Hi Folks, I purchased an MK Indy a few months ago, however the brakes aren't very good (I believe they are just Sierra Hubs) - what would be a recommend brake upgrade? (Car is currently sitting on 15" alloys)

thanks

[Edited on 22/7/13 by p2ccolo]

A little more information on the brakes would be good, i.e. discs front rear drums or discs etc.

Why not post a couple of pics, just to show exactly what you've got on your front wheels?

Also measure the diameter of the discs.

Sierra rear discs are all the same size (as far as I know).

The fronts come in 3 sizes (as std):-

240mm fronts with Drum rears
260mm (Sierra 4x4 and some later models) and disc rears.
280mm (or possibly 300mm) from the Cosworth.

I would go with the 260mm ones as a minimum.
I believe the Cosworth ones require Sierra Cosworth hubs.
You need the correct calipers for the discs you end up using, as the calipers are different too.

If you have 240mm fronts AND rear discs the set up will be very unballanced - I know I failed SVA twice with that setup.
I changed to 260mm fronts and the problems all went away (All sierra 4x4 setup - which works well).

I did see a mod using some 300mm discs, and a bracket to offset the calipers.

Have a look here:-

Linky

There are several options, but whatever you do make sure your front to rear braking ballance is correct or the car will become unstable on braking. You dont want to have an accident due to it being unstable on braking, ie when you need the most stability!.
ie it might need work on the rears and then setting up as a whole system. Its important to get it right.

Just my 2d's worth.

I've got 240mm disc / drum set up and can't fault the brakes. After all they were capable of stopping a Sierra so have no issues whatsoever with 550kg of MK.

The only mod to mine [other than all new components at the front] is a 19mm master cylinder and EBC yellowstuff pads.

Stu

Has it got twin master cylinders/balance bar set-up or a single tandem master?

If it's still got the original Sierra master (sized for a servo) then it would probably benefit from a fmaller diameter one. Non-servo Fiesta is a commonly used one or non-servo Fiat is also used by some.

Crystal ball says it likely to be is a Sierra master cylinder which is designed for use with a servo ie is not suitable for use without a servo especially with the restricted pedal leverage in an MK ............ first step is junk it and fit a smaller bore cylinder from an early Fiesta or early VW Polo or Fiat, this will reduce the pedal effort to slow the car by about 25%
material.
The next step is to consider a change in the brake pad material.

[Edited on 22/7/13 by britishtrident]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the replies. The cars in the garage at the minute getting MOT'd but will try take some pictures and measurements if I get it back tomorrow. I'm not really too sure what the setup is thats on there (I've not had it long and am not mechanical in any way which doesn't help)