Morris Minor Owners Club

How far should one go in respect of replacing the brake system, fitting a new master cylinder- bigger bore and brake pipes as already have these.

how far should you go with drums and pads and should you change 7s to 8s etc, question of budget and economics against, performance and reliability .

thanks tim

Definitely go for a set of 8" front drums - MUCH better. Of course - the 9" drums from a Wolseley 1500 are better again....the regulars on here are just waiting for that comment....

How far should one go in respect of replacing the brake system, fitting a new master cylinder- bigger bore and brake pipes as already have these.

The 8 inch brakes were introduced together with a smaller bore master cylinder.

Going bigger doesn't seem to be an advantage to me (heavier pedal pressure required for the same braking effort).

It is definitely a good idea to upgrade the brakes though.

Don

They are much better brakes as far as fade is concerned - both sets will of course lock the wheels in a panic stop - the 8 " ones though will do it several times before fading away. Ideally the master cylinder should be changed - but I think the pedal pressure will not be unacceptable..certainly worth trying. My 9" brakes are if anything too light on the pedal!

when I changed mine to 8" the pedal was a bit harder,but not noticible after a while,just didn't want the expence and effort to change a good old master for a new one,if it ever fails then thats when i'll change it.

the reason for using a master cylinder with bigger bore is because that is what I have already had in spares if there is no great difference then i will still use it.

do we know when the size of M/C was changed?

Around 1963 -when the larger brakes were brought in!

I have a '62 4 door which has had 8" fronts fitted but obviously still have the small bore. What is the difference between the small bore & bigger bore m/cylinders. Is it pedal pressure.

Just feels that you need a bit more effort,but not so much that it deserves changing a good one,just do it if the old one fails,unless expence and time is not an issue.If you have a small bore then thats ok.

Have to press quite hard at the moment but probably wouldn't lock up.
Which is the post '63 13/16" or 7/8"

The smaller bore (13/16) MC is the later one.

The smaller the master and larger the slaves, the lower the pedal pressure, and vice-versa.

Don

Matched by longer pedal travel too.....