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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - rear dics

Does anyone run with rear disc brakes, is there any advantage to converting to rear discs.
Has anyone used braided pipe for the complete braking system? Is it expensive.
nevr

Don't know about the rear discs but have full braided system on my car and like the results. Yes it is expensive due to the price of the tubing and fittings, but you never have to worry about rubber lines degrading or brake lines corroding. Pedal feel is excellent with no sponginess.
Bill Young

Forget the rear discs, unless you really feel like spending time and money and dirtying your fingertips for no benefit whatsoever. Yes, John Bourke has done it, and he is seriously knowledgeable and so probably accomplished something useful, but Nevr you and I are together not half a John Bourke (not that I've met him, but I'm damned sure I am right), and discretion being in this case the better part of valor I'd say give it a rest.

When you see those bumper stickers on the back of old Volvos that say "Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty" I don't think they are talking about replacing your MG's rear drums with discs.

My suggestion: brush the lint off your tux and take your wife to the opera.
Harry

My Currie enterprises rear was ordered with a rear disk setup. It was shipped out of his shop on Monday and should arrive here soon. I'll let you all know if it is worth it to me when I'm finished.
Michael S. Domanowski

Nevr-
The stainless steel braided brake lines are a very good idea. As Bill Young noted above, brake pedal feel should be excellent. However, conversion to disc rear brakes is of questionable value. They would be more resistent to brake fade, but unless you live in the mountains, race on a track, or constantly drive like a mental defective, you'd probably be happier if you put the money elsewhere in your car. If you are seriously interested in such a conversion, Trevor Taylor makes one that includes an independent rear suspension. MG World magazine recently did a test of it and gave it very high ratings. He advertises on this website.
Steve S.

Nevr,

I agree with the above that a rear disc conversion is not value for money but that's not the only reason for making modifications.

Perry & Cox may be able to source a conversion, Hi Gear who are working on a front disc conversion may also be able to help.

The Trevor Taylor set up I understand is the NG cars product and the chap at NG is now with Hawk. The cost of parts would be about £2,500 but could probably be fitted in a weekend. Maidstone Sportscars also have a system under development.

Paul
Paul

Michael, how much did you pay Currie, and what did you get? Last time I talked to him was about 20 years ago when I was out there but he was willing to make up an 8" Ford axle with Detroit Locker, 3-4 series gears and 5 on 4.5 bolt circle to fit my B for under a grand. Discs may have been a bit more, but not a lot, we did discuss it. He didn't really want to do discs but if I wanted them he would. The real challenge then was finding acceptable calipers. Just wondering how much the prices have changed.

The way I see it, considering how easy it is to change pads, as long as the axle is going to have to be replaced I may as well get disc brakes with it. Especially as my brake balance bar is adjusted all the way to the rear and I could use a little more.
the Mach I Mustang pots on the front are that much oversize. Of course, considering the two spare MG axles stashed around the place, unless I suddenly start breaking them there's no rush.

I've also been reconsidering the Detroit Locker. Since it is in essence a spool that unlocks under light loading in turns, that sounds like the last thing one would want in a car set up to run the Appalachian Mountains. I mean, a four wheel drift is fun, don't get me wrong. Just not all the time. Maybe the standard posi (limited slip)would be better. Of course, the great thing about the 8" Ford is the ease with which you can change the center sections, and set them up on the bench. OTOH, an independent with inboard brakes would *really* decrease the unsprung weight. See? I'm still waffling. Good thing I've got those other two stock axles... Wonder if I'll ever get around to it? Can you put 3.90 gears in an independent Jag diff?
Jim Blackwood

Is the Vovo rear axel wheel stud pattern the same as the Porche? Just thinking--Vovo rear with Porche front brakes...Hmm...
Angus Davies

The base line is whether the standard pattern rear drums can achieve the required degree of braking performance for the car. If the answer is yes, and in most cases it is, then there is no justification for the change to disc.

However, there is more to it than this and so you also add considerations of asthetics, complication, cost, reliability, exposure to corrosion, siezing, etc. The balance depends on many aspects personal to the owner, the type and frequency of use and the area he lives in.

IOW a not entirely simple question to answer.

Rog
Roger Parker

This thread was discussed between 17/03/2001 and 18/03/2001

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