I've now got the 400E brakes on the front of my 190/5.6 and would like to know if there are other factory brake upgrades that are as simple to do. How about vented rotors for my 84 chassis, know of any?

Also, does anyone know what the caliper piston diameter is for the rear as I have some rear Porsche 911 calipers I may use. Just want to improve the rear as the fronts are so much more and want to get the brakes back in balance.

Thanx for any suggestions...
TobiasMB
4 MBs

Don't upgrade the rear brakes too much...The average car breaks 70% in front and only 30% in rear. If you upgrade the rear brakes too much and get rear wheels that are anxious to stop as soon as you only look at the brake pedal, you might end up in a 180-degree slip!!!

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

I realize the front is close to the 70% threshold but this car will be used for track events and will have a brake balance adjuster for setting up the brakes. Car balance is 54%Frt./46%Rear and is corner weighed for a total of 2986lbs. with the V8 in it, for street use. Not much shift in weight under braking as it has Bilstein Sport shox and Eibach 2.6 springs.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

The 400e rear brakes can be fitted but the backing plate and bearing and all need changing when you do the job. Needs basic disassembly...axles and all. kinda pain but not too bad. 400 e rears are vented and lots bigger than the 190e rear.

I'll try & post a pic of the 92 400e rear brakes on my 190.
I am not using a backing plate, and have gutted the parking brake system for more airflow. I discovered that my competition pads last much longer with the parking brake stuff removed.....
....Of course, I'd probably leave the p-brake on for a street car.


You can also see the "half moon- scoop/cover" that I made for forcing air directly onto the pads-caliper & rotor.
The grey hose is fed on each side of the car by a 4 inch 500cfm tube fan. This keeps the brakes cool.
I have the pads made by Carbotech in Florida. They are the "Hawk-blue" compound.

To say this car has awesome brakes is an understatement.

__________________
Alain
independant MBZ tech since 1981
http://www.motorsportlegendsks.com/