Series 1 Front & Rear Brakes

[Simon Templar]

Hi all

My series 1 car has been upgraded using Zeus calipers with green pads on the front brakes and I am very pleased with the improvement. I have since been told that the Zeus calipers can seize or break? and that I should have fitted XJS modified discs etc - Have members experienced any problems with Zeus? I have noted favourable comments on the forum regarding Zeus.

Secondly, I need the rear brakes doing next year -Any suggestions as to whether these need upgraded discs, vented or otherwise, larger calipers etc or is it best just to replace and fit green stuff pads? Want to make sure I get it right as this is going to be an expensive job. - Am I right in thinking that 70% of the braking is down to the fronts anyway?

Is it easier to upgrade rear suspension bits at the same time and if so what worthwhile improvements would you recommend to improve cornering etc.

Simon Templar -

PS IF the quote from CMC for the rear brakes is any guide I will soon be a very bankcrupt e type owner.

[Heuer]

Simon

I have Zeus calipers (Greenstuff pads and vented discs on front) all round and they are superb having covered 20,000 miles in 9 years with them including the Rallye des Alpes which is a test of any car's continuing stopping power. Never have I heard that they break or seize so it might be worth contacting Zeus Engineering and having a chat. They are a really friendly and supportive company: http://www.zeus.uk.com/calipers.php

As to discs you can fit the XJS ventilated discs or choose from the aftermarket ones from AP Racing, Zeus or EBC (Greenstuff). My rear brakes are Zeus calipers (two pot) with E-Type S1 discs so are basically the same as standard. Worth fitting Zeus calipers if you have the IRS off as they have stainless steel bores/pistons so will not break or seize - obviously the opposite of what you have been told! The only question you need to ask and yourself is why do you need more powerful brakes. CMC reckon the brakes on my car are as good as they get without causing over-braking. Go too mad and you will have wheels locking under light braking and then you have to add brake balance valves. They then tell you you need wider fatter tyres to compensate - goes on and on.

If you want bigger vented discs on the back then the calipers and mounts need to be changed as well. Unfortunately to do anything to the rear brakes needs the IRS dropped which, as you have found out, is expensive. My car will be with CMC in the autumn to have the half shaft seals replaced (thats what running on wide wheels and sticky rubber does for you) and they will change the discs while they are at it, simply because it is worth doing everything possible while the IRS is out.

Not sure you need to improve the cornering of an E-Type without making it feel like a modern hot hatch. Spax or Gaz adjustable shock absorbers might be worth considering if you intend doing track days but main reason to change is long term reliability. I had Koni Classics on my car but two failed after 20k miles, now replaced with Spax.

The easiest way to become a bankrupt E-Type owner is to be beguiled by the 'upgrade' merchants. Jaguar and Norman Dewis spent years testing the E-Type and it is what it is - a true classic. If you want to improve it do what Colin Chapman suggested "Add lightness" - (racing battery, Lynx perspex head lamp covers, Rob Beere starter motor, JT5 box, alloy rim wire wheels, no spare, alloy bonnet, alloy rad & hearer - list is endless). Next "Add reliability" (not one of Colin Chapmans sayings!) with a Kenlowe fan, decent oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, new hoses, timed maintenance etc. Finally add upgrades only if they will improve the E-Type driving experience and not make it into a modern car in disguise.

David

[Car-Nut]

Finally add upgrades only if they will improve the E-Type driving experience and not make it into a modern car in disguise.

David

David,

That is a very good quote which a lot of people overlook.

Why purchase a classic then put all the modern extras on it, thats why Im not a fan of the S3 (Not meaning to offend anyone but its two modern with powersteering, electric this and that)

[Simon Templar]

THanks guys

Really useful - Always intended to stick as closely as possible to the original - so sympathetic upgrades only.

Will follow your advice for the rear brakes.

Regards

Simon