I have a 1966 3.8S that I am about to start work on. When it was running I found that the brakes could only be described as just adequate (and that was 20 years ago). With brake performance having improved so much in new cars on the road I want to upgrade the braking performance of the "S" type to better match other road users.

I have purchased a front end off an early model XJ6, which I understand the stub axle carriers (with the three pot brake calipers and discs) will fit on to the "S" type front suspension.

My question is, has anyone else upgraded the brakes on an "S" type to XJ6 brakes, and if so how did you do it and what did you do for a master cylinder/ booster (I have the XJ6 one, but it looks like a lot of work and moving other components around to make it fit, including re-positioning the battery and changing the pedal box over).

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Baz

 

Hello,

I almost did the same on my 3.8S.
I kept the original stub axle carriers, using 1/2 thick XJ6 disks.
But used modified Volvo 4 pot calipers.
Same result as using the Xj6 setup you want to use.
No need to modify the master brake cylinder / booster.

regards,
Peter jan

 

Remembering that my "S" is RHD, I pulled the battery, master cylinder, pedal box, windscreen wiper motor and RH bonnet hinge out and it looks like the XJ6 pedal box, booster and master cylinder will fit. I may need to cut the inner mud guard out to move the wiper motor and cut a little into the firewall to fit the pedal box. I was hoping that someone else has tried this upgrade and how they did it? I have the XJ6 stub-axles, stub-axle carrier, callipers and discs which I understand just bolt up to the "S" wish bones ball joints (as they are all the same).

Before I start cutting I would appreciate any advise that anyone has on a similar conversion.

Cheers,

Baz

 

Hi,
I have done the volvo conversion .The xj6 front end did not work.Only had to drill out calipers to 1/2" and cut rotor width by 8mm.
Regards Bill

 

I am contemplating this mod as well, can you let me know which series of Volvo ( I think I have heard 240 but not sure I am corect) you used the calipers off - maybe even the part number. If you can post any pictures you can this will really help.

Thanks in advance

 

Hi,
I did the brake conversion on a 66 s type.
After the XJ6 setup failed for me,I bought a set of volvo 240 calipers
on e bay reconditioned for $75 pair +ft.
A new pair of front discs were machined to 285mm and fitted.
I split the calipers and attached the innner half to the uprights with new
bolts and 2 hardened washers.Removed the nut holding the bearing shaft and added a washer to line up with the brake caliper.Attached the outside half.Note..caliper should be volvo 240 4pot girling NOT ATE.
You will have to drill bolt heads for wire locking.
For the brake booster I used a VH44J which has brake pressure higher than the VH44.Available from Melbourne for $220 exchange.
The Volvo caliper has 3 tiny bleeder valves which leak around the threads while bleeding so wrap teflon tape on ther threads or it will take forever.
get in touch wjancso@bigpond.com for photos and leads for supply