Dual Braking System

[boschman]

Has anyone any experience of fitting a dual braking system to an Elan?. I know the brakes are good but having just driven to Florence and back in my S4, the hilly regions have some rather steep sides without barriers and it does get one thinking. Which master cylinder would you use and how would the servo patch in?. Regards Peter Fletcher

[steveww]

I have not it myself but IIRC Tony Thompson offers a dual master cylinder.

If not the brakes are Girling as used by many british cars. A search through some parts books should turn up a suitable part. Might have some space problems if RHD, might need to go for a remote resivoir.

[Rob_LaMoreaux]

I haven't fitted a dual system, because my car came from the factory with one as did all US S4s. I have the lower end with no boosters, where later and more expensive cars came with two boosters.

If you have a parts manual and shop manual you will be able to get the correct bore and lotus part number for the parts have a dual system.

I have thought about putting boosters on but they are rather expensive and the girling ones are hard to get parts and/or find a decent one.

Rob

[Bob Horzmann]

If I remember the master cylinder for a U.S. spec S4 was from a Ford Cortina Mk II. Rather rare in the States. Might help source on in the U.K.

[lotuselanman]

<_< :rolleyes:
Gidday to you all, I live in Australia hence RHD. I own a +2S with a single M/C and a Girling booster, no problem there with brake performance.
However I am fitting the +2 with a well tweaked Zetec and would be happier with a tandem M/C and no booster. I have previously broached this suject with no real resolution.
If someone can come up with the ideas I am happy to chase odd (to you lot) parts from UK or Euro cars which we have an abundance of, M/Cs etc.
The Uk spec Elans have a single M/C ( forget the bore size, around .7 /75 I think ) with a single booster.
What I would like to do is fit a Dual M/C and delete the booster, this would require a M/C of a smaller bore to keep the pedal pressure comparable with boosted system albiet with great pedal travel, I have no problem with that.
So if anyone with a PHD in hydraluics or a degree in leg pressure or a friend who has done the exercise then lets talk about it.
Generally I think to brakes in principal on all Elans are fine but there is always room for inprovement with you beaut pads etc.
Think it over fellas and lets talk about it.
See ya, Les

[stelz]

Les,

As you know, I too am in Oz. I have purchased an old Chrysler Galant dual maaster cylinder for my Elan. From memory I think the bore is 0.7", mounting is almost ideal (just needs holes filing out a bit). I haven't got the car going yet, so can't comment on its performance, but I can't see anything wrong with it.

I found this one by going down to my local brake and clutch specialist. He let me flick through his catalogue so I could find something that looked like the mounting would work with approximately the right bore size. Then off down to the wrecker to pull one out of a car.

I'll measure the bore tonight and let you know some more tomorrow.

Ben Stelzer

[patrics]

Hi Peter,
I think you can still get the Girling 0.7 tandem m/cyl which I believe is still fitted to Caterhams and Westfields etc. To make it fit you just have to swap the in-put rod from the standard CV type.
Unless to intend to fit two servos you will have to throw the one fitted away, but to compensate fit plus 2 type 16 calipers and discs with higher ? pads.

Les,
Not sure about the plus 2, will you be making it heavier with Zetec Conversion or lighter? I think the pedal ratio is greater on the plus 2 and with good pads should be similar to Elan when fitted with plus 2 calipers assuming you have the 0.7" m/cyl. IF you are going the Zetec route are you going to fit the 14" wheels and rear brake conversion from Spyder?

Regards
Steve

[davidholroyd]

My tandem system comes from <a href='http://www.classicbrakes.co.uk/' target='_blank'>http://www.classicbrakes.co.uk/</a>

David

[sotul86]

Hi

I?ve using a tandem cylinder from a caterham it works lovely....planning to upgrade to +2 brakes in front but it woorks great even without them also have a brake porportin valve for the brakes in the back. the cylinder is (Dual brake master cylinder Girling 74066147, parallel bore 11/16")




and I binned the servo


there is more pictures in my site


Cheers

[rgh0]

Hi Johan

How did you attached the photo to your post ????

Les

Your challenge is finding a short enough dual master cylinder ot fit into the limited space avalaible in a plus 2 or build a whole new pedal box assembly to make more room. Your best bet is going to the master cylinder used in US federal dual circuit cars. Most of the modern local Australian dual cylinders are to long to fit I would think

Rohan

[sotul86]

Hi Rohan

I?m just using the img button , where You enter messages....but picture it self must have a url

[tmr]

I used Classicar Automotive for brake caliper rebuild services and sourcing US-spec tandem M/C reservoir and other parts. They used to sell this type of M/C and may still have it available. I highly recommend using Classicar, as customer service and products have been excellent.

I had my original M/C sleeved and rebuilt by White Post here in the US and use it without servos (which are probably more trouble that they're worth). The system works great with no problems after 5 years. If you can retrofit a modern system without interference, then go for it, as spare parts become less of a problem over the years.

Tom Roberds
USA

[lotuselanman]

Gidday,
Thanks for the feed back and my apologies for being so tardy in answering.
To Steve, The Zetec is a couple of KG lighter than the TC and I will be using standard Lotus components apart from the engine. I had planned to go to 14" Minilites but have a set of good Yokohamas and have aquired a set of UK Ford bolt pattern mags, to good to refuse even if I have to turn a set of hubs.
Once again thanks for the feed back. See ya, Les