on 11/29/01 1:56 PM, Mark Palmer at mgvrmark@hotmail.com wrote:
> When we allow updating to later technology, like disc brakes on cars that
> didn't have them, we are taking away some of the distinctions and
> comparative advantages that make vintage racing interesting. If a Porsche
> 356 had better brakes than an Alfa, it wouldn't properly represent a Porsche
> anymore, would it? Before everyone jumps down my throat, you will NOT
> convince me that disc brakes are a safety REQUIREMENT for all cars.
> Well-maintained drum brakes are adequate for most of the cars they came on
> (with one or two possible exceptions). If, as Brian suggests, the desire to
> upgrade to discs is motivated by maintenance "problems" with drums -- well,
> I guess I have to question why anyone would want to race without properly
> maintaining their brakes.
Well said. The same reasoning also applies to carboretors, suspension
mounting points, gearboxes, vehicle weight, roller-rockers, etc, etc.
Changing these items from their original specification gives advantages in
areas where they never existed. All the warts and shortcomings that our
vintage cars had 30-40 years ago should be preserved and appreciated as part
of the true character of the vehicle. If you don't like the way a
particular car brakes, shifts, accerates or corners (assuming you have done
all the proper prep and maintenance), you should find a different car to
race rather than bastardize that car.
Doug Meis
1967 Honda S800
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