I'm Back...
Been off the list for about a year now and things are going to be slower
here for about a month so lets get started.
Update: I'm still working on the engine conversion of my '62 Sprite to the
Toyota 18RG (2.0L, dual cams and dual DCOE carbs). I had to rebuild the
engine because all the bearing were badly worn (but at least they were still
smooth) and in the process I had everything balanced, upped the compression
to 9.7:1, upgraded the carbs from 40mm to 44mm and added a TRD header. Best
guess is it'll be in the neighborhood of 165 HP easy. The tranny is also
Toyota and after I destroy the factory Sprite rear-end I'll be replacing it
with a Mazda.
I'm not sure if you've hashed these out lately, but here goes...
Q#1. I've decided to attempt the big brake conversion on my Sprite, which
I've already upgraded to the standard Spridget disk setup. I've heard that
all I need to do is get a set of Spitfire rotors, MGB calipers and the
hub-rotor offset spacer from Mini-Mania. But I've also heard that this
conversion it's that straight forward to do because there are issues with
the steering arm making contact with the spitfire rotor and the MGB caliper
not being centered over the rotor.
So, if what I've heard is true... how have you people handled these issues
or any others for that matter? Are the only solutions to bend the arm and
change the rotor offset?
Q#2. As I mentioned, I did convert my front brakes from drums to disk but
I'm still using the factory 7/8" bore master cylinder. I know that the
smaller MC bore will require less foot for the same braking... But is it
really noticeable?
Q#3. If I decide go with the MGB calipers should I also use the 3/4" MC? Are
the capacities different between the two types of calipers, Spridget & MGB?
Off-the-wall idea... Did I mention I'm running a Toyota Automatic tranny? I
hear you laughing! But seriously... Since I'm not obviously using my clutch
MC... Would it be practical to use one cylinder for the front brakes and the
other cylinder of the rear brakes? Other then linkage mods and new brake
lines... would the calipers and wheel cylinders hold up to twice as much
pressure per wheel? I figure it would only shorten my brake stroke and make
my brakes more reliable/safer since they would no longer be a single line
system. Has this been done before?
Any and all opinions are always welcome and appreciated.
Cheers,
-Drew from San Jose
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