Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Background: I discovered today that my +2 S130 project car has Elan Girling 14LF front calipers. Being new to Elans, I didn't realize this until I attached the calipers and was starting to install new brake pads. The previous owner went to some expense getting both the front and back calipers rebuilt and reconditioned, so I had no reason to question if they were +2 calipers. I am baffled why someone would install Elan calipers, etc.

Moving forward: my original brake system plan was to eliminate the two servos. I realize there are differing opinions on this. I am still planning on this. I am assuming that the 14LF calipers will be insufficient whether I use the servos or not. Does anyone think differently?

Questions:
1. My vehicle has a manufacture date of 1/72, Unit #720100239N. I understand that there was a change in the caliper after 3/72. What +2 caliper do you recommend?
2. It is my understanding that I will need to replace the calipers, disc, hub, and caliper mounting bracket. Is this correct?
3. Who do you recommend for sourcing the (I am in the US but realize I may have to use UK sources):
a. Caliper
b. Mounting bracket
c. Hub
d. Disc - this one seems to be readily available in the US.

I keep telling my wife and friends that the Lotus project is a learning experience - little did I know!
Thanks for any suggestions to the above.

I am not sure what you will find. eBay.co.uk

https://www.gglotus.org

Triumph GT6 front brake callipers? Different mounting plates?

mossmotors???

NAPA has some too

IIRC the plus2 changed from Imperial to Metric calipers in the early 70s.

As Mike says the change point was 1970, March/ April according to my parts book.
Here's a pic of my Elan but these are +2 brakes, the later type. I think they have metric hydaulic fittings and use different fixing bolts to the early caliper.

Double check that you have the right disks also.
I would inquire with the usual suspects as to caliper availability RD, Bean, JAE

Thank you for the replies. I am working on part sourcing. The hubs and caliper mounting plate/brackets are the most difficult thus far.

Are you sure that the hubs have been changed? Check the casting markings for a number starting 050 which designates a plus two specific part.
Discs,calipers and mounting brackets are from the Triumph Vitesse 2 litre / GT6 models.

Brian.

Timely comment. I just pulled off the hub this morning and confirmed that they are the "050C" hub - that was good news. I also learned that Dave Bean Engineering has mounting brackets.

As far as calipers, I would like the imperial thread versus metric. Should I be looking for the 16PB?

Thanks,
Kevin

Possibly a wise move to use imperial calipers as the metric version uses a non standard mounting bolt with a larger diameter shoulder to fit the caliper mounting holes. Expensive when available. https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-158713.

16PB covers both metric and imperial calipers so you need to check the threads or the brake pad retaining pin holes to differentiate between the two.

Don't discount a set of 16P calipers as the only difference is the dust seal arrangement (different piston to accommodate the dust seal.)

Be aware that Ford fitment 16PB calipers do not fit the Lotus/Triumph mounts.

Brian.

Thank you, Brian - this is helpful. I appreciate all of the wisdom and experience that forum members have so willingly shared! - Kevin

Well, I am back from a nice holiday and am ready to tackle the front calipers. I have contacted several potential suppliers and this one from Moss seems to be the correct application. https://mossmotors.com/180-568-caliper- ... eplacement.

I checked with Moss and inquired about the correct brake pads for this caliper and they based on the photo, they match the ones that I ordered from RD (which are correct). https://mossmotors.com/585-527-brake-pa ... i-metallic

Before I order the calipers, I wanted to double-check with the forum. Does this look correct? Thanks for your feedback.

Kevin

Listed as fitting early GT6 so should be imperial threads.
Will you be ordering a fitting kit as well? https://mossmotors.com/583-808-fitting-kit-brake-pad.

Brian.

Brian, good suggestion. I didn't realize that the fitting kit had shims.

Thanks,
Kevin

Summit racing is cheap like borscht eh

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ceb-141-30001

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ceb-141-30002

Please post how log back-order is if you do order from here, they say early April.