Morris Minor Owners Club

I'm considering doing this, but is it worth the effort?

Yes, it is a straight swap of the complete hub assembly except on a Series MM / early Series 11 which has different brake drums and would require changing the swivel pins and front wheels.

Is the braking noticably better? I'm not expecting a huge amount of difference but I would quite like a little more than I have at the moment on my 7" brake drums.

You should noice an improvement in stopping power which does not mean hurtling in to a bend and slamming the anchors on.
I do have a photo from Northampton traffic cameras which showed that my 7 in brakes on my MM were slightly lacking in stopping power when I overshot a red light whilst towing my trailer. Actually the lights just changed at that "Do I, don't I moment" and I was still doing 15mph over the line.

YES - the 8 inch front drums are MUCH better. Go for it.
Of course - if you go for the 9" Wolseley drums - MUCH MUCH better!!

I went from the 7inch to 8 inch and the brakes work well, compared to a 'modern' car they require more effort at the pedal (as you no doubt know!) but they pull up nicely. I did the mod about 35 years ago! - and threw away all the original parts!

That's a big yes, then. I'll go for it.