Advice wanted re English axle and disc brakes

[Andy Wiltshire]

Hi,

Thought I would ask what route people have gone when fitting disc brakes to the English axle?

My main issue is having a handbrake. I know this has to be cable operated to comply with MOT etc. If a handbrake wasn't needed I would try motorcycle calipers on thin discs to keep the weight right down, But, it is needed.

I don't really want to use Sierra calipers as they are big, heavy and a little agricultural.

Are there any off the shelf calipers which are light weight and include the handbrake? As I'm building a special 7 (well it will be to me)I would also like them to look right.

Thanks,
Andy

[VHPD]

IIRC Hi Spec Brakes do a lightweight replacement for the Standard de dion sierra set up with handbrake?


http://www.hispecbrake.co.uk/

[julian427]

Hi

My previous car had sierra rear discs with VW Golf / Polo ali calipers - much lighter than the Ford items, same handbrake cable could be adapted to fit and the mount bolt holes are the same pitch.

If you fit a bias valve, you can also tune the brake balance.

[mickrick]

Hello Andy. After seeing your handywork I bet it is special!
Have a word with David at BGD. http://www.bgdevelopments.co.uk/
(If you click on "Fine & Rare" you'll see my car and Geoff's handywork, thanks again for hooking me up with him )
You'll find BGD's work very reasonable for the quality.

All the best with it,
Mick.

p.s. still on the fence about those bucket seats.......

[Farlig]

How about this?

http://www.motorsport-tools.com/escort-mk2-rear-br...

Or if you don't like the sliding calipers (I know I don't) then you could add the following kit minus the calipers & get the hispecs:

http://www.motorsport-tools.com/escort-mk2-coswort...

http://www.hispecbrake.co.uk/ULSIESVA.html

ETA: Could also speak to SPC - they have a nice setup for converting to "sierra" calipers
http://www.spcomponents.co.uk/gpage6.html

Edited by Farlig on Tuesday 5th June 09:17

[Andy Wiltshire]

VHPD, julian427 and Farlig, Thanks for your advice.
A little to think about there and I'm finding myself going towards those Hi Specs...

Hello Mick. I hope you are well. Your Caterham is looking spot on and those brakes do look very nice... but then again so does the rest of the car!!

Andy

[Farlig]

Andy Wiltshire said:

VHPD, julian427 and Farlig, Thanks for your advice.
A little to think about there and I'm finding myself going towards those Hi Specs...

Hello Mick. I hope you are well. Your Caterham is looking spot on and those brakes do look very nice... but then again so does the rest of the car!!
Andy

Cool stuff Andy - do let us know how you get on with your handbrake cable - I have the Motorsport-Tools brackets & discs with the Hi-Spec calipers ready for my English Axle... Currently waiting on passing my Norwegain "MoT" in August though before I pull apart the rear end - just in case it takes me longer to fathom out a decent handbrake cable set-up / routing. I can happily run without a handbrake afterwards for as much use as it is tucked away under the dash anyway! ;-)

FWIW - I got a full set of Hi-Specs F&R ordered without the logos for an extra £50 if that's of interest to anyone - I felt plain black better suited to an older car where they're out of place in any case... I value stopping ability more than I do the car's originality ;-)

Cheers,
Neil.