Brakes, i need braking power !

[mk2_1979_escort]

Hey guys,

This is my first thread. I just recently put a 2 Litre Pinto in my 1979 Mk2 Escort, and it goes alright for now. Ive done the usual fitted extrators and a 2inch straight through exhaust. But now I need some stopping power the standard front disks and rear drums dont cut it, I read up about the volvo 4-spot upgrade IS THAT EVEN LEGAL. I need some advice to upgrade my brakes with as little modifications neccassary. Im also on a ИИИ tight budget.

Cheers

[frogscort]

brakes and budget dont really go together lol

[whooligan]

Originally Posted by mk2_1979_escort

Hey guys,

This is my first thread. I just recently put a 2 Litre Pinto in my 1979 Mk2 Escort, and it goes alright for now. Ive done the usual fitted extrators and a 2inch straight through exhaust. But now I need some stopping power the standard front disks and rear drums dont cut it, I read up about the volvo 4-spot upgrade IS THAT EVEN LEGAL. I need some advice to upgrade my brakes with as little modifications neccassary. Im also on a ИИИ tight budget.

Cheers

I've got a fairly decent spec pinto in my RS2000 and the standard brake set-up does ok. Whats the problem? Peddle soft, locking up....? If you replace pads and shoes regularly and make sure the rear wheel cylinders aren't leaking, they should see you right upto all but a really high spec pinto. Also if your front and rear shocks are stuffed, your brakes will be next to useless. If the wheels are off the ground, nothing will stop 'em.

[mk2_1979_escort]

Funny now that u mention the suspension, i was driving along the other day 4 ppl in the car and i had to brake hard (from 80km/h) and my car nose dived bad and my tyre was rubbing against the fender. Are my 205's to wide for my car there only 13". They are standard 1600 spec, and i do have a 2 Litre is this what i am to expect. Or do i need new suspenbsion, shocks etc

[deesun]

Just trolling through here so I thought some advice may help.
1. Make sure all pads/drums/discs etc are in good order,no scoring plenty of meat and handbrake adjusted correctly. Cheap. Though you may need a brake guy to check.
2. Make sure lines are bled properly and probably flush the system w/new fluid. Cheap.
3. You are driving an older car so you may be expecting a little too much.
4. Suspension is obviously the expensive part. When you changed the motor is/was it heavier than the one it replaced? If so the front struts may not be coping with the extra weight. Do you know how old the front struts are? They may be worn and need replacing. Some suspension places have a jig which gives a report on the suspension and doesnt cost lots. Check for leaks etc. Replacing these parts isnt too hard and you may need to hire some spring tention thingies,( I forget the name) to do the job but with a bit of nouse its not bad.
All these things will have a bearing on the stopping power of the car and if you are concerned should be checked.
Good luck