i'm getting a Vulcan 2.1 Pinto, FR33 Cam, Lightened flywheel, twin 40 Webbers, Big valve head, gas flowed, Ally cam cover soon and was wondering if my brakes would be ok !. There escort disks on the front and capri drums on the rear, they have always stoped my 1.6 pinto on 40's with no problems at all including several trackdays. Was going to try and see as i'm not adding any weight just more power. Any advice welcome.

Cheers Jonno

I would not worry too much if the brakes are very good at the moment - and if they are the big MK2 brakes then you should not see any problems - I have vents from the 2.8i Capri for my S4 but thats only for looks :D shallow I know.

If you only have the little discs from the MK1 then I would at least consider an upgrade to the later assemblies.

Whatever you have installed I would make sure its overhauled and all top notch - that engine sounds potent.

If at track days you experience fade - then its a change of pad material and high temp fluid and some ducting to vent air to the brakes before considering the route of vented disc assemblies.

Cheers

Andrew

Thanks Andrew, i'm pretty sure there mk1 escort disks on the front. How easy is it to change to mk2, can you just change the disks or do you need mk2 calipers as well ?

Cheers Jonno

Swap from MK1 to MK2 is a bit more involved because the bearings, hubs, stubs, are all bigger. Calipers are bigger discs are bigger.

To upgrade you will need MK2 uprights modified and MK2 rack.

Better to go for Capri Uprights that lower the car 1" because the stub axle is placed an inch further up the strut than the escort - and the Capri steering arms accept the MK1 rack rod ends.

You willnot find much to uprate your MK1 discs should you ever wish to - With the MK2 set up you can get spacer kits for M16 Calipers to fit vents 2.8i and also get willwood calipers for the standard discs and also get alloy versions of the M16's.

Go shop for some Capri uprights. - better for you car all round.

Cheers

Andrew

Hi Chaps

What's your view on the value in going for a rear disc conversion??

My Melos (3.5 Rover V8) has a Capri rear axle with drums, not sure what's up front (i bought it, didn't build it).

Not sure why, but there's actually a brake bias valve mounted on my transmission tunnel - i've left it where it is until i've overhauled the brakes front and rear.

I've seen conversions for about £200 - reckon it's worth it for better stopping power??

Cheers,

Paul.

Only worth it if you consider the existing to be not up to the task or its just for the flash factor. :D

The Capri 9" drums are pretty good and the bias valve is probably to reduce the pressure to the rear as they will be too much and will lock up very easily.

True, all you need is wheel lock, you can't ask for anything more :D

The flash factor is a consideration but safety must be the prime route to any decision :ph43r: .


I shall quote the marshall at Binbrook track whom was tapping my rear brake light on the starting line and moaning the nearside light was not working, I'de not the heart to tell him one of my cylinders was gone and that I actually had no brakes at all...... :blink: It was ok on the track cus I din't have to stop but came into the pits and exited the other side via the potato field :D :D :D

errr a dual system needed........

Size of engine vs size of brakes, you'de be surprised what you can get away with LOL

Thanks guys.

If i'm honest, the flash-factor was a consideration B) , i think efforts would be best made to get the most out of what's aready there - and more importantly get some real use out of them on a track - before changing things...

Is anyone planning to attend any track / circuit days as the seasons starts??

Cheers,

Paul.

i'll be doing a few track days this year i reckon. at least snetterton, want to see how the upgrade goes up the start / finish straight now :D