GT6 Mk3 4-pot caliper conversion

[Nick Jones]

Pad choice is really important.  Completely changes things.  For me, going from "standard" pads to M1144 completely changed the experience from needing both feet and bending the seat frame for even fairly moderate stopping (almost like being in a continuous state of pad fade), to being able to lock the wheels with a firm shove.  The problem is that the modern pads sold for the 16 series caliper are mostly intended for the Fords that were fitted with them (Cortinas, Capris and higher powered Escorts), which had servos, so the pad material is just too hard.  The originals were asbestos based and much softer.

The DS2500s are a bit down on cold bite compared to the M1144 but don't take much warming and are really good and consistent once warm.

We did 100 track miles at Castle Coombe one day last summer and while it was brake problems that sent us home slightly before the end, it was judder caused by massive build up of dust in the drums at the rear that did it.  If anyone has a source for top quality rear shoes, I'd really like to hear it!

Good luck with BCC and the steel wheels, but I do tend to agree with Clive that if you are going to use the brakes that hard for long periods then vented discs are well worth the effort.  I (again) teetered on the edge of converting to vented (using Capri discs and spaced 16P calipers) before ordering the new pads.

Nick

[Gordon Dickens]

Having fitted and used the 4-pot upgrade for nearly a year, there is a marked improvement in braking without fade (including around Nurburgring). I did need to fit Minilites to accommodate the new gear.  One problem persists.  The rear drums bind even after complete rebuild with new drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder etc. The hand brake is adjusted and works well.  I have never been a fan of the sliding, single-piston wheel cylinder.  Inevitably after a few miles it stops sliding freely.

Does anyone know of a twin-piston wheel cylinder upgrade (like TR7) which fits the existing GT6 assembly?

[thescrapman]

Hopefully the supplier has updated their fitment info to say 13 steels will not fit over the calipers.

 

[JohnD]

Nick,

 From the above, you were looking for some good brake shoes for your rears.     I used to get Mintex 1155 material bonded onto worn out shoes by Road &Stage Motorsport in Morecambe.  Now I have MGF calipers there.    They're online - give the lovely Julie a ring!

John