Hi,
I've also posted this on the c-a list but since some may not be on that list I posting this here also.
I presently have the Cleveland 199-152 brakes. They are ok but I would like a little better braking action. I've done some looking and it looks like my options are as follows:
Cleveland makes an upgrade kit (199-196) that converts the existing 199-152 brakes from organic linings to metalic. The piston gets changed so that an insulator can be added between the baking plate and the piston to prevent heat transfer. No one I can find has these kits in stock and they cost about $175.
It should take the brake energy from 192,000 ft-lb to 289,000 ft lb. The Cleveland technical rep said it would be a noticable difference.
The other option is the 5 inch Grove Ultra High Performance which is a dual piston caliper with organic linings. The disc is listed as their thickest (for heat absorbtion). They list their energy capacity as 246,715 joules which I think is 181983 ft lb.
It appears that the Grove has less energy rating than the Cleveland with the upgrade installed.
Has anyone actually done this upgrade to the 199-152 using metalic linings? What was your experience? Is anyone using metalic linings? It is possible to just change to metalic linings but it would probably heat the piston and fluid.
Is anyone using the Ultra high performance Grove 57-1 brakes? My gut
feeling is that (despite the published numbers) more pistons mean better braking and heavier disks mean less fade. Experience or thoughts?
Has anyone converted to the Grove form the Clevelands? Do I have to make any modifications to the strut, etc? Or is it just a bolt on conversion?
Thanks in advance