Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Brierley
I have hydraulics on 2 of my A's, and would never go back to originals, especially on a driver. I use silicone fluid, no leaks and doesn't draw moisture. They are 1" bigger in diameter and have wider shoes. Lincoln type are self energising = easier pedal pressure. They were designed for heavier cars so give you more stopping power in reserve. Sure mechanical's will slide stock wheels and work fine at low speeds and no traffic, but your life is at stake. Don't take chances. If possible drive someone's stocker to get a feel of mechanical's and ask how often they need adjusting.
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I'm with Jim.
Joe K has it right about the size of the tire patch. Not very big on a model A.
Here's some data to digest. While not under lab conditions, it was measured as close as a surveyors tape could do.
I rigged up a device on the front bumper of my A that would shoot a blank cartridge loaded with white chalk when I pressed the brake pedal.
I drove 30 mph on dry concrete, hit the brakes with a modulating force
as any driver who has been trained in maximum braking procedure should, and when stopped, measured the distance from the chalk mark to the front bumper device. After 4 runs I averaged the distance. 23 ft.
Doing it this way takes the driver's reaction time out of the formula.
My A has hydraulic 4 wheel disc brakes.
Now let's hear how some mechanical brakes do.
Just a tip, if you lock the brakes you will not stop in the shortest possible distance.