[DeTomaso] ZF Mounted Inboard Brakes

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

The advantage of inboard rear brakes is a large reduction in unsprung 
weight and theoretically better handing. The disadvantage is complexity: the 
rotors are smaller than stock even in Ted's conversion to clear the left side 
shift mechanism, so the rig needs several custom pieces for the ZF to 
accomodate even that size rotor. Ted says he's sized the custom rotors and matching 
calipers in his kit to restore stock narrow-body brake balance. Plus the 
possible need for routing cooling air hoses, if lots of track time are in the 
car's future. Although in the mid-'60s, Jaguar's XKE series w/inboard 
solid-rotor rear brakes seem to have survived nicely without ducted cooling air. 

If you're using wide aluminum wheels in back, unsprung weight has about 
doubled anyway due to the heavy wheels & tires you're using, so weight savings 
from inboard brakes might be a distant third choice as far as desirable mods 
for better handling. Interesting and showy mod, though- J Deryke