About to start brake upgrade project

767Jockey · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 06:46 PM

I'm about to start a brake upgrade project on my Contemporary Jag based front end. I had adapters made by Mickmate to adapt Wilwood calipers to replace the poor performing Jag front brake calipers. Do any of you internet wizzes know how to search the web properly to find the best price on a pair of Wilwood Dynalite WIL120-4993 Billet Dynalite calipers? What pads do you guys recommend I use on these? It'll be the stock non vented Jag series I rotors.

Also, I'll be replacing all of my brake lines. Do I use steel or stainless lines? I've heard that stainless is much tougher to flare - is that true? What diameter line do I need, and do I single or double flare? The whole system, including masters will be all new with the exception of the rear Series II Jag calipers, so the lines and flare type will eventually have to mate up to those calipers, whatever size line and type of flare they use. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced but well made flaring tool that works well? I'd rather spend a bit more on a tool that makes the job better and easier than struggle with a cheap tool It's been many many years since I flared and ran brake lines, so any advice in addition to the above questions is more than welcome.

bmwdb10 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 07:40 PM

Hey Doug,

Try clicking on this link for your calipers.

http://65.109.249.14/mm5/merchant.mvc?

It will take you directly to the buy page for that part #. Or click on HOME to shop for others.

Not sure about the stainless lines and if there is an advantage. I do know that standard line must be double flared in a brake line application. You can order a flare tool kit with the double die from any NAPA store. I think they have the Belden or Beldon Tool line if I am not mistaken. You can also go to www.snapon.com and order from them. It is an art to do a double flare, be sure you practice some before you do the final on a bent line.

Good luck!

Hey, when are you coming up?

bmwdb10 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 07:46 PM

Doug,

Just tried the link. Doesn't work quite right. On the page that appears, type the Wilwood part # in the search block, it will take you to the page I mentioned.

767Jockey · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 09:07 PM

Thanks for the info, Dave, I hope to stop up soon - being away from home as much as I am it's tough to find time to head out the door again when I should be home. I'll make it up there soon. I still need lots of info heading into this brake thing. Measuring and drilling the body for the rollbar and fitting the new floor mounted pedal assembly are the last big jobs before I pop the body off the frame and strip the frame down. From that point on it's all reassembly. To be honest, as much as I thought I'd like this project, I've about had my fill of cleaning and disassembly. I really look forward to starting to put it all together. Once I have the body off, I'm not planning on pulling the whole rear suspension out, but at least I can get to it all to clean and detail it, and pull the rear brakes and redo all of that with new calipers, pads, lines, and rearrange the E brake calipers to the proper sides so the E brake lever can be moved from where it is now on the driver side to the proper location on the passenger side. I can't wait to get this thing done and running. Working alone it takes forever and a day. I'll get there. Jeff keeps telling me to pace myself - I'm trying.......

bmwdb10 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 06:53 AM

Hang in there Doug! I was there once with my last car. Took forever and was close to giving up. But the end result and the feat of doing the restoration yourself will be of very fond memories. Keep in touch with us here and with the CCX group....We will help as much as we can if nothing more than motivation. Someday soon you will be cruising! And there aint nothin' like a cruising in a Cobra!

mickmate · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 07:23 AM

Hi Doug, those calipers are available places like http://www.pitstopusa.com/detail.aspx?ID=1298 There was a good article on plumbing recently in Hot Rod. I believe you need double flare on brake lines and although harder to work with they recommended seamless SS. With the hot rods we're building we've been using off the shelf steel lines. They are available in any length and you just do the fun arty farty part of bending and fitting them. I think they're aluminised or Cad plated or something anyways, best part is ends are already done. I have some bending tools if you want to borrow them but there is a type that is handy I'd like to find. It has a plier type handle and three grooved wheels. Two on one handle and one on the other. You just put the tube through and squeeze the handles as much as you want it bent. I'll post a few good notes on roll bar install under another thread and have Jeff help us through that install procedure. Sounds like good progress bud keep after it!

767Jockey · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 03:05 PM

Nick,
Let me know if you find out what that bending tool is called or where to get it. I'm starting the rollbar install now, the calipers were ordered this morning.
Doug

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 06:21 PM

This is my #1 project for this year!
Based on XKE Jag series I brake upgarde testing in magazine reporting 60% improvement with 3000lb + car, stopping in the Cobra should become more F1 versus horse and buggy. The Dunlop calipers served their function in 60's but an upgrade mandatory in this century.

Remember to upgrade to braided brake hoses, gives a firm feel and less sponge.

Nick, where are my adapter plates???????????

mickmate · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 08:33 PM

http://www.toolsource.com/tubing-ben...l-p-71133.html Hey Jeff, I'm on it......

rdorman · #10 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 06:34 AM

I hope you have really done your homework. This sort of thing scares me. You can't just change to 'better' parts and expect better results. In fact, just the opposite can occur. Have we talked?

Shelboss · #11 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:13 AM

Dunlop Rear Calipers: 3/8-24 UNF Inverted or bubble flare
Wilwood front calipers: 1/8-27 NPT
VW master cylinder: 10 mm x 1 metric

mickmate · #12 (**permalink**) 12-19-2010, 09:03 PM

This is one way to upgrade your brakes with better calipers on the solid Jag rotors. Series II had vented I believe. If your serious about upgrading your brakes there's a bolt on kit here with vented, bigger everything etc. We have put these on 3 cars now and they work great.
http://www.classicjaguar.com/eng_brake.htm