So, is anyone happy with standard brakes?

[stu.gtx]

Even now I get a bit of a shock how poor the brakes feel when I haven't driven the rocco for a while but this is when comparing it to a modern car. Once you get used to the fact that you have to press the pedal a bit harder the brakes should be adequate providing the components are in good condition, fluid's fresh and you have decent discs + pads.

[Dutch GT]

I think if it were my car, I would definitely go bigger, but that would need bigger wheels (not that that would bother me) and perhaps subtle suspension drop to make it worth the while, but my Mrs (who's car it is) won't be happy spending all that just yet. Maybe if she continues to love it which I hope she does, I can persuade her a little next time around, but for now, it is about keeping things within a budget.

CHAPS - loving that wide kit, proper 80's stuff that kind of went out of fashion looks better than ever now !

[Junglist]

The cross link flex is the main problem (the brakes are ok on LHD scirocs). Master cylinder upgrade shortens the throw of the pedal for more instant brake response. Of course any other upgrades will improve braking to some extent too - bigger discs, 16v (2 pot?) calipers, braided hoses, bigger servo, discs on rear, etc, etc. Pagid are the best pads/shoes for the money from what I can gather. Mintex not as good as they used to be.

[Rob88]

Nothing wrong with standard brakes as long as they are maintained correctly.Unless you throw loads of money at them by changing the whole set up, they will never match the brakes of a modern car.It's part of the joys of owning an older car.

[ash-lough]

When I first got mine I had to wait 2 months before I could drive it, having only gone up and down our lane in it I was sure that an upgrade was required.

However after a couple of days on the road, I got used to the brakes and learnt to deal with them just fine. You soon realise the limits of the brakes and drive to accomodate that.

Ash

[Funky Diver]

In short... no.

280mm upgrade all the way for me... along with the bigger servo-doofer... and just for the sake of it... disc rears.

[Junglist]

I think if you do the work yourself, you can achieve something as good as modern brakes with the exception of ABS for under £200. 16v golf gti rear axle with discs on can be found for 50 to 100 quid, front big brake setup with servo and master upgrade thrown in for around £100, braided hoses for £30 to £40. About a full day's work if you know what you're doing. Maybe 2 days at the most. The difference should be huge. Just make sure that the cross-link's as it should be since that's where most of the problems stem from.

[Turbogirlie]

You could try replacing the flexi hoses with braided brake hoses if it hasn't been done - you'll maintain better braking efficiency with braided hoses. Did this on my GTX - 200% improvement. Still got drums/shoes on the rear & standard discs/pads on the front.

[Beddo88]

Mine are reasonable, although it is really quite difficult to lock the wheels up. Completely standard setup.

Reall noticed the difference when i went to do a skid pan course, the modern car they had had solid brakes, kept stamping on them and scaring the crap out of everyone in the car :D

Out of interest what is the best way to overhaul the brake linkage?

[Dutch GT]

When I first got mine I had to wait 2 months before I could drive it, having only gone up and down our lane in it I was sure that an upgrade was required.

However after a couple of days on the road, I got used to the brakes and learnt to deal with them just fine. You soon realise the limits of the brakes and drive to accomodate that.

Ash

Thats how we feel at the moment!! It was raining when I drove it the 2nd time, and that's the only time I managed to lock the wheels (on an empty road at 35mph)... it kind of slows down a bit then locks up and wobbles all over the place. In the dry, it just slows down a bit... then a bit more... not really confidence inspiring! We are back from hols now so will take her out and try to 'get used to it' then work out which route to take.

Going to research that cross link now!

[Jay4424]

rover 218IS vented disks, Volvo 440? 4 pot capipers, 16v/v servo, G60 rears in thier entirity, new lines, pins and bushes thoughly checked ... my brakes sorted!

[Chaps]

CHAPS - loving that wide kit, proper 80's stuff that kind of went out of fashion looks better than ever now !

Why thank you sir..