[Healeys] Uprating early 3000 disk brakes

[Earl Kagna]

Patrick:

If you want to upgrade to type 16 Girlings - (don't know about the Capri 
callipers) - the best way to do it in my opinion would be to convert the 
front end to BJ8 specs with salvaged BJ8 parts.  This would include the 
swivel axles, their associated dust covers (back plates), discs, callipers, 
bearings, plus other small bits.  The brake master cyl. should be changed to 
the BJ8 spec - 7/8" bore as well to have a properly balanced brake system, 
and as you plan, a servo (of the correct boost ratio) should be included. 
There is a safety issue if you attempt to mix and match brake parts, in my 
opinion.

A patient perusal of the factory parts list would show you exactly what 
parts were changed when the factory did the brake upgrade.  The best parts 
list for this would be the BJ7 BJ8 manual - the BJ7 has the same type 14 
calliper set up as your early 3000.  Be aware that the earlier brake set-up 
had a servo optional from sometime in the production run of the 3000 MKII BT 
/ BN7 through the BJ7, and then standard on the very first few BJ8's - and 
it's a different servo than the later one.  (both the servo and the brake 
master cyl. (5/8" bore) are matched to the type 14 calliper on the earlier 
car).

Is it worthwhile?  I have a BT7 tri-carb - no servo, and a late BJ8. 
Nothing wrong with the brakes on either car - admittedly, the BJ8 has better 
brakes.  Would I change the early car over - haven't so far - doubt that I 
ever would.  If you haven't already done so, try and drive a BJ8 for long 
enough to form an opinion.

Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "patrick williams" <2x2doc at gmail.com>
To: <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:19 PM
Subject: [Healeys] Uprating early 3000 disk brakes


A few years ago, Magnus Karlsson wrote an article in AH magazine on
upgrading early 3000's ( Girling 14 calipers to Girling M16 calipers).  The
advantage is that you get bigger calipers + pads.  The mounting holes are
spaced 3 1/2 in for both.   I found some M16 calipers dirt cheap on line (
they're off of early Mercury Capri's).  However the mounting bolts appear to
be 12 mm which is not the 7/16 in. for the girling 14.  My questions for the
list are:

   - Have others done this conversion?
   - what's your mounting bolt solution?  Custom make a bolt or sleeve the
   caliper?
   - Is the conversion worth it? with
   - Should you use early or later (BJ8) disks?
   - Thoughts or data on offsets  to center caliper on disk.Have others done
   this conversion?
   - If I sorted through this upgrade, would others be interested in it?

I realize that the fluid connection needs to be modified to metric but that
is pretty straightforward.
I'm also planning to install a brake booster into my car to improve overall
safety.
The collective wisdom of the list is appreciated.what's your mounting bolt
solution?  Custom make a bolt or sleeve the caliper?Have others done this