Braking Power Options

[lsintampa]

75 2.0 FI

So I just got my car finally on the road. It's been a long journey, and this is my first 914, so if my question sounds "dumb" - just give me a new 914 driver break.

All of the latest "old" cars I've owned (74 TR6, 74 BMW) all had brake boosters. The 914 has no "boost".

I find the braking power to be really somewhat below what I expected.

What was I expecting? Well, since I have no prior 914 driving experience I really don't know.

I'm curious if my "newbie" experience is just that I'm not familiar with the lack of braking power, or if perhaps I may have some issue with my brakes?

Rotors all new, pads in good condition, good pedal pressure, 19MM ATE MC from PMB.

Any "road tests" I can do to give me some sort of clue if all is well in brake land?

Thanks,

Len

[nathansnathan]

Lupawali's "brake faq" mentions the 19mm master cylinder improving pedal feel but actually reducing braking power.

What about the 19mm master cylinder upgrade?

This is pretty much a "feel" issue. The ratio of master cylinder piston area to total caliper piston area determines the mechanical advantage you get in applying pressure to the brake pads. The smaller the master cylinder piston (or the larger the caliper pistons), the more "advantage" you have (more force on the pads for less force on the pedal). However, while you apply less force, you have to push the pedal farther to get the same amount of movement at the pad. With a larger master cylinder piston (or smaller caliper pistons), you have LESS advantage, so you have to push the pedal harder, but you don't have to push it as far. The pedal feels firmer, but you're actually getting less braking. Some people like the feel this gives, so the upgrade isn't entirely a bad thing. However, many people make the upgrade because they think they're actually improving their brakes, when they're actually making them worse, just improving the feel.