New Brigand/603 Owner: Carburettor? Brakes? Wiper Arm?

[simonmaggs]

Hello!

I've recently become the new owner of a very nice Brigand.

Before it can be enjoyed I really need help with the car as follows:

(1) The original Carter Thermoquad carburetor (model number unknown) is a shambles on all counts even through it was rebuilt recently and has been rebuilt multiple times in the car's life. I'm guessing - 'shocker!' - it was never correct even when the car was new. Does anyone know of a more recent carburetor that I could fit and keep my turbo? Otherwise I'm thinking of getting a NOS Thermoquad from the US or moving to fuel injection of some sort.

(2) The brakes 'seem' a danger for the size/weight and performance of the car. Is there an affordable option, re: upgrades?

(3) My car is missing a Valeo wiper arm - anyone know the model?

Any help appreciated, in any event, wishing you well.

Simon.

[Claude]

Originally Posted by simonmaggs

(1) The original Carter Thermoquad carburetor (model number unknown) is a shambles on all counts even through it was rebuilt recently and has been rebuilt multiple times in the car's life. I'm guessing - 'shocker!' - it was never correct even when the car was new. Does anyone know of a more recent carburetor that I could fit and keep my turbo? Otherwise I'm thinking of getting a NOS Thermoquad from the US or moving to fuel injection of some sort.
Simon.

Hi Simon.

Congrats.

See this link from the forum: http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/8...r-407-8-a.html

Holly 670 cfm Street Avenger is outstanding, affordable and with a few adaptor plates fits fine. I recommend Bates Performance in Waco TX. See BATES PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS | eBay Stores. Tell Brandon what you have and he will tune the profile to fit. Make sure to ask for the appropriate adaptor linkage, hoses and plate... all standard stuff in any US parts store, but maybe not in UK.

Claude

[Geoff Kingston]

Simon,
Regarding the brakes Zeus used to supply upgraded front callipers to Bristol for the earlier cars, these as I remember from talking to them years ago were used in conjunction with the standard rear set up. I think the current brake upgrade that Bristol Cars do utilises AP Racing callipers and may also involve replacing those on the rear, choice and quality of brake pads can make a difference and off course the condition of the brake system itself.
The previous owner of my 603 Edward Hathaway had the brake system altered, the twin servos and separate master cylinder were replaced by a single combined servo and master cylinder mounted on the bulkhead, this was a Ford unit I think off a transit and carries the numbers NR 94 VB 2B 195 EC and under that R5FPA. The brakes are much sharper and positive in operation than the standard set up on a 411 though I always found those adequate for the performance but with a different feel to modern brakes, If I ever get mine back on the road we might copy the modifications on the 603 especially if the twin servos need work.
Geoff.

[PEU186F]

As for brakes, I'd recommend ensuring that the existing set up is in all in good order, eg possibly, new, high friction, pads, skimmed discs, rebuilt callipers and pots and a change of fluid before embarking on expensive "upgrades". In one, slightly alarming, experience I learnt that 410 with well maintained brakes is quite easily capable of out braking a modern BMW on an Italian Motorway. Fortunately he had ABS and was able to swerve and arrive alongside and slightly in front of us. It took him some time to recover.......

A further point: the 410s brakes had last been serviced by my local "all-makes" garage.

I think it unlikely that a Brigand's brakes would be any less effective, given adequate maintenance.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by PEU186F

As for brakes, I'd recommend ensuring that the existing set up is in all in good order .... I think it unlikely that a Brigand's brakes would be any less effective, given adequate maintenance.

I agree. Having rebuilt my 411 brakes (front only at this stage), I find them perfectly adequate, however the caliper pistons in particular were in a poor state to begin with.

Simon, your pads will almost certainly have been replaced previously and possibly the discs too. Both disc and pad material is important - the softer they are, the better the braking performance. It is unfair to judge the original braking system without reviewing all of the hydraulic components of the brake system and the friction materials.

That said, a complete rebuild of the original system may not be any cheaper than replacing it all with a performance aftermarket system such as AP/Brembo.