5 replies to this topic

[charliedurrant]

Hi,

I have the 7 inch discs on my mini. I'm all for keeping things original but my mountain bike seems to have better brakes.

I want to retain the 10 inch wheels and wondered what anyone would recommend to improve the brakes?

Charlie

[dklawson]

Do you mean the 7" Cooper brake disks or the 7-1/2" Cooper-S disks? For the 7-1/2" brakes you can try vented rotors and new pad material. For the 7" Cooper brakes I don't know if vented rotors are available and that only leaves pad material.

If you have 7" disks and want to convert to 7-1/2", I THINK you will need new hubs as well. However, don't quote me on that as I have not worked on the smaller disks to observe the differences.

[Cater_Racer]

Hi Charlie, I've put the cross-drilled discs and 4 pot alloy calipers on :

http://www.minisport...aliper_Kit.html

But only used them for one weekend (on the Nordschleife) they were a fantastic improvement for 10" wheels, then had to revert to Cooper S 2 pots due to historic rally rules. I've still got the cross drilled discs and alloy calipers in a box in the garage..............................

So if you minded to try them out, I could be persuaded to part with them for a trial, or even sell them.

[ace01]

Cooper 7inch discs share the same hub as the 7.5inch type. Therefore you can upgrade or use the option listed above.

I use standard 7inch discs and pads on my hillclimb 997 Cooper. Providing you maintain them well, they work pretty well. Obviously not as good as the 7.5inch set up, but original to the car. There are upgraded pads available from Mintex, M171 comes to mind. However, this type of material is not good for road use as it requires warming up before use. Without warming it's as much use as a block of wood, when warm they are amazing!

Oh, and when I say maintenance, I mean renew everything including the hoses to extract the best from the system.

[dklawson]

The link below is to an article Mini regarding brake upgrades.
http://www.minimania...m?DisplayID=609

[charliedurrant]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies - really appreciated.

So from the minimania article I need
Cooper to Cooper S discs Effective increase in stopping power, car looks unaltered. Fit Cooper S backplate, drive flange, caliper, and disc to Cooper hubs.

http://www.minisport...aliper_Kit.html

But only used them for one weekend (on the Nordschleife) they were a fantastic improvement for 10" wheels, then had to revert to Cooper S 2 pots due to historic rally rules. I've still got the cross drilled discs and alloy calipers in a box in the garage..............................

So if you minded to try them out, I could be persuaded to part with them for a trial, or even sell them.

Cater Racer, I'd love to try the calipers - I've sent a PM

In addition to the calipers I would need:

S backplate x 2
S Drive flange x 2,
Disc to Cooper hub x 2

It's the last one that confuses me, what do you think a 'Disc to Cooper hub' is? This item seems to contradict what ace01 says..

Cooper 7inch discs share the same hub as the 7.5inch type. Therefore you can upgrade or use the option listed above.

I use standard 7inch discs and pads on my hillclimb 997 Cooper. Providing you maintain them well, they work pretty well. Obviously not as good as the 7.5inch set up, but original to the car. There are upgraded pads available from Mintex, M171 comes to mind. However, this type of material is not good for road use as it requires warming up before use. Without warming it's as much use as a block of wood, when warm they are amazing!

Oh, and when I say maintenance, I mean renew everything including the hoses to extract the best from the system.

Charlie

Edited by charliedurrant, 29 September 2011 - 05:16 PM.