Technical discussions for the Triumph Spitfire Mk I-IV, 1500 and GT6
Okay guys, I've tried the search option and the library and found nothing. I have a 75 Spitfire and am putting on GT6 front brakes. I have the uprights, spindles, rotors, calipers, etc. that came with the box full of goodies when I got the car. Are there any tips or "surprises" that I should know about?
David,
Take a look at the calipers. First, make sure you have a matched left/right pair. Then look closely and see if there is cast into each caliper "16P". If so, then you have early TR6/GT6 calipers. If you have "16PB" then they are late (1973-on) TR6 calipers. The big (and, to my knowledge, only) difference is that the "PB" uses metric bolts to mount them.
You will need new metal brake lines, which will come rolled into a coil that you will have to form to the proper shapes. You can use the Spit master cylinder with no problems. That's how my Spit-6 is set up.
I HIGHLY suggest that, since you are starting from scratch, that you switch over to silicone brake fluid, only to avoid brake fluid damage to your paint when it invariably leaks or spills.
Best of luck.
-Bob
How much of a difference do the GT6 front brakes make? The parts came with the car, but I still need rotors, caliper kits, and pads. The brakes that came off the car are fine. I just want to make sure it's worth the hassle and expense.
David,
The whole point of larger brakes on the GT was to compensate for the heft of the 6-cylinder engine up front. If your Spitfire brake work, well... Don't fix 'em.
-Bob
