Some things not mentioned in Lou's reply, though it still may not change
the numbers significantly:
The Datsun calipers are a big hunk of metal and should only require
replacement if they are broken. The pistons are what do the work and
they are completely replaceable. They are more expensive but still
available and can be resleeved (again more $$) so they can be rebuilt.
Many cars, much larger and heavier than ours, have single piston front
brakes that have a sliding caliper. Is the number of pistons the
important factor, or is it the brake pad area, or is there a calculation
of pad area vs. vehicle size/weight, etc. Did the old Studebakers and
Jags use the same size pads and pistons as us?
The Volvo conversion requires machining the rotors. How much does this
cost?
What other adapters, lines, etc., are required to attach the Volvo
calipers, and how much do they cost?
For early Roadsters, do you need a proportioning valve (is that the
right term?) to avoid too much braking action in the front or rear?
Pete Peters wrote:
>Outstanding. This is exactly the info I wanted. Hey, Steve, how about
>updating the article on 311s.org (you'll also notice a typo in the
>next-to-last-sentence of the first paragraph. <g>)? It does mention that the
>Volvo brakes are 4-piston, but not that the Roadster is 2-piston nor that
>there's a larger brake pad surface.
>
>FWIW, what prompted all this, besides my curiousity, is that my brakes do
>not appear overly powerful (maybe that's typical, but...) and are pulling to
>one side. Might as well start collecting all the conversion parts before I
>start disassembling things and find those lovely 35-year-old "surprises."
><g>
>
> ` ___ '
>Pete - (O o) -
>----------------------ooO--(_)--Ooo---------
>Lake Forest Park, WA
>1966 1600 (SPL311-00799)
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Ldino21@aol.com [mailto:Ldino21@aol.com]
>Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 10:59 AM
>To: ppeters914@comcast.net
>Subject: Re: Volvo Brake conversion - worth it?
>
>
>In a message dated 10/18/2004 9:05:19 AM Pacific Standard Time,
>ppeters914@comcast.net writes:
>
>- are they?
>Yes the Volvo Brake upgrade is slightly cheaper than buying all new brakes
>for your Roadster, I have seen too many people use the Brake rebulid kits
>and no matter what they do they have leaky brakes
>
>- what's the cost of conversion vs. a standard overhaul of the the stock
>Roadster brakes?
>A brand new set of the Volvo calipers are approx. $50 each and they are in
>large supply. New Nissan brake calipers are very hard to find if you can
>find them at all.
>
>- do they perform significantly better, or is this just a conversion for the
>racer/engine swap crowd?
>You are talking about changing a two piston caliper with a 4 piston caliper,
>you also have a larger brake pad surface which provides for better braking
>performance. There is additional performance if you perform the Master
>Cylinder upgrade also.
>
>Lou Smaldino
>66-1600
>67-2000
>65-1500
|