Upgrade Advice

[TonyChile]

Dear All,

In the middle of the restoration of my Series 1 2+2 and have found your upgrade list advice very useful. I have decided to make some of the key technical upgrades as you advise (electronic ignition etc.) whilst keeping the original parts so that any one who wants take the car back to complete originality in the future can do so.

So Far I have landed on.
- Electronic Ignition (Already installed)
- Up rated Radiator (Already has a larger Core)
- Coolcat cooling Fan.
- Mike Ecke's electronic clock
- Up rated Morroso HT Leads

Does Anyone have any advice on the uprated starter motor or are they all much of a muchness? Currently considering ones from AES, Fosseway, Powerlite, Wosp and Coolcat.. Any good or bad experience out there?

Also any advise on which four pot calipers to go for on the front?

I am sure I will have more questions as I think of them..

Thanks

[Gfhug]

Tony, don't know about the starter, but you might wish to do the hidden switches mod that Alty Ian has done, seems like a good idea: viewtopic.php?t=7879

[Heuer]

The high torque starter motors do take pressure off the battery and crank the engine quicker. So easier starting, less current drain and they take away that moment of dread when you press the button and the original starter motor does not turn. As for front brakes I have had Zeus (Spheroidal Graphite iron version) on my car for the last 16 years and have covered 54,000 miles through Europe and the Alps without a problem. There are other systems from Coopercraft, E Type Fabs, Fosseway etc etc but their heavily logo'd products kind of clash with the classic car ethos IMHO. They all work the same, just don't go mad and over specify - the E-Type is a light car and does not need 6 pot callipers and funky grooved discs

[abowie]

I would certainly fit a high torque starter; I usually use the one Barratts sell.

Unless your current calipers are totally unservicable (see below) I'd fit them first and see how you like them.

I have 3 series 1 cars. One has standard front calipers, one has Coopercraft steel calipers on a standard disc and the third has Volvo calipers on a ventilated disc. All 3 stop just fine.

If your front calipers are completely knackered and you need to replace or rebuild all 4 of the piston/cylinders it will cost you about the same to buy a new set of Coopercrafts. The steel ones look similar enough to series 2 calipers.

If you have a moderate degree of technical competence and want to save more money, get a used set of the Girling Volvo 240 calipers. These require some minor modifications to fit but nothing complex. Details are available here http://www.jcna.com/library/tech/tech0031.html
I drilled my calipers without incident.

Otherwise, if it were my car I'd put it back together and drive it. Despite being 50 years old E Types are surprisingly good to drive.

[TonyChile]

Dear All,

thanks for the advice.. Lots to think about..

[abowie]

Tony note that with the Volvo calipers they are available in two different widths. One fits the standard S1 disc and the other fits ventilated discs. In both cases you may need to machine a few mm off the disc diameter so they clear. Any brake shop can do this.