I know we're always salivating at the thought of AP, Brembo, etc. upgrades for our Scoobies, but I just wondered if anyone has any experience with the brakes made by Kent Auto Developments:

 

Looks intriguing!

I would hazard a guess that no-one on here has tried their application - type E looks about right, suitable for saloons up to 1500kg and 400-odd quid per pair!

Hmm...

 

Spider
I had a pair of there 4 pot calipers for a Mini some time ago, the quality of the product is quite simply awesome, however, I couldn't say what the performance would be like on a scooby, it all depends on piston size and pad options etc.
Ron

 

Certainly look good, but are they suitable for ROAD application? ie, sealed pistons, durable finish etc?

If not specified for road use, they will cause problems when covered in cack and salt from road driving. Unless you're prepared to strip and clean them every day...

Richard.

 

I've mailed 'em and will let you know. This really does look interesting, especially combined with bigger discs/etc, perhaps from Ian Godney? Though I daresay KAD could source them...

 

We have supplied these calipers with our discs to a couple of customers , they are very well made , the biggest disc they will take is a 325mmx 28mm , The pads used in them are the AP pads , as the KAD calipers have been made for them , The biggest caliper they make for the 325mm disc is a one piece caliper not two halfs joined together , The only thig I dont like about them is the dust seal and the piston seal is fitted to the piston , so when the piston is inthe caliper all the way the dust seal sits down in the bore so muck can get in there , if the bore gets damaged it will not hold its seal , if you have the seal in the caliper body it doesn't matter if you have any small scores in the bore because the pistons hold the seals , if the pistons get damaged it's a lot cheaper relacing pistons than caliper , hope this helps , Ian

 

Ian, how did I know that if there was a cost effective brake solution around you'd have tried it...

Is there a way of providing a dust seal externally to the bore using some flexible rubber seal/grommet at all?

What sort of performance did you get from these? Better than 4 pots? Pedal feel OK, or has the increased piston size meant further pedal travel?

I'd guess that a kit from you would be about a grand with discs and pads?

Cheers again,

Nick.

 

A kit with 2 calipers, 2 mountings, 2x330mm discs, 2xmounting bells anodised blue, 2x braided steel hoses with banjo bolts and copper washers, 10x longer wheel studs, DS2000 or M1144 pads, 500ml Dot 5.1, and all fittings, is 1275 + VAT from KAD.


[This message has been edited by chiark (edited 25 July 2001).]

 

Blimey, what a great response!

Thanks for doing all the work for me Nick!

I suppose the only black shadow is the seals, as mentioned by Ian.

Now, who fancies being a guinea pig for £1500? Hmmm...

Steve

 

One thing that I would say is that the pistons look a tad small.

If you look at the thread "338mm brembo big brakes" or something like that, you'll see Pete C mentioning that ideal piston surface area is around 4250mm2. These pistons are way less than that, having around 3000mm2 (22mm, 25mm and 29mm pistons)...

Don't know if it's an issue or not, but personally I'd want to try them, or at least get some form of real debate on what this means, before spending hard earned.

Nick.

 

Hi Chiark,
I got my Prodrive big brake kit for 1300 inc vat from Tilleys of Bristol...main dealer. Not sure if the deal is still on, worth giving them a call!!

Rgrds