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MG MGA - 1500 Master Cyl in a 1600

Now that I am putting my car back together I have several questions.
I have two rebuilt master cylinders and both are for a 1500.
My question is: what will happen if I use a 1500 Master Cylinder in a 1600 car with disc brakes up front? I know there is a difference, but what will be the outcome, longer stopping distance?
Cleve

The 1500 master is the same bore (piston) size as the 1600. So no difference in the operation of the brakes. The 1600 has a larger reservoir and while the 1500 will work functionally, you should keep a diligent watch on the fluid level as the brake pads wear. I believe Barney also supports this information.
James Johanski

Cleve;;
If you have the top cover from the 1600 you can install it with a new gasket and all will be well.
Sandy
Sandy Sanders

Great news! I was afraid they wouldn't interchange. Now I know I have an extra!
Cleve

The master cylinders are identical except for the cover. MG simply used a taller cover to increase the size of the resevoir. The taller cover is an upgrade for any system. With the flat (1500) cover you must be more dilligent in checking the fluid. No real problem either way.
R J Brown

There's a much bigger safety margin with the 1600 top cover if you can find one. If you use Si fluid you will never need the second cylinder, so I'd suggest selling it and using the money to make sure that all other brake parts are in top condition or even new.
dominic clancy

Get the top hat, it took me 10 years to solve my fluid weeping problems with the top hat on all was resolved
Martyn
Martyn Dunn

If you have fluid weeping, you have a problem. I just changed all the seals and hoses on brakes and clutch. It's not difficult (OK seized front calipers can be a bit tricky) and doesn't take long. You also get to check all the pads, shoes, discs etc. giving peace of mind.
Neil McGurk

Good advice! I have a 1600 cover that came off my 1600 car. The two extra 1500 m/c I have are extras, so I will use one of them and put the 1600 cover on it.

Also, I am replacing everything, including the lines. I was considering geting the MGB caliper mod, but I don't know what everyone else thinks about them. Is it worthwhile, or should I stick with rebuilding the MGA calipers?
Cleve

There is no reason to swap A disc brakes to B disc brakes unless parts availability is the problem. They are so similar they use the same caliper rebuild kit. The only reason is to put disc on a 1500 with drum brakes.
R J Brown

If you are going to use an under sized spare, and you get a flat on the rear, it would be a good idea to put the undersized tire on the front, and swap one full size tire from the front to the rear to avoid unnecessary wear on the differential. It is more critical if you have a limited slip diff, but it is still a good idea with a standard open differential.
Del Rawlins

Argh. I just realized after hitting "submit" that I posted my comment in the wrong thread.
Del Rawlins

This thread was discussed between 18/06/2007 and 21/06/2007

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