Paul318UK Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hi,I have asked several questions and seen a few discussions about fitting princess calipers to spitfires and what combination of bits are needed.I have taken the plunge and can update you with some facts and what I have left to do.I have bought standard GT6 discs, they bolt directly onto the spit hub.I have bought HiSpec 4 pot ultralights, they bolt directly onto the spit uprights giving the correct radial position (pitch diameter).With EBC 'black stuff' new pads (best for 'cold' road use) the rear pad fits exactly, caliper pistons fully home.Unresolved bits:-I bought 12.7mm disc width calipers and I have yet to speak to hispec to check if I got sent the 10mm ones by mistake but currently there is not enough space to slide in the front shoe. This is not an alignement issue, the rear is perfect and the gap between pads fitted off car is only 9.6mm! So either black stuff are extra thick or I have the 10mm calipers. What I can say is that for the front calipers to slide in and everything be perfect 22mm is the correct caliper spacer dimension on 13mm wide gt6 discs.I have yet to buy hoses and get an exact size but I do know you will need shorter ones, probably 250mm as the connection is ouit the back rather than off the top of thew caliper,Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieB Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 You probably know this already but you'll want to change your master cylinder for a 0.7" or 0.75" bore one (a la GT6) otherwise you'll be locking the front wheels too easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 When I bought pads from HiSpec they told me that the EBC ones are usually wayyy too thick to start with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul318UK Posted August 28, 2007 Author Share Posted August 28, 2007 jcarruthers wrote:When I bought pads from HiSpec they told me that the EBC ones are usually wayyy too thick to start with.Yes I have since spoken to Hispec. Whilst the pads are thick this actually helps me every other way as it gives the correct rear spacing to disc from mount. It may be when using thinner pads that people use the GT6 upright?Hispec are going to machine me some 22mm spacers (not 22mm disc ones as these are 22 +1.5 +1.5 (25mm). This will give perfect spacing to centre the 13mm GT6 disc using Spit uprights.I can confirm that 12" hoses are the correct length when using a 90deg banjo fitting on the caliper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andythefat Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 It'd be interesting to hear how you get on, with regard to brake performance and 'feel'. The HiSpec calipers look pretty good value compared to getting the originals refurbished. I'm unclear about the best option regarding master cylinder bore size and or the use of a servo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2litre-e Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 not as pretty though 8) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul318UK Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 I will put up a picture later today now I have the spacers and can fit them.Servo isn't an option, dual line! I am leaving the master cylinder alone as any change has no affect on brake distribution.Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardbounds Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Slightly off-topic, but what do people think about Spitfire vs GT6 uprights? Is there much advantage in swapping from Spitfire uprights to the GT6 ones apart from the ability to fit the type 16 calipers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard B Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 The GT6 Vertical link takes the GT6 stub axle and hub. Therefore it uses bigger wheel bearings. Usefull with wide wheels and used/abused cars.Unless someone says "Ah but you can fit GT6 stub axles to Spitfire vertical links" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 But remember that the TR6 uses Herald/Spitfire sized bearings - so they can't be that bad as the wheels are bigger, front end a 6 pot and much heavier! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Take a look at these new front suspension bits http://www.canleyclassics.com/products.asp?article=catkit3.xml most definately meaty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul318UK Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 Pictures as promised, as I said, Spit hub, Spit Upright, GT6 Disc, Hispec Ultralite with 'special' 22mm spacer:- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Nice:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Having felt the weight of those Hi Specs, I often wonder how do alloy calipers fair after a few years use? Can they be strong/stiff enough?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2litre-e Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 just throw them away and buy a new pair, cheapskate. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul318UK Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 The calipers have a thick anodise finish so they shouldn't oxidise I hope. They should be stiff enough as they won't see the forces most servo applications will put them under.I am hoping I am OK with the GAZ as I am intending to stay close to standard ride hieght and I have put on 300lbs 10.5" springs with a 6mm spacer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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