Torana brakes

cameron02 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 03:07 AM

Hi guys,

My mechanic friend thinks I might have my brake lines around the wrong way

I have Torana front end incluning master cylinder and proportioning valve.

Can any of you with a Torana, or Cobra running Torana gear please check the following for me.

Does the rear line from the master cylinder(line closest to the driver) go to front or rear opening on the proportioning valve? (yes I know they are both on top)

Please help.

G1947 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 04:48 AM

G'day Cameron
I have an LX Torana Front end and brakes in my (unfinished) DRB.
The rear line from the master cylinder goes to the FRONT connector of the proportioning valve. The front line from the master cylinder goes to the rear connector. The switch is in the centre of the proportioning valve on mine.
Brake line from rear of proportioning valve goes to rear brakes, brake line from front connector goes to Right hand front brakes, brake line from bottom of proportioning valve goes to Left hand front brakes.
I made drawings of all the connections when I stripped the LX so I could get them all back in the right places when I put them in the Cobra.

Regards
Garry

ferociousfish · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2006, 04:35 PM

my cobra has brakes?..........

cameron02 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2006, 01:53 AM

Thanks Gary,

Looks like I had them the wrong way around. That explains the poor braking performance. Swapped then over today and bled the brakes. Just need to test drive, to make sure.

Regards Cameron

OLSCHL · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 07:28 PM

Cameron,

Did your brake pedal feel very very very slopy and sank along way before the braking actually occured??? could be the explaination ive been looking for with my brake pedal!

Cheers,

Al

Shelby400 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 07:34 PM

Al

Are you running rear discs using the Torana master cylinder?

Brett

OLSCHL · #7 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 08:30 PM

Brett,

Nah ive got drums on the back but im about to put in a new diff with discs prob a 9 inch or something like it. If i put discs in the rear would i need to change the master cylinder???

Cheers,

Al

Shelby400 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 08:32 PM

No

Just make sure you remove the anti return valve from the rear brake resevoir in the master cylinder.

OLSCHL · #9 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 08:59 PM

thanks will do!!!

cheers,

Al

fastraxsg · #10 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 09:22 PM

I've got a Torana LJ (1972) disc and drum set up in my car. What pads are you guys using to bring 'em down from speed? I've got some generic pads that are adequate at best. I only use it on the street, no track days but would like something that can stop on the dot. I would have to import them as there are no options here for the brakes. How are the prices at American Auto?

400TT · #11 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastraxsg

I've got a Torana LJ (1972) disc and drum set up in my car.

I'm guessing you have the very early cast iron PBR Holden Torana calipers. And thin LC/LJ non-ventilated torana discs. Do you have any of the later Torana's there like UC Torana's(1979-). The last of this model had much superior alloy Girlock calipers. The thicker rotors and girlock calipers from UC will be a bolt on replacement on LJ torana front end. The only thing to watch is the brake flexible line fitting changed to metric, so will mean adapting or putting on a new flair nut.

Another option is to grab HQ Holden brake conversion kit for Torana. It uses LC/LJ etc Torana front drum stub axles, machine a little off and then bolt an adaptor plate on to mount the HQ caliper. The HQ Holden rotors are large ventiated rotors, HQ calipers were also larger, more pad area. Same deal as above, if you go to really late WB Holden(1979-) brakes, they changed to better Girlock locks. It's pretty easy to make these adaptors. And you can find them 2nd hand. I think I even saw them in our club mag for sale by a member.

Hey, nothing wrong with Torana stuff. We have a very successful Cobra kit over here in Aus that guys above are talking about. DRB Cobra runs later LH-UC Torana (1974-1980) torana suspension. Performs amazingly well.

Pad wise, for just street use, a lot of guys here run Bendix Ultimates.

cameron02 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 04:58 AM

Hi Al,

The answer to your sinking pedal question is yes. However I have not had a chance to test drive the car since I fixed it so cant tell you if the pedal feeling is any different.

G1947 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameron02

"However I have not had a chance to test drive the car since I fixed it so cant tell you if the pedal feeling is any different.

Oh shame Cameron shame.

Fancy having a Cobra on the road and not driving it for that time.
Would you like me to park it in my garage and drive it to work every day for a while for you ??

Regards
Garry

fastraxsg · #14 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 10:34 AM

Craig, I will post a photo in my gallery of what I have now, the disk are drilled and vented though not new for sure, and I have a new set of this type of Girlock caliphers. I have all the bits to redo the brakes including rebuilt booster, new master cylinder and distribution valve and lines. I intend to re-do all the lines in one shot. I just would like a good set of pads to replace the average quality replacement ones I can get over here. thanks...

fastraxsg · #15 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 11:46 PM

Sorry Craig, I forgot to ask u something...as I can't buy anything here much to build a motor or a trans other than a used Holden six, though there is a guy who has offered me a complete Chevy 302 (?) with trans, diff and front suspension , price is right but not sure if it would run, can the DRB be set up for a darkside motor? I have to have an auto box as my left knee is locked from a motorcycle accident. Can a guy buy the DRB Cobra as a kit complete right down to the last nut and bolt setup for motor, trans, diff and such? Paint is ok here but hard to buy any bits. Biggest problem here is the coffee money needed to grease the wheels of customs and the DMV.