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[Joe Earnest]

Hello All,

Is there a way to increase the braking capacity of the spitfires by fitting more modern calipers and/or discs?  I've seen the Toyota calipers on the TR6 and wondered if you Spitfire folks had done the same thing.

[Mark II]

Only have a moment...

I have a 67 Mark II and the brakes SUCK. One of my few complaints, now that I have most everything else in order. They made me nervous enough to install 3 point belts


http://en.allexperts.com/q/Triumph-Repair-1459/Spitfire-brakes.htm

http://crazyspitfire.blogspot.com/2007/06/brakes-pipes-making-stuff.html

Desperate measures no doubt,I wonder if it helps. The early spits are worse than the later ones (68 onward) due to the size of the pad (??) or the caliper (??) Rimmer Bros shows all rotors and drums are the same across all years.

http://market.autopartsfair.com/triumph-engine_parts/more-brake.html?campaign=trustmymechanic

Notice all the different pads, although the early spit ones don't seem any crappier than the others. So, question..  What's the issue? Caliper size? Pad size? Master Cylinder size? And does any Triumph out there have GOOD brakes??? Cuz I want em!

[herald948]

Personally, I think installing the belts was a good idea regardless. 

But can you be a bit more specific than "the brakes SUCK"? How so?

I'll grant you, there are relatively easy upgrades, all of which bolt right in. For example, you could use the larger master cylinder from an early GT6. You could upgrade the fronts to either the Mk3 and later Spitfire calipers, or upgrade to a complete caliper/rotor/hub, etc., assembly from a GT6. You can upgrade the rears to 8" drums from an early GT6. There is a wide variety of pad and shoe material available.

That said, I've never found early Spitfire brakes to be lacking in any way. (Heck, I've got an all-drum-brake Herald, and I don't find those brakes lacking in any way!)

[Mark II]

By saying the brakes suck, they lack anywhere near the braking power of any modern vehicle, meaning I never ever tailgate anyone because I cannot match their stopping power. Master is from a newer model (large plastic reservoir not the small metal cap one). All parts are nice, clean, fresh. Pedal is firm, but I don't feel like I can lock the brakes up no matter how hard I mash down.

This car had a frame-off restoration in 2000, including heavy modifications. Toyota 2.2 liter with 5 speed transmission, lots of personal touches. When I bought it off of Ebay the brakes showed sign of having sat. Fluid was sketchy, front rubber hoses were plugged. I feel that they are now functioning as designed, about on par with the other two Spitfires I have owned (67 Mark III, 78 1500)...well, Ok, the 1500 brakes were better as I recall. It would be possible to simply put 1500 or GT6 calipers/pads? or this requires the whole hub?

I haven't seen any real selection in pads for what I'm running now (although the later Spits seem to have a few choices.

Thanks for the reply.
Greg

[dstegen]

look at website www.prirace.com they have 11 inch front barkes and a disc brake system for the rear relatively expensive but sure to make you stop faster!