Brake Upgrade Options (Minor!)
Discussion
Hi all
I've just done my first trackday in the S, and loved it. However, there were a few areas that it highlighted for improvement.
Mainly though, the brakes. I'm only going on track for fun, so chasing lap times and ultimate performance isn't my aim. However, I found the brakes went off fairly quickly which meant I had to dive in quite frequently to let them cool.
My question is this - using the standard S3 setup, can it be improved? Are things like upgraded pads/discs worth it?
Mine is totally standard at the moment, and using dot4 fluid, which I may change before the next outing.
All thoughts are welcome - I'm not looking to go with a big brake upgrade/rear disc setup, but if there are some simple ways to enable me to stay out a bit longer that would be great.
I've just done my first trackday in the S, and loved it. However, there were a few areas that it highlighted for improvement.
Mainly though, the brakes. I'm only going on track for fun, so chasing lap times and ultimate performance isn't my aim. However, I found the brakes went off fairly quickly which meant I had to dive in quite frequently to let them cool.
My question is this - using the standard S3 setup, can it be improved? Are things like upgraded pads/discs worth it?
Mine is totally standard at the moment, and using dot4 fluid, which I may change before the next outing.
All thoughts are welcome - I'm not looking to go with a big brake upgrade/rear disc setup, but if there are some simple ways to enable me to stay out a bit longer that would be great.
The easiest, quickest, cheapest way to upgrade your front brakes is to fit the Sierra Cossie RWD 260mm front discs & calipers.
Lots of other options and information here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you go along to S Club on Monday you'll be able to chat to the guys who have done these mods and have a look at their set up. Chances are you'll also find the parts you want on the trade stalls because these set-ups are used on a lot of kit cars.
Where in Herts are you? Why not come along to our TVRCC meets at the Crow's Nest near Tring on the 1st Sunday of each month. (But not tomorrow).
Lots of other options and information here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you go along to S Club on Monday you'll be able to chat to the guys who have done these mods and have a look at their set up. Chances are you'll also find the parts you want on the trade stalls because these set-ups are used on a lot of kit cars.
Where in Herts are you? Why not come along to our TVRCC meets at the Crow's Nest near Tring on the 1st Sunday of each month. (But not tomorrow).
Thanks for the info - as ever it seems there are many options and will need more research! Ah well, there's more satisfaction in it if its been a sweat I suppose!
I'm based in Cheshunt, so only just in Hertfordshire. Sadly, Sunday's aren't a good time for me as otherwise I'd love to come and meet up. Mine is the only S series I've ever seen in the fiberglass apart from anything else...!
I'm based in Cheshunt, so only just in Hertfordshire. Sadly, Sunday's aren't a good time for me as otherwise I'd love to come and meet up. Mine is the only S series I've ever seen in the fiberglass apart from anything else...!
260mm discs and calipers pop up in the classifieds every so often as Chimaera/griffith owners upgrade to bigger stuff. Bolt straight on to an S.
Then it's just a matter of some decent pads, EBC Green or Yellow Stuff, Ferodo DS 2500, Black Diamond...... let the discussion begin
here you go .... brakes for sale
Then it's just a matter of some decent pads, EBC Green or Yellow Stuff, Ferodo DS 2500, Black Diamond...... let the discussion begin
here you go .... brakes for sale
Edited by phillpot on Sunday 3rd May 07:09
Can someone tell me whether this:
http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-fitment-type/p...
would fit as a straight bolt-on upgrade? I take it it should as its for a 2wd Sierra? Also, would this be over-braked at the front with standard drums at the back?
Thanks
http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-fitment-type/p...
would fit as a straight bolt-on upgrade? I take it it should as its for a 2wd Sierra? Also, would this be over-braked at the front with standard drums at the back?
Thanks
I ran the 278mm front discs up front and standard drums out back for a while - including a couple of trackdays.
Firstly, when was the last time the brake fluid was changed? A quality DOT4 fluid is more than adequate. A full bleed with fresh, new fluid is a must for a baseline standard.
Next up is disc size. The 260mm front disc upgrade is easy peasey and there's a set in the classifieds atm.
Next is pad types. I spoke to EBC and have plumped for Greenstuff pads on the S. On the Tamora, EBC recommend Yellowstuff pads as the basic pad. Some people recommend the Yellowstuff for the S. I'll see how I get on with the Greenstuff pads. If need be, upgrade to Yeĺlowstuff.
Next is the hoses. Swapping them out for braided items.
Was the fluid boiling, you lost the brake pedal? If so, then the fluid needs changing.
On a final note, do you have the remote brake fluid container? You may want to check the plastic connectors are not deformed. Mine were almost closed.
Firstly, when was the last time the brake fluid was changed? A quality DOT4 fluid is more than adequate. A full bleed with fresh, new fluid is a must for a baseline standard.
Next up is disc size. The 260mm front disc upgrade is easy peasey and there's a set in the classifieds atm.
Next is pad types. I spoke to EBC and have plumped for Greenstuff pads on the S. On the Tamora, EBC recommend Yellowstuff pads as the basic pad. Some people recommend the Yellowstuff for the S. I'll see how I get on with the Greenstuff pads. If need be, upgrade to Yeĺlowstuff.
