Brake upgrade for 450

[Richard 858]

Has anyone got any tips or recommendations for brake upgrade selection ? I've been on several websites etc and have read some "horror" stories on PH forums. I currently intend to keep the standard 15" front & 16" rear wheels but if really needed will change to 16" fronts. I'm not intending to do much in the way of track days but do want something I can rely on if braking hard, I enjoy a vigorous drive !. Any help, much appreciated as ever !

[K4TRV]

The 283mm conversion is here, recommended as I fitted it to my 400 for Sprinting & Speedhillclimbing:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

HTHs?

Trev

[ybt1982]

I recently upgraded to Black Diamond discs and pads all round, together with braided lines and Super Blue fluid.

Not properly bedded in yet but I've got a nice firm pedal and it certainly feels more urgent when stopping. Very impressed so far

P.S If you have 500 spec brakes then DO NOT trust what some websites say about your front pads. I had to find '89 Sierra 2.9 V6, XR4x4 fitment. The others I tried, although listed as 450/500 were actually the earlier and smaller 400 size.

[Colin L]

Give Keri a call about the WMS brake set up, really good job and fit under the 15" wheels no problem. Have them on mine a year now and can vouch for them, great brakes and good value.

Colin L

[Richard 858]

Thanks chaps, although I was thinking more about 4 pot calipers up front (& perhaps rear) and grooved discs ? I may be thinking a bit excessive & don't have an unlimited budget but I don't mind spending a few hundred quid on something I can bank on & be trouble free etc.

[ybt1982]

If memory serves I had change from £350 for the whole lot..... not including fitting though.

[pac1uk]

Depends on what your main use will be, mostly on track or fast road and how deep your pockets are!

Adding bigger brakes and calipers just adds un sprung weight. Unless you use lightweight racing components e.g. Brembo

Decent brake pads can really make a difference I have had excellent results with Mintex 1144 . There is also Mintex 1155 this is a harder brake pad. I have been running these on my Lotus for a while and will be fitting them on the Chim.

On the scale of things the Chim is a Light weight car, doesn't take much to stop the car putting massive brakes and using the standard tyre sizes will just mean you lock the wheels and skid. The tyres are the weakest link.