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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Volvo 240 Calipers

As I was changing the rotors and brake pads on an '86 Volvo 240 DL, I noticed that the hole spacing on the front 4 pot calipers is quite similar to MGB calipers, so I did some research in the archives about it. Turns out they can be made to work and are almost the same as the Princess calipers. Is anyone running these? Impressions? What are the hang ups, ie. dual brake hoses into one, metric hose fittings, which rotor to run, etc? I've read to use Nissan 300 ZX rotors with a spacer, but which years will work? Thanks for the help.
Jake

Yes I'm using them,
The Guys at MG workshops (03 95792166) sell a Kit for around $1100 Australian, which the local issuer of engineer certificates is very familiar with (ie. guess why I got this particular Kit?).

They do use the nissan rotors, however the Kit comes with an adapter, which is a very nice bit of engineering, which locates tightly on the MG hub and sets the rotors at the right distance back and obviously has the right bolt holes. If by some remote chance you were considering buying a set off them (exchange rate?)you need to give them the distance of the sholder on you hubs (allow for the radius), as this varies in MG's. I suspect the peugot 505 disks might be a cheaper option but not so pretty.
The Volvo Caliper mounting holes, as well as being slightly larger, are about 4 or 5mm too close to geather and have to be redilled. You would think (I did and questioned them closly) that this would mean that you should get "slotted" holes with all the force being carried by one bolt. This is not the case. They ovoid this by drilling the holes a few mm off centre which gives you slightly V shaped holes, so that the body of the caliper comes between the two bolts ensuring that both bolts carry the force equally.
If I were getting the caliper reconditioned myself (and not buying a Kit) I would get whoever is doing the work to press a bit of rod into the caliper holes before redrilling. More for the look of the thing than anything else, as the offset holes work well and have a proven track according to the guys at MG works shops. Since both Andrew (the proprietor) and his father also run (and race) them I'm not too inclined to argue.
Mind you the lock tabs do cover the slightly elongated holes anyway, once on.
Of course there's 4 pots so the calipers are cross drilled to connect the two lines. MG work shops also sell a very nice stainless brake hose set for MG /Volvo adaption which carries an ADR Number on it (legal requirement.)

They'll probably sell you various parts of the Kit (ie hub adapors,hoses), you'll have to ask them.

I've been driving around with them on for about 5 or 6 months now (daily driver) and have had no problems at all. As you know the brake pads are huge on the Volvos, I gesimate about 30% bigger. They pull up extreamly well with very similiar pedal travel to standard (I can't tell the difference) and there is no detectable fade.
They were easy to fit , however they do not fit under Rostyle wheels (about 1 to 2mm too close, but are OK for Minilites (about 5 to 7mm clearance I'd guess) & wires, so should be OK for most alloys.
Peter

Hey thanks for the info, do you know the exact Nissan 300zx rotors I should look for, or will the Peugeot 505's work just as well? I can machine a spacer if needed, I guess Ill just have to figure out what I want to run. I have standard V8 wheels, do you think they will fit under there, or will it be the same as the Rostyle problem?
Thanks
Jake
Jake

Since I was looking for an engineers report I bought an established Kit to in order to make things go a little more easily (red tape) so I can't tell you exactly, as I bought the entire Kit not the the Bits. If I recall there's more exact information in the archives.
If I was doing this again I'd take a set of Volvo calipers to a brake shop along with either an MG Caliper or axil stub and tell them what was wanted. Reco' ,cross drill, fill & redrill . I'd probably use Peugot rotors as essentially you just have to drill four new holes, which has got to be easier/cheaper than machineing a spacer
With the Turbo Peugot 505 disks there should be some exact information (diagrams, dimentions) which some very helpful guy posted in reply to a question of mine a while ago (archives).
They are the disks used with the spacered princess caliper Kits according to Rogers book and other sources. Others can tell you more than I.
.
Peter

Jake, Email me if you want Peugeot 505 disk info and I'll send you the file.
Pete
Pete Green

IIRC, it is the 1984 to 1986 ZX discs that you need. The nice thing about using the Nissan discs and a spacer is that if you have a need to replace a disc, all you have to do is go to the local parts store, buy the disc and install it; no machining.
George B.

Sounds good to me, Ill take a look for them around, as I have access to a lathe and mill and could easily make up a few spacers for my MG's.
Jake

This thread was discussed between 27/11/2003 and 01/12/2003

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