I think there are two things to bear in mind...
- Brake pad material quality makes a big difference. I fitted OMP Race pads to my Turbo and I get far more braking under all conditions than I had before. Lots of people say that race pads can't work properly on the road - it may be true that they don't work as well as when they're really hot (when really hot, they start to eat into the disc
), but the reality is - they work better when cold than standard-quality pads do. They're expensive - but you get what you pay for.
- Don't over-brake the rear end. I've had to turn down the rear brake compensator to avoid locking up the back wheels. Therefore I have to wonder whether disc brakes are really necessary on the back, unless you have people sitting in the back or a big load in the boot, etc.
As for upgrades...
If your Uno has similar performance to a Turbo, fit the Uno Turbo brakes at least, and I suppose that means the rear discs as well, as a starting point. BUT, budget for new discs and pads as part of this. The ventilated front discs of the Turbo mainly reduce the problem of brake fade in repeated hard use. Sometimes, 'repeated hard use' may mean just driving down steep hills. You'll know whether this applies to your situation (or not).
Punto Mk2 brakes look better than standard non-Turbo Uno brakes - the front brakes on my Sporting have bigger discs, more rigid calipers, bigger pads, and the sliding pins are well-shielded from corrosion. But for all that, they don't necessarily work any better, and they're not ventilated. However, they look like they'd bolt on to the Uno hubs (I don't know for certain) and probably aren't too expensive to find. Don't bother with the rear brakes off a Punto, as most of them (even the Sporting) have drums
If you fit front brakes with bigger discs, you'll probably have to change the wheels for 14". The benefit of bigger discs is an improved pedal feel - braking is more progressive and controllable at the limit.
Otherwise, if upgrade-money isn't forthcoming, I reckon you'd get a good enough result from replacing the standard Uno discs and pads with high-quality new items, replace the brake hoses (unless already replaced), possibly replace the master cylinder (again, unless already replaced - seals don't last forever...), and bleed the brakes thoroughly.
You'd be amazed at the difference this makes... basically, the reason that Uno brakes are 'disappointing' is that many of them are getting on for 20 years old...
Often the caliper sliding wedges are corroded or sticking, caliper piston seals are missing/pistons rusty, the pads seem to be made of compressed camel dung, discs are rusty, hoses are sometimes blocked internally, master cylinder seals can't hold the pressure... and we wonder why the brakes don't 'feel' good
Also, check that the servo is working (should be vacuum in reserve for about five pedal pumps with engine off, then hold pedal down and start engine - pedal should drop slightly). I remember seeing a servo full of brake fluid that was sucked from the (faulty) master cylinder.
Just my thoughts,
-Alex
