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RE: Master Cylinders

To: "'Larry G. Miller'" <millerls@classic.msn.com>, Spridgets <spridgets@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: RE: Master Cylinders
From: Chris Kotting <ckotting@iwaynet.net>
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 1997 13:36:42 -0400
Reply-to: Chris Kotting <ckotting@iwaynet.net>
Sender: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Though I haven't done a conversion (yet), and assuming that I'm following 
this thread correctly, basic principles of hydraulics say you should be OK 
going from the 7/8 bore master cylinder to the 3/4.

I'll try to explain.  Let's say you have a small diameter cylinder hooked 
up to a large diameter cylinder, and let's say for convenience that the 
small cylinder is 1" and the large cylinder is 2".  You stroke the small 
cylinder 1" by pressing on the brake pedal, exerting a force of 10 pounds. 
 The big cylinder will move 1/2", but will exert a force of 20 pounds. 
 Half the stroke, twice the force.  Larger differences in diameter change 
the ratio upwards.

The MGB calipers have bigger cylinders (also bigger pads) than the Midget 
calipers, hence with the same (7/8") master cylinder, more clamping force 
(and friction surface) on the brake disc, more stopping power for the same 
pedal pressure, at the price of a longer stroke (which might be okay if it 
gives you better "feel").  Going to the smaller (3/4") master cylinder, 
should make this effect more pronounced.

Does any of this make sense, or did I jump a tooth on my mental timing 
chain?

Chris Kotting
ckotting@iwaynet.net

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