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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Rear disc conversion bracket

Hi, in Roger Parker's conversion article he shows an 'anodised alloy rear disc brake caliper adapter'. Does anyone now where these can be purchased?
Thank you,
Buddy
Buddy

Hi,

Try this website www.theautoist.com they have an article on installing Saab rear disc brakes on an MGB. Go to v8 specifications - final listing of components. you will find 1985 Saab rear disc brakes.I may do this myself in the future. Irritates me to have to crawl under the car to adjust the back brakes when they wear a little and the brake pedal developes additional travel. Too bad this little car does not have self adjusting rear brakes, you know the kind where when you back up and step on the brake pedal the brakes automatically adjust to optimum setting.... must be an American thing...hmmm....

Alan
Alan

Thanks a lot! There's much info at this website. I appreciate your response.
Buddy
Buddy

The last I looked, Tony hadn't figured out a parking brake for that setup as of yet.... That definitely leaves a BIG hole in the system. I wouldn't install disc brakes at the expense of loosing my parking brake. I happen to like it.

Maybe Tony has an update on the situation he could share with all of us?

Justin
Justin

Allan
"Go to v8 specifications - final listing of components. you will find 1985 Saab rear disc brakes."
I was unable to find the specified artical. Would to be able to provide me with more details to find it?

Thanks

Bruc
Bruce

Guys...its Tony (theAutoist)...I'm working out the bugs for the parking brake using Alabama's rules (separate from the other 2 systems so if 1 of them fails it still works)....brackets are finalized as is rotor assembly..real trick is a caliper that's pretty much balanced with front...as I'm using Rover SD-1 4-pot front calipell also use a brake proportioning valve....more to come on my web site in a few weeks as the park brake works itself out...I wouldn't market until I've worked thaheck, won't even put mine on road without it)..
anthony barnhill

Anthony,

Which back axle are you using ?

My SD1 axle is in pieces at the moment, and I am looking at a disk conversion with Terry Brown, our local SD1 expert, he reckons it's a comparatively easy one, and that the MG handbrake mechanism can be made to fit.

Mike
Michael barnfather

I'm using the MGC rear axle...will end up using the MGB hand brake..its just a matter of connecting at the wheel end...you can see photos/discourse of/on my setup at
<http://www.theautoist.com/saab_disc_brakes.htm>
hope that link works...I am changing a few things as the Saab calipers are what negated my hand brake operation...but, the Saab rotors are almost a perfect fit on the MGB/GC rear end!
anthony barnhill

oops, sorry......try this:

http://www.theautoist.com/saab_disc_brakes.htm
anthony barnhill

Now, if I could just get my hands on a pair of SD-1 rear calipers with the hand brake assembly built in I could solve my hand brake issue if the bracketry was as simple as for the Saab rotor....

...Michael....hint...hint...hint
anthony barnhill

Anthony,

The SD1 axle has drums which are difficult to adjust, that's why I'm looking at disks. Actually there's not much wrong with them, but as the axle is in pieces it's started me off. I don't know what Terry is considering putting on, I suspect it will be Rover parts, as he'se a Rover dismantler, did you use Saab disks because the stud spacing is the same as the MG ?

The axle's in parts incidentally because the half shaft splines are showing signs of twisting, a firm called Strange on your side of the pond is going to make me some STRONG ones.....


Mike
Michael barnfather


1985 to 1987 Fiero rear calipers, the rear bracket is simple to make. They are also light since they are made of Aluminum and have the hand brake built in to the caliper.
Also several Japanese cars have very nice calipers that can be use in the rear axle of the B.
Bill

Michael - yes, I decided on Saab discs because of the bolt pattern & height...all I had to do was drill a couple of new holes to set screw them to the hub....oh, I didn't know the SD-1 was drum brakes on the rear - learn something new every day!

Bill....funny you should mention Fiero calipers...after all, I am 'Mr. Fiero seats'1 That's one of the items I'm looking at...the bracketry isn't as simple as the bracketry for the Saab calipers but the hand brake might work with the MG cable assembly...&, they're small enough...stay tuned as we finish our prototype work...have you solved the problem already?
anthony barnhill

mga twin cams had rear disc brakes as standard so you could always use that set up instead of going jap or swede.
TJ

TJ,

That sounds too easy!!!!!!

I wonder if the parts are still available, my next stop is the MGA threads.

Mike
Michael barnfather

Tony, did it a few years ago on a 70 GT, The end cables from the Fiero are use and attached to the main cable from the B hand brake via cross clamps or fabricated brackets? The Fiero caliper bracket is use and another piece welded to it to bolt to the rear axle. If my memory serves me right that is the way it was done.

I found to be simpler and cheaper to use a GM axle with rear disc from a Camaro or firebird and shorten to wire wheel dimensions, there is a vast choice of gear axles for this axle.
On my personal project 68 GT I am using such axle with 3:23 ratio LSD differential 5-bolt pattern (different choices of wheels) etc. Welded the stock MG spring pads so there is a bolt on. Cost? Shorten axle tubes and Morse axles $400 Now you can go crazy with brakes Brembo etc.
At front a set of 69/70 Z28 Camaro 11" rotors with Wilwood calipers Dyna light II or the stock GM brakes with Ceramic pads and the booster from a Fiero and the stock Camaro MC I think I may have to change the ratio on the pedal, I will find out when the time comes, I have not done much on this car in a year. Other projects take precedence.


Bill Guzman

This thread was discussed between 09/02/2003 and 12/02/2003

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

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