The recent post by Con on vented disks has me pondering what to do with my brakes.  I currently have widened M16 calipers (i.e. the standard Ford issued ones) over Capri vented disks, and so the back of the disc runs very close to the steering arm.  As the calipers could use rebuilding, I'm thinking instead of laying my cash down on some 4 pots instead.  I therefore have a choice of keeping the vented discs, or going back to the original, thinner solids.
 
In favour of solids is that they are lighter and don't mess with the steering arm.  Being narrower, the caliper in this instance would be marginally lighter too.  On the other hand, the vented ones are already installed and would run cooler if used hard.  The latter point is of little value seeing it is a road car and hence unlikely to be pushed much.  Calipers cost the same regardless, and as I have both types of discs already, the whole exercise is cost neutral.
 
Opinions on which way to go, as well as any other considerations welcomed.

Why go backwards with solids... You will regret it when they get a bit of heat in them...

If you're not going to push it much, why bother changing to 4 pots?

By pushing it I meant frequent hard stopping such that the extra mass and cooling efficiency of the vented disks are truly beneficial.  As I won't be racing I wondered whether the hassles arising from the vented discs were really worth it (i.e. steering arm too close and potential hub fouling like my M16s did).  As well as being new and again much lighter, I'm assuming the 4 pots would perform better should I need to stop suddenly.  If I'm mistaken on this point though, do chime in and set me straight, as I could divert the money for calipers elsewhere.

Caliper weigh is only important if your trying to lower the unsprung mass of the front legs.
What brake pads are you currently using?

I agree with Fordsy, if the current brakes do the job than 4 pots may be overkill.
 
If you have a few track days on the horizon then just get some better pads and the difference will amaze you.
 
Good Luck
 
Matt

fordsy

Caliper weigh is only important if your trying to lower the unsprung mass of the front legs.
What brake pads are you currently using?

 
Right.  Even though that is not the primary goal, I figure lowering that weight is good even for a road car.  I'm even thinking of keeping 13" wheels for that reason (and to save money), although getting decent tyres is a royal pain.  Pads are Mintex something or others (for fast street use) from long ago.

If it were me, i'd go for a good quality set of brake pads first. If that doesn't provide enough stop and provided you run decent enough tyres, then look at 4 pots etc.

Matt75

I agree with Fordsy, if the current brakes do the job than 4 pots may be overkill.

If you have a few track days on the horizon then just get some better pads and the difference will amaze you.

Good Luck

Matt

 
The change would be akin to putting Princess calipers on the car like they did in days of old, which by all accounts is a decent upgrade.  The pistons are the right size not to upset the brake balance with the stock drums, which I'd be keeping.
 
Perhaps I should have mentioned that the car isn't currently running because the brakes need overhauling, hence my seeking opinions on where to direct my expenditure.  The original brakes do the job of course (when working that is), but they don't haul the car down like a modern brake system does, and traffic these days is much heavier and drivers arguably more aggressive at times.
 
Thanks for the opinions - keep 'em coming!
 
 

Ok. You're up for some expenditure no matter which way you go. How much are you willing to spend on brakes? That'll determine whether you get a set of volvo calipers from the wreckers to modify and overhaul or chat to Paul D and get a Mazda kit or purchase something new like a set of Wilwoods or mortgage the house and get some AP calipers or Alcons or Brembos.