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TR-3: Autocross, brake fade

To: triumphs@autox.team.net, vintage-race@autox.team.net
Subject: TR-3: Autocross, brake fade
From: John Cowan <jfcowan@pacbell.net>
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 09:21:38 -0700
   Took the TR-3 out autocrossing for the first time and enjoyed it quite a 
lot.  The car handles much better than expected, but the brakes faded 
outrageously.  By the end of a run, the pedal was nearly to the 
floor.  Here's my theory and I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

1. The standard shoes and pads I'm using fade quickly, necessitating more 
force on the pedal: This is the most obvious possibility, but it didn't 
seem to me I was pressing the pedal very much harder than usual (of course, 
this could be an illusion).

2. There is air in the brake lines: Could be.  I'm running DOT 5 and 
haven't changed the fluid in several years.  On the other hand, under 
normal driving, I don't need to pump the brakes for them to be effective.

3. In any case, metal brake hoses would improve performance, so I 
will  install them and change brake fluid at the same time.

    Can anyone suggest a source for more effective pads and shoes to use on 
an original '60 TR-3A? (but not *too* race-worthy, since the car is a 
weekend driver and I don't want to trash the rotors and drums).  The big 
three don't offer anything except standard parts.

Thanks.

    John Cowan

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