The Italian connection 3522r

[GavinT]

Piston diameter is 34mm.  The calipers are available from any number of car parts suppliers in Europe, e.g.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/brake-calipers-10907/fiat/panda/panda-169/1498-1-3-d-multijet-4x4?criteria%5B100%5D=HL

Does anybody know how that will affect brake balance, assuming stock front brakes?

Thanks, Gideon.

If I recall, Richard H mentions using 34mm Renault Scenic callipers for his conversion.
Richard H also constructed a spreadsheet for calculating rear brake options.

Here's Richard's thread.

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=3369.msg34994#msg34994

[Lou Drozdowski]

Test fitting with dummy caliper mounting bracket...

[Chuck Nukem]

Nicely done! I am discovering for myself the amazing lack of space between the rotor, hub, and wheel in the rear. It is a game of 3D chess!

[BDA]

A good reason to go to 15" wheels!

[Lou Drozdowski]

As promised, Vic emailed a couple of pictures

The wooden mock up caliper mounting bracket has been transformed into denser material on the periodic table. He had to adjust the existing hand brake cable and fabricate a capture clevis for the Panda lever.

The fitting for the left side is now complete, plumbing for the brake hose/pipe fitting is in progress with a new securing tab to the radius arm.   

[EuropaTC]

Piston diameter is 34mm.  The calipers are available from any number of car parts suppliers in Europe, e.g.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/brake-calipers-10907/fiat/panda/panda-169/1498-1-3-d-multijet-4x4?criteria%5B100%5D=HL

Does anybody know how that will affect brake balance, assuming stock front brakes?

With 232mm front discs, standard calipers and assuming a 240mm rear disc then it's a good match. From my sums (albeit with some assumptions) brake lock should be with the fronts going just before the rears, about right.   Even if the rear disc is smaller than 240mm it's a good move.

43mm seems a lot for standard front brakes although it depends what the disc diameter is. I put the sums into my spreadsheet and that had the rears locking first which either means there's some wrong assumptions in my data (always likely ! ),  you need some F/R balance  or you need to modify the front as well with that set-up.

Brian

[Lou Drozdowski]

All the rear disc conversion parts have been fitted.
Spoke to Vic this morning, the next step is to bleed the system.
I asked him to send me a few pictures of parts required to complete the modification.

[BDA]

Very good!

I'm glad he got the "Europa Special" badge. A lot of people forget that! 

[Bainford]

Nicely done. Looks like a tidy package.

[Lou Drozdowski]

Hurry up Steed...Emma is in trouble!

[Lou Drozdowski]

All systems go!

Rear disc conversion done...a test hop today confirmed improved stability and modulation. Pedal feel could be a little better, Vic senses there still might be traces of air and will drop the front cover to re bleed the master. The hand brake is perfect.

Got these pics today...country side valley views with a snow capped Mt. Catria as a stunning backdrop.

[BDA]

Great report! A very worthwhile mod, especially for mountain drives!

[Lou Drozdowski]

Vic's going a little retro for those special outings...
Signature tribute to all those Lotus race cars with red leather. Luisi Sharav 310mm

 

[BDA]

Nice wheel! Really small!

[Bainford]

Looking good, Lou. Nice work on the brake conversion, and glad to hear of improved performance.

I like the red leather wheel, too. I was looking at the Springall red leather steering wheels earlier this year. Not cheap, but I nearly pulled the trigger. Maybe when this year's bonus comes in...