Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 I'm a noob and have just bought my first 7 having come from a long line of slightly more modern, more 'digital' sports cars. I consider the 7 somewhat more 'analogue' than most other cars and all the better for it.Anyway, she's a 1995 1.7l X flow producing just 135bhp but with a low mileage in a great condition. And I'm looking forward very much to owning her.However, I do drive in what you would call a 'spirited' manner on the road and like to brake late and hard. So, on that note are there any brake upgrades that are likely to be beneficial to my style of driving ? Like, for instance, upgraded master cylinder, brake fluid, better pads etc ? Will only be used on the road.....probably........Thanks for any advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted March 7, 2022 Member Share Posted March 7, 2022 Welcome.Would you like any documentation... Assembly Guide, wiring diagrams... ?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Good pads are all that's needed on the front (eg. Mintex 11/55). Standard brakes are used on race cars up to 310R (152hp) and are plenty strong enough to lock the wheels.Presumably you've got drums on the back which I understand benefit from careful setup, but I don't know much about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy.Whizz Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Of course you can do the things you mentioned, I also think some track day driver instruction would be money well spent as you will be taught how to brake more smoothly and balanced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Is it De Dion or live axle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 I have over winter fitted the larger Master cyl and 4 pot calipers with vented discs. The cars only gone round the block a couple of times so pads not bedded yet. I can tell though the brakes are much better and well worth the upgrade. Bleeding is a bit problematic in so much as trapped air can be challenging to get rid of but tilting rear calipers and persistent bleeding resolves the issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 The AP master cylinder is a good upgrade though I'm not sure its a straight swap on the older cars, some of which have a 3 outlet master cylinder.My advice would be check the condition of what you have and fresh brake fluid. Any dubious looking parts then consider new discs, mintex pads, new Ital wheel cylinders and shoes.Tazio had his M/C refurbished on his crossflow and it came back looking like new.Re brake fluid I use Comma dot 4 from Halfords - check out the member benefits area to get you 10% halfords discount voucher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the offer. Once I understand the possibilities I'm sure I will but at this stage I really need the benefit of those that have been there and done that. I'll get back to you once I understand a little more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the info. When I raced my Porkers I usually ran with Pagid pads (I think). Does anyone have experience with them with Caterhams like mine ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the advice. I have done a course at Brands in the 70s and have pretty extensive racing experience from the 80s and 90s but obviously Caterhams are unique so I may well do some specialist training on a track. Any suggestions welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Yes, I should have mentioned it is a live axle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the info. Can you tell me who who used as a supplier ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Pagids are great for racing (though some find them a bit on/off) but the race compounds don't really work on the road as they don't tend to reach high enough temperatures. They're also not technically road legal, which could possibly cause problems with insurance if you have a claim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Interesting. I had no issues with running them on my 911s on the road. But perhaps Caterham are different. I'm happy to give it a go however as I really like them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 Ohhh 911s - there are quite a number of seven club members who also run Porsches. I have a 2003 996 C2 though there is much more exotic German machinery around ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 With Caterhams you have to be very aware of brake and tyre cooling on the front wheels. The problem is that the cooling from the air flow can be too efficient and at the end of a long straight you may have less braking than you think you will have, due to over cooling. Pads that need a lot of heating to work properly can be a problem. You also have to be careful for prolonged slow use behind slower cars during a yellow flag, it takes 2-3 times as much time to get the pads and tyres back to temperature again compared with heavier Porsches and BMWs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temple Cloud Posted March 7, 2022 Author Share Posted March 7, 2022 Thanks for the info. Interesting stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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