify a need for a tune. A high-performance intake kit paired with a factory computer setting may actually result in a loss of power due to improper sensor readings. Always look for kits that include guidance on the necessary electronic adjustments to maximize the hardware's potential.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Southwest Speed Kits before you buy.
Most kits feature a curated selection of high-performance components designed for rapid assembly or tuning, often including specialized fasteners, precision tools, and modular upgrade parts tailored to specific regional performance standards.
Choose a basic kit if you are performing routine maintenance or minor adjustments. Opt for a premium kit if you are seeking significant performance gains, as these typically include higher-grade materials and more complex, specialized components.
While many components are designed to interface with universal standards, southwest speed kits are often precision-engineered for specific tolerances. Always verify compatibility with your existing setup before purchasing.
While some kits are designed for user-friendly installation, high-performance kits often require specialized torque wrenches or precision drivers to ensure components are seated correctly without damage.
It is generally not recommended to mix kits from different manufacturers, as variations in metallurgy and tolerance levels can lead to mechanical inconsistencies or reduced performance.
For maximum reliability, perform a visual inspection after the first few uses to check for settling, and conduct a full integrity check during every scheduled maintenance interval.
Kits offer two primary advantages: cost savings through bundled pricing and guaranteed compatibility, ensuring that every piece in the set works harmoniously together.
Entry-level kits are specifically designed with simplified installation processes for beginners, whereas advanced kits are intended for experienced users comfortable with high-precision tuning.
Rankings & Insights
Our Southwest Speed Kits Rankings
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