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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Brakes again

I have been reading through the archives about improving braking. If you read several threads, it is easy to be confused.

I have a '67 GT with a 215 and econotuned heads from Peter B. Since I have a single line system, and it is all rebuilt, my first inclination is to just use a bigger pad, perhaps the greenstuff for V8. I have braided lines.

If I go this route initially, should I replace the rear cylinders with roadster to prevent lockup?

If this is not good enough, convert to MGV8 rotors and the late Triumph GT calipers (am I remembering this correctly?).

After that, if necessary, change to vented discs and 4-pot calipers.

Am I on the right track here? I like simple and cost-effective.

I appreciate the feed back.

David
dwa Atherton

About the Triumph GT6. You can use Triumph callipers bolts (late model) to mount a couple of Princess callipers (four pots). Exactly the same model can be found on Volvo 240/260; available brandnew for around 80 dollars a piece. Only need to modify takeoff and either use sleeves or stepped calliper bolts.

Frank
Frank

I went the way of the factory V8 with Triumph/MG calipers, MG V8 rotors and Mintex pads with mini wheel cylinders at the rear. I think these may be the same as an early GT. I am very pleased with the stopping power and the feel of the brakes. No problems with having a 'low'pedal either. The engineer that tested my car for its pre registration report said it had a better feel than other MG V8 systems he had tested. That doesn't mean mine had the more powerful or fade resistant brakes, just performed very well and felt correct underfoot.
Ian Buckley

David,

The smaller rear cylinder can be used with uprated fronts, however, if you lower the car(fit uprated springs) there is less weight transfer so I would prefer to uprate fronts and fit a balance valve to allow adjustment depending on your final configuration.
About £50 in UK or use one from Metro.

Paul
Paul

Frank,
The Volvo calipers you mention, are these for solid or vented disks? What needed to be altered for the take off? I already have 4 pots from an SD1 and vented disks but after Roger Parkers info on previous threads I am reluctant to use these.

Mike
Mike Stemp

The Volvo callipers as used on Volvo 240/260 range are exactly the same as the callipers on the Austin Princess. They are used for vented discs (22-24 mm thick, 263 diam). All models had the same callipers. The modification is as per the Austin Princess': T-piece to get to single take-off and eventually a metric-imperial brakehose in order to have the right connections for both ends. To hold the callipers in place you either need sleeves or stepped calliper bolts; just what you like most.
This is a route followed by a lot of Capri owners (I'm not one of them, by the way).
If you are unsure, ask a local Volvo dealer. They have spec sheets for all this and can perhaps supply you with an example of the calliper and perhaps even let you have a try in fitting them. I don't know if the size will foul the rim of a 14" rostyle, but with a dedicated spacer you should be alright, I was told by Roger Parker.

Frank
Frank

One thing I forgot to mention. The Volvo mechanic told me there were two models of this calliper, the only difference was in their piston size. One was 38 mm, the other (later?) was 42. I think I am going to try this route sometime, but I am not sure which discs will go nice with it. RV8 vented? Peugeot? Rover 3500?

Frank
Frank

Guys,

I don't know if Volvo calipers are different from country to country, but when I tried to put on Volvo 240 calipers, the mounting holes were 5mm too close together. The various kits available in Australia using Volvo calipers require the caliper to be machined.
By the way, I was in the UK when I tried to fit them.
Use caution before you fork out big bucks is all I'm saying.

Stainzy
David Staines

Good that you mention this. My information comes from a Ford Capri owner; they also use the Princess calliper for exactly the same reason most MG owners are interested in this route. The Capri owner tells me there were no problems at all and he could show that they were exactly the same. Curious to find out more.

Frank
Frank

I've got Rover twin pot callipers and Princess ones. Ive heard some people say the bigger Rover ones are best. Anyone got a view on this. And what I really need to know is what VENTED discs to use and with what pads. I'm sure vented is the way to - crossed drilled original V8 ones seem a bit agricultural these days!
Pete Hawkins

Pete,

Rally Design and Cambridge Motorsport both sell Wilwood Kits with 270x24 Vented discs. They should be able to supply just discs. Otherwise try Hi Spec. Greenstuff pads for road use.

Paul

Paul
Paul

I've got a new set of the ventilated discs I'd like to eventually install on my roadster, but they have a larger i.d. at the hub. Has anyone seen a kit with shim type spacers to install these rotors?
Thanks

Gordon
Gordon

Don't try HiSpec for brakes unless you want a very bitter experience. - Sorry Paul, you know all of the stories and I'm surprised that you mention them.

Check the archives for consistent problems with this company
Marc

I got my wilwood superlite calipers and discs from Hi spec and had no problem whatsoever and am really pleased with the kit.
Just for the record.
Mark Rawlins

I'm pleased to hear one good report for hispec.
They gave me a very bad time last year and cost me money undoing the damage.
Mason

Marc,

Buying a part or kit may be diff from having work done by them, as per Mark's experience. I tend to use Cambridge Motorsport.

Paul
Paul

Paul - point taken
Marc

The mounting holes are not the same on Volvo and Princess calipers.

Check this link:

http://www.osella.com.au/the_works_escorts.htm

Regards

TL
TL

This thread was discussed between 24/04/2002 and 29/04/2002

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