Hi All,
I am in the process of full brake rebuild on Mk2 Escort, just wondering if anyone has fitted a brake master cylinder with out a brake booster? I have questions about this.
1, what master cylinder inc bore size should be used if you are not going to run a booster.
2, If you use a tandem master cylinder (not twin master cylinders) is it legal and road worthy in Victoria
3, If you use twin master cylinder pedal box style is that legal in Victoria
4, what would be best bolted direct to firewall or mounted to pedal box
 
I figure I have to rebuild everything anyway so might as well see if I can improve on the original. Any information or input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
 
kaoscooper
 
 

Hey mate,

Just played this game myself recently. From the research I did, there seemed to be 3 main options.

Dual master cylinder bolted to the firewall. I tried this option, bought a master cylinder (will have to check sizes) to suit a Datsun 1600 and had conversion plates made up to suit. If you are interested in this, I have unused parts that I can help you with.

Pedal box assembly. This is what I did with a Paul Dunstan modified standard escort pedal box. Dual masters with a balance bar. Fits, works well, very happy with pedal feel, drive ability etc. Also have the option to go hydraulic on my clutch which is a good option for the future

Final option would be incorporating a remote brake booster. Also bought one of these but only as I was told I couldn't get the car engineered without it. This proved incorrect so that is also sitting unused in storage.

Sizing of the masters depends on front/rear caliper size. Paul Dunstan also has a conversion kit to install Nissan r31 Skyline rear calipers and ditch the OEM drum brakes. Great idea and worth doing if you are doing the rest.
Definitely worth getting an engineer on side before you start but seems to be a few guys in Vic. I am in QLD so can't help with names.

Many people use a non boosted Datsun 120y master cylinder(new on eBay $110) with a 180b or 200b adapter, this works well on std brake setup . If running disks rear, a bias tap plumbed in the rear line under the bonnet is legally allowed ,this stop the rears from locking up first . My mk2 van is going to use a KC ford laser master cylinder, will see how that goes when i get there. ..

Thanks for responding, What was the pedal feel like? did your Escort stop will or did you need to really stand on the pedal to make it stop?.
 
Thanks
 
kaoscooper

Thanks for the correction Marty. Datsun 120Y 👍

As for the drive ability with out the booster, I am very happy with the way it feels. With uprated front calipers/rotors and a rear disc conversion the cars stopping is very capable.

Hi guys, I’m looking at removing my Mk2 Tower Booster and Master Cylinder in my Mk1 Escort as it takes up a lot of room and not great for decent Extractors on a Pinto. I purchased the Datsun 120y setup and was content with running with a booster but I’ve just stumbled across this:
http://www.maddat.com.au/...booster-and-master-kit
The Booster can be purchased separately and mated to the Master or complete as a kit.
Anyone tried this?

i got measurements for the booster and from what i could see, was going to be too big to fit hard up on the firewall.
the drivers strut tower doesnt leave enough room...
Happy to be proven wrong but would be checking the numbers pretty closely before spending some coin...

There is about 50mm between the pedalbox bolt and inter wing, so unless the pedalbox is moved more centrally I doubt a firewall mount will be achievable... Do as much measuring as you can.. Edit, or can cut and weld a notch in the inner wing so it'll fit.
Considered using a VH44 remote vacuum booster .. It can be mounted under the front guard etc, tho only go booster if the pedal seems to solid for your liking...😎

Guys, I am in the process of fitting a datsun m/c to my Escort. I notice no one has commented on the fact that the datsun uses a metric double flare pipe fitting and the Escort uses a bubble flare. Take care, rgds Gyro. 

Most of us enthusiasts have brake flaring tools in the toolbox so no stress !!