Front Brake Upgrades

[PeteGriff]

Hi guys, came across this website whilst trawling the web - http://www.bigbrakes4u.co.uk/vehicle-brake-kit-sel...

Has anyone had experience of these systems, are they any goos? The prices seem reletively good so your comments would be appreciated. Regards, Pete

[SSPPGG]

quite a few of my cobra friends use hi spec. all seem happy, ive not heard a bad comment.

Ive used the WMS front kit, as i wanted to stay with the 15 gottis, these use the original disc, which keeps the cost down, and as you cant fit a bigger disc in anyway......

[900T-R]

Seriously, try better brake pads (Ferodo DS 2500 or the Pagid/Carbon Lorraine equivalents) and a fluid change before establishing you 'need' bigger brakes.

I've been driving on DS2500s all round for as long as I have had my car on the road, and i have decided my next upgrade will be 2-piece discs in the OE size rather than a big brake kit.

[roseytvr]

I seem to remember there was a major problem with hi spec rears on someone's Tvr that ended up in a court case. That said I have the 4 pot billets on mine and they work really well so I am happy recommending them

[SILICONEKID340HP]

Cheap upgrade is the 887 888`s Cosworth upgrade ..bit heavy but i very happy with them .

[jfjfjf2]

[quote=roseytvr]I seem to remember there was a major problem with hi spec rears on someone's Tvr that ended up in a court case.


I think the old problem has been sorted. It's worth checking with the company for up to date info as the new rears look like a nice option. I had the 286mm front upgrade and the balance with the Sierra rears was excellent.

[Barreti]

If you've got a pre-cat Pete, which from your profile I think you have, then the later 500 spec brakes are a straight bolt on.
Get a pair of calipers (and make sure you get the spacer too), a set of EBC GD150 rotors and quality pads such as EBC or DS2500 and you've be staggered by the improvement.

Frankly, the smaller brake setup on the early cars was wholly inadequate bordering on dangerous.

[Mellow Yellow]

I've also gone for the WMS (283mm) front brake upgrade, very pleased with them, Keri could not have been more helpful:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1142513&mid=17061

Very easy to fit and, like for like, about 20-25% cheaper than the above.

[swanny71]

Mellow Yellow said:

I've also gone for the WMS (283mm) front brake upgrade, very pleased with them, Keri could not have been more helpful:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1142513&mid=17061

Very easy to fit and, like for like, about 20-25% cheaper than the above.

Don't suppose you could PM me a contact number for Keri? I've tried without success to get hold of him. Thanks

[PeteGriff]

Barreti said:

If you've got a pre-cat Pete, which from your profile I think you have, then the later 500 spec brakes are a straight bolt on.
Get a pair of calipers (and make sure you get the spacer too), a set of EBC GD150 rotors and quality pads such as EBC or DS2500 and you've be staggered by the improvement.

Frankly, the smaller brake setup on the early cars was wholly inadequate bordering on dangerous.

Cheers Baretti, sound advise which could be a more economic way forwad for my 4.3.I will look out for a set of later type 500 calipers! Anyone got a a front set with spacers for sale? Pete

[swanny71]

PeteGriff said:

Cheers Baretti, sound advise which could be a more economic way forwad for my 4.3.I will look out for a set of later type 500 calipers! Anyone got a a front set with spacers for sale? Pete

Might have standard calipers, discs & pads avaliable.......if I can get hold of Keri

[PeteGriff]

swanny71 said:

Might have standard calipers, discs & pads avaliable.......if I can get hold of Keri

Cheers Swanny, let me know, Pete

[MPoxon]

As others have said I would look at upgrading to 500 spec before looking at after-market options. I understand that the parts for a 500 brake upgrade should be readily available and the ongoing costs are very reasonable for discs and pads.

[carsy]

If you are changing them and sticking to the single piston sliding caliper type, why not go even bigger than the 500 ones and get the 887/888 Cosworth ones. They are excellent brakes and a fraction of the cost of 4 pots.

[Marty V8]

carsy said:

If you are changing them and sticking to the single piston sliding caliper type, why not go even bigger than the 500 ones and get the 887/888 Cosworth ones. They are excellent brakes and a fraction of the cost of 4 pots.

Seconded.
If you have 240mm dia discs at the min then you will definately feel the difference with the 283mm Cosworth conversion. Carried out the same conversion (240 up to 283mm) to my previous car, a Cobra Replica and it made a hell of a difference. Fitting 283mm discs takes no more work than fitting 260mm discs so for the same amount of effort - and more of less the same amount of money - you end up with bigger brakes which to my mind its a bit of a no-brainer really.

Also carried out this conversion to my current Griff 500 and they work very well indeed for not a lot of outlay.

Dont bother with 4 pot RWD Sierra Cosworth calipers. They are heavy and bulky and you may also run into clearance problems with your wheels.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Marty

[mab1]

For those that have done the 888/887 upgrade do you have any advice on which bolts to use to attach the carriers?

Ive finally got hold of the carriers but they didn't come with the bolts unfortunately.

[carsy]

I`m not sure what the thread is m12 possibly; mine still had the bolts with them which i re used. I would contact a Ford main dealer and ask for some, i bet they could get you some. Failing that a visit to your local nut bolt supplier with the carriers should sort it.

[dnb]

I managed to collect a 4 pot upgrade for under £300, based on OE Ford fitment Brembo calipers and discs. The only down-side is that it requires at least 16" rims on the front.

[bubblehead]

Here you go fella this link from when i done mine should help http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[PeteGriff]

Marty V8 said:

carsy said:

If you are changing them and sticking to the single piston sliding caliper type, why not go even bigger than the 500 ones and get the 887/888 Cosworth ones. They are excellent brakes and a fraction of the cost of 4 pots.

Seconded.
If you have 240mm dia discs at the min then you will definately feel the difference with the 283mm Cosworth conversion. Carried out the same conversion (240 up to 283mm) to my previous car, a Cobra Replica and it made a hell of a difference. Fitting 283mm discs takes no more work than fitting 260mm discs so for the same amount of effort - and more of less the same amount of money - you end up with bigger brakes which to my mind its a bit of a no-brainer really.

Also carried out this conversion to my current Griff 500 and they work very well indeed for not a lot of outlay.

Dont bother with 4 pot RWD Sierra Cosworth calipers. They are heavy and bulky and you may also run into clearance problems with your wheels.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Marty

Will this kit fit inside the standard Gotti 15" front wheels? If so this is something I shall definitely source to do over a winter layup of teh Griff! Pete