8 replies to this topic

[G'Racy]

As title really, is there anything else I should be doing while I'm doing this?

I've ordered a genuine subframe from Minispares and was planning on fitting camber/tracking brackets and changing the cones and dampers for original cones with KYB Gas-a-just dampers.

I may add a boot board as well but is there anything else, what about brake upgrades?

Car already has HiLo's, Maniflow exhaust and sits slightly lower than standard.

[mk1leg]

Why are you asking this what are the changes for rallying auto test also what year is the mini cc of engine Ect Ect

[G'Racy]

Its a 1988 998cc (but with a 295 head, SW5 cam and maniflow exhaust) and no its just for normal road use.

I'm hoping to make a trip next year through the Alps, hence the reason I've decided to add the RH tank and change my old cones and dampers.

There's a bit of work involved changing over the subframe and replacing the boot floor, my brakes are standard just wondered if anyone had any recommendations for brake upgrades or anything else while I'm at it?

Does changing to braided brake lines offer any advantages, are there any better pads for normal road use but with better stopping power?

[wile e coyote]

Renew all the subframe bushes while you're at it - regular rubber fine.

 

Braided brake lines achieve very minimal improvement - other than longevity. Rubber ones have a little give in them and expand a little in response to the fluid pressure absorbing a little of the effort you apply - braided ones not - so theoretically (although I can't tell any difference whatsoever - especially on a car with a brake servo) all the pressure you apply works directly on the cylinders and hence shoes....

 

The rear brakes only account for - as standard (from memory) c40% of the braking effort and shoe selection isn't generally critical - proper adjustment is. If you're hell bent on a upgrade get some quality - stress quality (and not ebay chinese nasties) minifin drums - the finned and hence enlarged surface area and outer alloy composition dissipates heat better and improves braking performance (again gains are minimal and it's questionable whether it's worth it for the cost)

 

The front brakes however IMHO are worth a look at - purely from a servicing perspective - for a touring car I'd keep on the best quality standard road pads you can get - Mintex used to do some standard ones that were really good but a quick browse on Minspares and I can't immediately see them - but they do offer Delphi ones - probably perfectly ok - just don't fit the race / fast road types (and if long distance touring pack a spare set)

 

The standard brake set up is fine if all components are in good order, on recent fluid and bled / adjusted properly......

 

The best prep (other than maintenance and servicing )  is to get alignments absolutely spot on - makes a huge difference to feel and responsiveness of the car - and hence the pleasure you get from driving it

[G'Racy]

'wile e coyote', thanks for that, I notice you seem to suggest you have a servo in your braking system, is this because your car is a later model than mine (mines a 1988) or have you added this and if so why?

 

Since first posting this I've been told one option is to fit the servo and pedal box from a later mini, has anyone done this or know if this is an option worth doing?

 

Will be ordering all new subframe bushes, I'll have a look into better quality brake pads as well.

[cal844]

My 89 Mayfair has a servo, it does make a difference in braking distances.

I'd advise refurbishing the radius arms and also check the front suspension for play as well. Then the usual greasing and servicing apply

[wile e coyote]

'wile e coyote', thanks for that, I notice you seem to suggest you have a servo in your braking system, is this because your car is a later model than mine (mines a 1988) or have you added this and if so why?

 

Since first posting this I've been told one option is to fit the servo and pedal box from a later mini, has anyone done this or know if this is an option worth doing?

 

Will be ordering all new subframe bushes, I'll have a look into better quality brake pads as well.

Yes my car has a retrofitted servo as I wanted to make it easier for all to drive - mine wasn't an aftermarket kit the OH had a '96 SPi that was terminally rusty so a huge amount of components (carb converted engine / subframe / suspension / glass etc etc were put into my '80 car - servo gives a far more modern but less direct feel to the brakes.

My car also has "S" disc setup - personally I like it. I can only talk to fitting an OE late model servo - it's very simple you'd need the servo/ master / pedal box but also an inlet manifold  with a vacuum take off ( I use an MG metro one) the only body mods needed is a single additional bulkhead hole to properly secure the servo mounting cage. A couple of additional hydraulic lines (I used the originals from the SPi) and that's it.....bar if you have a 1275 - if so the clutch breather will need changing for a "prone" one to acheive fit clearance.

 

Pro:less tiring braking , Cons - loss of "direct" feel , something else to go wrong and a very "full "underbonnet".....

 

IMHO it was worth doing...

[G'Racy]

Thanks for the responses, bushes will be replaced and arms will be refurbished, subframe will also be getting a couple of coats of black chassis paint.

 

For the sake of less than £40 I've decided to fit the braided brake lines now while I'm at it, can follow up later with the brake servo and pedal box once the subframe and boot floor is completed, and funds replenished!!

 

Has anyone else retro fitted a brake servo and pedal box from a later car?

[cal844]

Thanks for the responses, bushes will be replaced and arms will be refurbished, subframe will also be getting a couple of coats of black chassis paint.

For the sake of less than £40 I've decided to fit the braided brake lines now while I'm at it, can follow up later with the brake servo and pedal box once the subframe and boot floor is completed, and funds replenished!!

Has anyone else retro fitted a brake servo and pedal box from a later car?

To fit the later servo you'll need to change the pedal box then drill a hole (captive nut needs welded to the back of the hole)

Also a way of reducing rear line pressure?