Next is the hoses. Swapping them out for braided items.
Was the fluid boiling, you lost the brake pedal? If so, then the fluid needs changing.
On a final note, do you have the remote brake fluid container? You may want to check the plastic connectors are not deformed. Mine were almost closed.
mk1fan said:
I ran the 278mm front discs up front and standard drums out back for a while - including a couple of trackdays.
Firstly, when was the last time the brake fluid was changed? A quality DOT4 fluid is more than adequate. A full bleed with fresh, new fluid is a must for a baseline standard.
Next up is disc size. The 260mm front disc upgrade is easy peasey and there's a set in the classifieds atm.
Next is pad types. I spoke to EBC and have plumped for Greenstuff pads on the S. On the Tamora, EBC recommend Yellowstuff pads as the basic pad. Some people recommend the Yellowstuff for the S. I'll see how I get on with the Greenstuff pads. If need be, upgrade to Yellowstuff.
Next is the hoses. Swapping them out for braided items.
Was the fluid boiling, you lost the brake pedal? If so, then the fluid needs changing.
On a final note, do you have the remote brake fluid container? You may want to check the plastic connectors are not deformed. Mine were almost closed.
Is the 260mm upgrade just a case of bolting on the new caliper and disc, or is there more to it?Firstly, when was the last time the brake fluid was changed? A quality DOT4 fluid is more than adequate. A full bleed with fresh, new fluid is a must for a baseline standard.
Next up is disc size. The 260mm front disc upgrade is easy peasey and there's a set in the classifieds atm.
Next is pad types. I spoke to EBC and have plumped for Greenstuff pads on the S. On the Tamora, EBC recommend Yellowstuff pads as the basic pad. Some people recommend the Yellowstuff for the S. I'll see how I get on with the Greenstuff pads. If need be, upgrade to Yellowstuff.
Next is the hoses. Swapping them out for braided items.
Was the fluid boiling, you lost the brake pedal? If so, then the fluid needs changing.
On a final note, do you have the remote brake fluid container? You may want to check the plastic connectors are not deformed. Mine were almost closed.
I have just fitted braided hoses over the winter, and so the brake fluid is brand new. It wasn't so much losing the pedal as losing the last of the stopping power after 6-7 laps (which resulted in one quite untidy chicane!).
I'll double check the reservoir to make sure there is no problem there.
Part of me wood like Wilwood on my car, but I think the setup Philpot has just linked to may be a more sensible solution...
Lewis's Friend said:
..Is the 260mm upgrade just a case of bolting on the new caliper and disc, or is there more to it?.......
Yes, it really is that simple. You even use the same hoses. Come and have a look at mine if you want. I live near Chesham.Lewis's Friend said:
... It wasn't so much losing the pedal as losing the last of the stopping power after 6-7 laps (which resulted in one quite untidy chicane!)....
That sounds like soft pads to me but more informed opinion will be along later (once they get home from S-club) If that was the main problem, try some road/track ones before you splash out on new calipers etc....Lewis's Friend said:
..Part of me wood like Wilwood on my car, but I think the setup Philpot has just linked to may be a more sensible solution...
You can spend as much as you want on brakes but there comes a point where your money is going on looking cool rather than a set-up which is appropriate for your needs.That Chim set-up looks good value. There is always the Sierra Cossie 4-pot caliper option which can be picked up quite cheaply eg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-Genuine-Ford-Si... but if you can get new or new/re-conditioned ones it might be cheaper in the long run. To avoid having to use spacers to fit the Cossie 4-pots you could fit the appropriate Cossie hubs to your wishbones. Get some reconditioned calipers and new discs and everything should line up correctly. As it happens I have a pair of hubs I don't want
I'm getting the impression that simple/low cost is not really what you want though
So if big & bling will give you what you want then go for it 
Edited by v8s4me on Sunday 3rd May 10:49
Yes the 260mm brakes just bolt straight on. Carriers, callipers, discs and pads are all you need. Existing hose should fit straight on.
I would suggest you try EBC Greenstuff pads. Upgrade over standard/OEM pads for fast road use. OK for the odd trackday. Anything racier will be a compromise on the road.
I ran the standard brake set up on a trackday without issue so you really don't need massive brakes on a 'regular' S.
Checking the plastic connectors will mean a rebleed.
I would suggest you try EBC Greenstuff pads. Upgrade over standard/OEM pads for fast road use. OK for the odd trackday. Anything racier will be a compromise on the road.
I ran the standard brake set up on a trackday without issue so you really don't need massive brakes on a 'regular' S.
Checking the plastic connectors will mean a rebleed.
phillpot said:
Lewis's Friend said:
Blyton Park. I really enjoyed it!
Few of us had a little play there last year, things got a bit hot but don't recall anyone having "serious" brake issues?Perhaps we weren't trying hard enough or you were over braking (or doing longer sessions)
My mate and I passengered in each other's cars (he has a Chimaera with a big brake upgrade) and he could brake harder and stay out longer. I suspect the pads may have just overheated as I think they're just no name ones. Still, I won't let that stop me spending on upgrades!
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