early Alpine brake MC/Tiger

SIV Allan

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CAT Member
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My brake booster hasn't worked since I've owned the car.

The brake pedal has been predictably heavy but functional.

To improve pedal response I decided to try a traditional alternative and installed an early series Alpine brake master cylinder.

The early series Alpine MC greatly lessened needed pedal pressure and accordingly produced better braking.

The downside was increased pedal travel - more than preferred.

Before I look into other options, or decide to continue "as is," I wondered if installation of corresponding early series Alpine brake cylinders would decrease pedal travel, produce no change, or worsen pedal travel.

Has anyone "been there done that?"

Would the early cylinders lessen pedal travel?

Appreciation for any responses is expressed in advance,

Allan Ballard
Atlanta, GA
 
Been There, Etc. Etc.

Hi Allan: We've tried it all. The normal 7/8" bore requires a firm leg without a servo. The 3/4" bore does sweeten the effort but travels some. There was an experiment with a 5/8" bore which was easy as could be but consistently had to be double pumped as travel would bottom out.
There is one Tiger MK 2 from White, GA (now in Fla) that uses a CAT 3/4" MC and a 7" booster. Very effective whoa!
For safety sake, I would suggest staying with an ample fluid supply and either add muscle to the leg or have the servo looked at. 2-cents, randy
 
brake

allan,
you can use the .700 master without the booster but using the early wheel cylinders on the rear gives you the original non booster setup. jean's blue car and my green one are set up that way. it's been working fine since doug did the blue car in 1995.
 
Bob - I've never driven a Sunbeam with the original non-booster setup.

Maybe you or someone could speak from experience.

Is the brake pedal firm - meaning very little travel?

Is the stopping power any better than a late series car with the booster removed?

Allan Ballard
Atlanta, Ga
 
Sometimes there will be a couple of weeks before I have time to rebuild the brake booster and I still want to drive the car. It's not that bad...I've driven mine without the booster (using the CAT bypass line) when I'm between rebuilds. Pedal travel is the same.
 
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