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Spitfire GT6 and Spit master cylinder differences

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svtmikey

svtmikey

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Is there a difference between the GT6 and Spitfire Dual system master brake cylinders?
I have tried to rebuild the Master cylinder on my 69 GT6 but it still leaks badly. I notice that there doesn't seem to be a listed master cylinder replacement in any of the regular cataloges we all use, but there are a couple for the spitfire.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the GT6 had a different one, but I can't seem to find anything anywhere now either.

Also has anyone changed the master cylinder out with a totally different new one? There are lots of them availble from manufacturers like Wilwood, etc, not good for originality, but most likely better?

Thanks
Mikey
 
I haven't changed out one for the other but I do know that both the calipers and the wheel cylinders are different diameters between the two, which is why the master cyls. are different. Your best bet if you can't find a new GT6 master is to have your old one bored and sleeved. I've used White Post restorations with good results. They sleeve it with stainless steel so you'll only ever need to do it once. If you know the piston diameters for each circuit of the master then you could probably find one from Wilwood that would match or you could do like the racers and use dual tandem cylinders with a balance bar. Expensive and a lot of work, but it really looks cool!
Good Luck!

Erik Her Majesty's Auto Service
 
Original GT6 dual master cylinders were something like a 70/30 (bias towards the much heavier front of a GT6), while Spitfire cylinders were more like 50/50. I've talked to some GT6 owners who have used a Spitfire master cylinder, though, and seemed satisfied.

I'm surprised you're having trouble rebuilding your present cylinder; on the other hand, kits for these aren't much easier to find than new GT6 cylinders themselves. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif
 
Thanks guys
I have rebuilt it, but for some reason I can't seem to get it not to leak, could be the the cylinder itself was scored.
Now that you mention it as well, I heard the GT6 was front biased, but again I can't remember where I read that. Thanks for comfirming though Andrew.
Sleipnir, do you have any more info on White post restorations? I would like to keep it, or at least try to keep it as original as I can.
Thanks again

Mikey
 
svtmikey said:
Thanks guys
I have rebuilt it, but for some reason I can't seem to get it not to leak, could be the the cylinder itself was scored.
Click to expand...
Could be...but it also could be the rebuild kit. I've never had much luck with anything except genuine Lucas / Girling kits!
 
Good point, seems nothing is ever obvious with old british sports cars....this is my first one...still getting used to the "blatently" obvious.

Thx
 
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