Brake upgrade for 350 - not seen these before

[cuneus]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23013&item=7985826748&rd=1

[rev-erend]

I have..

Tallbloke has them on his wedge..

[leorest]

...and I'm seriously thinking about them

[mikeb]

The guy has been developing the kits for quite some time, they look really good and apparently do the business.

MikeB

[briantvr350i]

Hi guys,

my 350 had a Tower View kit put on a couple of years ago... Best thing I ever did, comfortable to see the bonnet dip when you press the middle pedal!

However, the kit uses 300mm disks and Princess callipers which (just!) fit under 15" rims..

Yes there is an advantage in the weight of the things but surely most of the (mechanical) advantage comes from moving the calliper further out from the centre of rotation.. Given that the piston area is the same as AP 4 pots, then this setup can only be as good as the factory setup on some 400's. (I am assuming that there is no increase in disk size when fitting this kit)

BUT, AP 4 pots are becoming like hens teeth, they are heavy and I would expect the pad area to be much bigger with these racing 4 pots... Hmmm... wonder if these callipers would fit over my 300mm disks?

Regards,

Brian (and a Red 350i)

[Keri]

Hi Guys,

I thought I better answer a few of these points (if that's ok with the forum admin??)...

First off to help get some kits out there quickly I'm offering an introductory discount to any pistonhead members that buy direct (a few have been very patient!): a free set of Hawk fast road pads with each kit.

Regarding the Princess caliper similarity I am a bit wary, but mainly because the Princess caliper is often used in applications where the pads don't match the disc! (pad overhang on the Mk1/2 Escort with vented Capri discs being the classic) What I will say is that the Works caliper fits directly on the early Granada/Tasmin upright and lines up perfectly with an early Granada 2.8i vented disc, while having the same piston area as a Princess caliper. They are of course lighter and need looking after (cleaning mainly) as technically they are intended for race use. I currently only stock a "vented" version as I didn't think it likely anyone would bother sticking to the non-vented discs.

The really handy bit is that the piston sizes are exactly the same as the Princess calipers, so there's no danger of upsetting the front/rear bias and pedal travel like most kits tend to.

I'd also just like to thank Tallbloke for his help in testing!

I'm sure there will be tons more question, feel free to ask away or email me.

Thanks,

Keri - Works Motorsport

[jmorgan]

So my 400 with granada disks in good condition could use the clipers as a straight swap keeping the disks?


Thinking aloud for the moment.

[Keri]

If the discs are the vented type and the hubs and uprights are all the same as a early Granada / Tasmin 350i then yes that should work fine.

If it's the later type that's based on the Scorpion/Granada then it won't work.... (but that is on the list of kits to develop!)

You would need 1/8"NPT brake lines to fit the calipers though, the "Ford" lines are M10x1 and while they can be wound into the caliper they will not seal.

Cheers,

Keri - WM

[dickymint]

Keri - YHM

[djc1001]

I thought the upright was the same for all Wedges just the hub / disc changed for 400se - is this correct or are there two different uprights and how do you tell the difference ?

David

[Keri]

I do hope the upright was exactly the same - it would make my life a LOT easier expanding the range of kits!

Someone here must know though? I don't think I can afford to buy one of each model to find out!

Anyone local to Bexhill / Hastings who wouldn't mind me examining their car to help clear this up...?

Keri

>> Edited by Keri on Friday 15th July 22:20

[tallbloke]

mikeb said:

The guy has been developing the kits for quite some time, they look really good and apparently do the business. MikeB

Indeed. Keri has taken lots of trouble getting me to test various brake line setups to get the kit optimised. I'm pretty sure all the uprights are the same across the Tasmin model range, but it would be great if someone could confirm this.

[jmorgan]

Oh eck...............must resist.............other things to pay for first.......

[dickymint]

Hands up if you want to see Keri and his brakes at BBWF

[jmorgan]

Can't say I will be buying just yet but there will be plenty of Wedges to check what fits what.

[grahamw48]

dickymint said:

Hands up if you want to see Keri and his brakes at BBWF

YES PLEASE !

I can't think of a more worthwhile improvement.
The brakes are definately the Wedge's Achilles heel.

While we're on the subject: Steel braided hoses have made a BIG difference to my 280's.

[nigel_350i]

Hi, my 350 has an upgrade kit from TAS Motorsport. Must say it's never felt underbraked even in track use.
If anyone is thinking of an upgrade it's definately worthwhile