Brake Master Cylinder Options

[saigon71]

I am running a stock brake system. The master cylinder is shot. I was originally going to rebuild it, but considering the prices of some aftermarket ones, I am not so sure.

Is there any downside to upgrading to the 19MM model?

Has anybody bought one of these?

http://www.paragon-products.com/product_p/...5.012.02apa.htm

Thanks.

[ConeDodger]

A couple years back I asked my Porsche dealer parts guy just for shits and giggles if the 17 and 19mm MC's were available. He said yes. So, shocked, I asked how much? I forget the cost difference but it was dramatic. The 19mm was lots cheaper. Eric the parts guy told me that because everyone seems to use the 19mm to replace the original the 17 got produced in less volume and was more expensive.

George is right on the money when he says the 19mm requires more effort and less travel for your leg. It is easy to minimize this and say that is no big deal but if you do any performance driving you should consider that it will be harder to modulate the brakes and easier to lock them up.

When I worked in a VW/Porsche shop as a kid the owner made me rebuild a MC so I would know how. He said he had no faith in them and since they were crucial to stopping and stopping was crucial to staying alive he didn't use them. He sold that rebuilt MC at a swap meet he had every year.

On the Chinese Paragon MC's:
Not to get political here but has anyone else noticed that since we in the US have outsourced manufacturing that things just don't last? I go through Craftsman lawn equipment that used to last for years in just a couple years now. I had the same washer and dryer for a decade or two and after replacing them about 6 years ago have had to replace them three times. It isn't a "planned obsolescent" the way the Chevy Vega was intended to wear out it is just crap. Sorry for the hijack - I am just a bit peeved about all the good money I am throwing away on what should be durable goods. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Not to get political here but has anyone else noticed that since we in the US have outsourced manufacturing that things just don't last? I go through Craftsman lawn equipment that used to last for years in just a couple years now. I had the same washer and dryer for a decade or two and after replacing them about 6 years ago have had to replace them three times. It isn't a "planned obsolescent" the way the Chevy Vega was intended to wear out it is just crap. Sorry for the hijack - I am just a bit peeved about all the good money I am throwing away on what should be durable goods. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)
[/quote]

dead on Rob. Just like new Porsches.....throwaways. Disposable society these days, who holds onto anything (except us and our 914s!!) Everyone should compare the quality of a 914 to a boxster. No comparison. No one takes a tv or stereo in for repair anymore....are not worth repairing. So who will ever restore a boxster? The mechanic will look at in twenty years from now and say that it is hopeless, yet they will still be restoring 914s!!! Long live the 914! Save the 914 and to hell with the whales!