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[tinworm]

Hello all!
A beautiful summer drive today in my 'temporary' 33 1.5 4x4 wagon had me thinking about brakes and handling. Fairly normal stuff after an exuberant country road hammering;)
Maybe this subject has been flogged to death already, forgive me if this is so.
I am restoring and modifying an Alfasud 1977 ti with later 33 motor (1.5 ti) and 'box, f &r suspension, rear brakes, steering etc., it's been done a fair few times before so no surprises there. Quite simple in theory, a few problems in practice though.
In standard form the little sud handles a treat with a fairly lively performance from 'only' 1200 cc., brakes that are quite good, handbrake,.... yes, well, it's a handbrake?
I have read and know about the supposed benefits of inboard brakes on Alfasud's (front) and rear on Alfetta, 75, 90, GTV etc.
Now, assuming your average 33 is (basically) an uprated and/or upgraded Alfasud platform, motor etc., what difference is there in driving an Alfasud in the real world with these later brakes retrofiitted to my ti instead of the originals? Handbrake that now works instead of maintenance nightmare as well as easy front pad changes would be an obvious plus.
Any thoughts would be appreciated as the 33 wagon I drove today tracked true with pin sharp handling that allowed me to pick a line and stick to it without any skittish behaviour at all, as well as that, quite reasonable brakes too. It's a fairly well flogged sample to boot, imagine a really good sample! WOW!
Bear in mind my brake setup will be alloy calipers with 10-3/4" (273mm) disc's to eventually be 12"(300mm) versions (when I have a spare bob or ten) , so, will the slightly weightier brakes be better, worse, or a mixed bag combination?

Has anyone driven a before and after and noticed a marked handling difference? Or is it purely theory before practical?

Cheers,.... Col.
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1977 Alfasud ti 1.7
1985 Alfa 33 4x4 1.7
1968 1750 GTV
1986 Alfa Sprint 1.5 QV

[greencloverleaf pat]

my brother put 33 running gear on his t reg sud ti years ago and it drove perectly fine brakes seemed better and did not mess with handling either ,
he replaced suspension struts for 33 ones,and whole complete rear axel from 33 as well so handbrake was at rear instead of front like on the suds .
hope this helps

[tinworm]

Thanks Pat,
that is interesting as on today's cars there are no inboard brakes that I know of (front anyway)and there are certainly theoretical differences in unsprung weight to think of, it's just doesn't seem to be delivered in general, everyday practical driving. On a club day sprint or somesuch it may be an advantage, but, after driving my newly acquired 33 wagon I'm rather impressed by the general brakes and handling anyway. It's 2006, my name isn't Clarkson and this isn't Top Gear either but I'm happy
Cheers mate.
Colin
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1977 Alfasud ti 1.7
1985 Alfa 33 4x4 1.7
1968 1750 GTV
1986 Alfa Sprint 1.5 QV

[Serpent33]

Well I personally feel the sud's standard brake to be adequate for normal road use(I've warped them before after tracking). I never quite have problems with the out boards, not to mention vented outboards. As what you mention did made good sense. The in boards aren't difficult to configure. But due to the nature to high temp exposure(direct from gearbox) it's design is somehow limited it's effectiveness.

I personally would choose out board if the car is to be taken up to high speeds often. Upgrading the in boards is a poor option as well because it's still braking against the driveshaft. I have serious doubts the drive shaft is built to withstand the increased torque stress. traction increase + braking efficiency increase.

It'll be interesting to get opinions of people that race the suds.
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Each time I speed I say, "Dear lord, make me fast and accurate..."