JohnCh Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 I replaced both master cylinders today. The clutch MC had developed a slow leak which revealed itself a few weeks ago when visiting Bruce Beachman's shop (I suspect the Westfield was punishing me). Whereas the AP Racing brake MC was a planned upgrade. This is the same MC used by Caterham in the R-spec cars, but with slight differences to the lugs to allow more clearance in the Westfield installation. Compared to the stock Girling MC, the AP has a much beefier case, slightly bigger bores 60/40 split vs. 50/50 and each MC is individually shimmed to remove all slack. What a difference! Firmer pedal and much easier to modulate. Highly recommended! -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman1 Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 John, Hope all is well. Would you recommend AP brake & clutch masters for the 1979 I am putting together (a Lotus for Lars). The front brakes are GT-6 and the rears are a Sierra Cosworth disc kit from Motorsport tools. I have 3/16 brake lines and an adjustable proportioning valve. Cross flow is to be approx 140 HP. Trans is Pinto 4sp, that I am going to have built into a "rocket box" w/quaife gears. I am thinking hydraulic clutch is the way to go. Is there a throw out bearing set up you would recommend for this? Part #'s and preferred USA 7's suppliers would be great if you have them? Have a Happy and Safe New Years, Vin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted December 29, 2021 Author Share Posted December 29, 2021 I'm afraid I can't be too much help. That specific AP brake MC works very well in my setup, which has the same rear calipers you mention above, but the fronts are different and may not share the same piston size as the GT6 calipers. For reference, my front calipers are alloy 4-pots with 1.5" diameter pistons and were designed as a direct replacement for the M16 calipers. If you do opt for the AP, keep in mind this is not the standard Caterham MC, but rather the upgraded part that is included in the R-pack models and may be a little tough to find. As for a hydraulic clutch, my bellhousing was designed to work with a concentric slave cylinder. Someone here may have experience converting a Caterham from that era to hydraulic setup and can steer you towards a known solution. Best to start a new thread on that topic to ensure people see it. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman1 Posted December 30, 2021 Share Posted December 30, 2021 John, Thanks for the inputs. Will do and post what I find out. Cheers, Vin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 On 5/29/2021 at 5:40 PM, JohnCh said: .... when visiting Bruce Beachman's shop...-John My own take-away from this topic is that I would LOVE to visit Bruce's shop. He has helped me lots, and I'd love to get there, but as we are at opposite corners of the country, it isn't very likely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Westfield Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Vin I've never seen a pinto 4 speed, but I have bolted a type 9 to a pinto bellhousing, so I assume they're similar. Pinto bellhousings are weird-they rotate the box a few degrees, but it goes together Burton has a concentric setup I am going to use-- APC5 with bellhousing BH3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman1 Posted January 2, 2022 Share Posted January 2, 2022 Thanks for the input on the trans. I figured I would want a lighter weight bell housing, so will source that. Need to get the box built with the Quaife gearset. Hoping someone in the Northeast can do it. Have found some that just want a core. Cheers, Vin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Westfield Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 forgot to mention...the BH3 takes a Lucas bolt pattern starter, not the "pinto" style Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman1 Posted January 3, 2022 Share Posted January 3, 2022 Will keep that in mind, thx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosteri Posted August 8, 2022 Share Posted August 8, 2022 (edited) On 5/30/2021 at 12:40 AM, JohnCh said: I replaced both master cylinders today. The clutch MC had developed a slow leak which revealed itself a few weeks ago when visiting Bruce Beachman's shop (I suspect the Westfield was punishing me). Whereas the AP Racing brake MC was a planned upgrade. This is the same MC used by Caterham in the R-spec cars, but with slight differences to the lugs to allow more clearance in the Westfield installation. Compared to the stock Girling MC, the AP has a much beefier case, slightly bigger bores 60/40 split vs. 50/50 and each MC is individually shimmed to remove all slack. What a difference! Firmer pedal and much easier to modulate. Highly recommended! -John John, where did you get the info on the 60/40 split on the uprated AP Master? And are you referring to fluid output or a bore difference? My refurbished standard Girling started leaking at the base of the fluid container and I don’t think the plastic will survive another removal, so I’m figuring out what my options are. Edited August 8, 2022 by Rosteri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted August 8, 2022 Author Share Posted August 8, 2022 60/40 split is what was widely stated about that MC in Westfield circles, but AP later confirmed to Westfield Parts Dept and a few others that it's actually a 50/50 split. The bore size is 13/16" and the information about shimming comes from AP's site. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosteri Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 Ok, thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSXguy Posted August 10, 2022 Share Posted August 10, 2022 This is the brake master on my 84 cat. Got a rebuilt kit from the UK and just now realized it’s still leaking a little. Very much interested in replacement at this point… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MV8 Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 I don't think anybody is still making the original reservoir design which I believe is identical to the late mgb original reservoir. I think the replacement master square reservoir from a late mgb would fit the Caterham master (res PN 6505-06041911) and the price should be around $15. I'd probably replumb to fit the 13/16" bore AP replacement from Caterham or use a standard spitfire master. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinman1 Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 NSXGuy, This is the AP I got from Caterham on my 79 Seven. All seems good, but I have not driven the car yet (still waiting on Engine). I did fit a clutch m/s next to it, with no problem, as the bowl landed right at the narrow part of the brake m/s. V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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