swaping drum brakes with disc on a ITAL live rear axle

[uberfrog]

I was thinking it might not be a bad idea to improve the braking before starting to add power to the beast so here is my question:

I have a caterham super sprint classic with live rear axle made by ITAL, unfortunately it comes with drum brakes, would it be possible to install a universal kit disc brakes? or I might want to consider changing the whole live axle with one that already has disc brakes. Just wonder.

Any input is as usual greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Best,

N6

[escondidoron]

I don't think that the Morris Ital was ever imported into the US. The closely related Austin Marina was available here for a while, '73 - '75 or so IIRC. But I don't recall that it was ever something that would have gotten performance upgrades over here. So unless there is something in the way of a disc brake kit available from the UK you would probably have to source/fabricate your own disc brake set up to go to rear discs on your axle.

The 1st generation Mazde RX7 had a live axle. The '81-83 GSL model had rear disc brakes and a 4 on 4.25" bolt circle, the same as the Escort and Cortina. Is this the bolt circle on your car? If so, you might want to check out the flange to flange width of the Mazda unit to see if it would fit without having to be narrowed. The '84-'85 RX7s had a different 4 on 4.5" bolt circle diameter. Also note that limited slip differential was installed on many GSL models. Starting with the next generation RX7 in '86 they switched to independent rear suspension.

[Sean]

Go to Blatchat.
Click on "search".
Enter "ital disc" in the search field.

I just typed up a comprehensive reply with links to the relevant threads on BC and everything, but this site gave me some sort of "Forbidden" reply. Seems to be all the rage these days!

[GWise]

There is a disk brake conversion on this page for $600...

http://www.simplesevens.org/Forsale/Ray/Rayparts.htm

No idea about the ital axle, but my experience with a live axle caterham was that the rear drums were just fine. I suppose it depends on how much power you're adding though...

[uberfrog]

cat 98

There is a disk brake conversion on this page for $600...

http://www.simplesevens.org/Forsale/Ray/Rayparts.htm

No idea about the ital axle, but my experience with a live axle caterham was that the rear drums were just fine. I suppose it depends on how much power you're adding though...

Gwise thank you for your info, I checked the kit for sale but it might not work on the ital axle from what the seller told me. I could buy the whole axle he is offering with the LSD and disc kit though.

Sean thank you also for the link, it is very informative and it's a start.

Best to all of you.

N6

[centerfireman]

I have had a Seven (a Series IV) with rear drum brakes and a Seven (a Series III) with rear disc brakes and do not think I could tell any difference. The brakes, drums or discs, are designed for cars that are much heavier than a Seven and either type of brake is more than adequate for producing excellent braking performance. I believe your money would be better spent elsewhere. Good luck.

[uberfrog]

seven

I have had a Seven (a Series IV) with rear drum brakes and a Seven (a Series III) with rear disc brakes and do not think I could tell any difference. The brakes, drums or discs, are designed for cars that are much heavier than a Seven and either type of brake is more than adequate for producing excellent braking performance. I believe your money would be better spent elsewhere. Good luck.

I am starting to believe that you might be right and let's tune the seven first to get smooth ridea.

Best,

N6

[Rod]

My seven had disk brakes in the back and I upgraded them to newer disk brakes. I have all of the old Caterham disk brake parts including the stuff for the parking brake, and I will let them go cheap.

[uberfrog]

sold

My seven had disk brakes in the back and I upgraded them to newer disk brakes. I have all of the old Caterham disk brake parts including the stuff for the parking brake, and I will let them go cheap.

okay sold where should I send you the check or paypal.

best regards,

etienne

[uberfrog]

your disc kit

okay sold where should I send you the check or paypal.

best regards,

etienne

Actually since you are in Sunnyvale I could drop by and pay you cash for the parts, I live in mountain view so about 10 mn drive. If a problem fedex ground is fine too.
Best,

etienne

[Rod]

you can see if they fit before you commit. I will send a PM with my contact info

[uberfrog]

you can see if they fit before you commit. I will send a PM with my contact info

either way i'll buy them, my mechanic will make the necessary transformation if needed.

best,

e