04-05-2017, 08:29 PM
The OP asked about Lucas calipers. They were also fitted to a lot of 16v XSi's. All 3 of mine came with Lucas calipers but 266 discs. As far as I know they're the same calipers as went on the GTi-6 but the difference is in the carriers, allowing them to be used with 283 discs. Controversial comment coming (apparently!)....my XSi's with 266 discs feel like they can put the tyres right on the limit of their grip even in the dry. (Admittedly, I don't have great tyres fitted! ?).
I'm sure 283 discs would be even better but how much you would need that in normal use I don't know. 'Bit like mountain bikes ...a 180 front disc will put all but the fattest rider over the bars if grabbed hard enough. They won't perform as well as 203's up front on a long descent though. Real difference then, in my opinion, would be in continued hard use. Also, GTi-6 uses different master cylinder so it's not all about disc diameter.
Having said all that I'm not immune to the 'bigger is better' argument and have fought off the temptation to upgrade to 283 discs more than once!
I'm sure 283 discs would be even better but how much you would need that in normal use I don't know. 'Bit like mountain bikes ...a 180 front disc will put all but the fattest rider over the bars if grabbed hard enough. They won't perform as well as 203's up front on a long descent though. Real difference then, in my opinion, would be in continued hard use. Also, GTi-6 uses different master cylinder so it's not all about disc diameter.
Having said all that I'm not immune to the 'bigger is better' argument and have fought off the temptation to upgrade to 283 discs more than once!