View Full Version : Manual VS power Brakes
SingleMaltWSKY
03-17-2016, 10:04 AM
Looking at the BAER brake kit for our type-65, and considering going with manual brakes just for simplicity. I figure with it being such a light car and the brakes being quite large (4 piston, 13inch rotor front and 11 or 12 rear), manual brakes would be just fine - any thoughts here?
Cheers,
Jonas
Jacob McCrea
03-17-2016, 11:20 AM
I would use manual brakes with the Wilwood pedal box for the reasons you mention. I also think that a vacuum booster looks like a big wart on the front of the footbox, but reasonable people can differ on that.
From everything I've read, the key to good manual brakes seems to be getting the two master cylinder sizes correct for the calipers, and adjusting the balance bar properly. There is a great thread/discussion on brakes on the old forum; the thread title is "good brakes on a budget," or something close to that. I recall it was in the Coupe sub-forum; it is well worth reading. Good luck!
MikeJones
03-19-2016, 03:17 PM
My car is all manual, and I feel that it is appropriate for the car, but it depends on your driving mission (street, track, autocross or combined), your horsepower, driving style, etc. It's easy to have more hp than brakes. I am switching to bigger manual brakes this spring for that reason, but I'm doing more autocross.
Regards, Mike
xlr8or
03-19-2016, 11:47 PM
I went with manual brakes and manual steering on my coupe. If was doing it again I would go with power steering but stay with manual brakes.
SingleMaltWSKY
03-20-2016, 05:18 PM
All great advice,
Thanks all.
I think I'll go with the manual brakes then.
Cheers,
Jonas
turbonut48
04-05-2016, 09:40 AM
The key to manual brakes, especially with aggressive pads, is to get some heat into them before the first critical stop.
I lightly drag mine the first 50 yards Im moving.
I still remember VIVIDLY the first stop with cold pads.
The Nut
SingleMaltWSKY
04-05-2016, 09:45 AM
The key to manual brakes, especially with aggressive pads, is to get some heat into them before the first critical stop.
I lightly drag mine the first 50 yards Im moving.
I still remember VIVIDLY the first stop with cold pads.
The Nut
No kidding - just like I remember my first turn on cold R-comps....YIKES.
The intention for this car is primarily street, no race. I'm hooping that the manual brakes will be sufficient (give the massive brakes we're putting on) for your average road trip or power tour.