I just drove my 74 2.0 from califorinia last weekend.
The brakes were scary.
My brother said I need to drive it a while to get the brakes set since it had been parked for so long.
Any input?
John

I'm too lazy to type it again

Check This Thread Out

You should really go through the system. If they're "scary" I wouldn't listen to your Brother who probably just took out an insurance policy on you

Bleed the system first then look through the other issues like Master Cylinder, Rubber Lines etc...

Read that thread. Hope that helps.

E.

bleed brakes, install new fluid, check brake hoses, replace if you do not know the history of them....then check the calipers and mastercylinder to make sure nothing is leaking.....

the stock 914 brakes work great if in top notch condition....the type of pads have an effect on how well it brakes as well........

you do not need to "upgrade" until you increase power significantly or you find yourself heating up the brakes due to your racing conditions

Oh ya, forgot about the "upgrade" part.

What Mr. Mike said... There is absolutely "no need" to upgrade if your brakes are working like they should. I guarantee good stock brakes will scare the hell out of anyone who gets in your car (in a good way).

Ok brother just drove to the store, he says the brakes are not that bad.
No leaks, may need pads, may be just glazed over.
Also that I need to learn how to brake in a 914.

QUOTE (john grier @ Apr 8 2005, 05:54 PM)

Ok brother just drove to the store, he says the brakes are not that bad. No leaks, may need pads, may be just glazed over. Also that I need to learn how to brake in a 914.

Many people these days have never driven a car w/o a brake servo, and it's somewhat disconcerting at first until you get used to the extra pedal effort required. When this car was new, non-power brakes weren't so unusual. 35 years later, it's hard to find cars that don't have a servo.

QUOTE (john grier @ Apr 8 2005, 06:54 PM)

Ok brother just drove to the store, he says the brakes are not that bad. No leaks, may need pads, may be just glazed over. Also that I need to learn how to brake in a 914.

since these car have no power brakes, it might take some time to get used to having to use your leg muscles a little more than usual

take some pictures of your new ride and show it off .....

I have 911 19mm master cylinder on my wrecked 73, that a big pick-up truck ran over. Should I use that?

QUOTE (john grier @ Apr 8 2005, 07:02 PM)

I have 911 19mm master cylinder on my wrecked 73, that a big pick-up truck ran over. Should I use that?

you might already have the same size on the new car, this is a common replacement item and most people use the 19mm instead of the 17mm unit....I wouldn't touch it until you know it needs replacing...not a fun job to do....

Ok, I got it, I need to go out there and get used to driveing a 914 again.
I guess I am lazy but I have been driveing them since the late 70's and have not noticed the difference until this one.

QUOTE (Mueller @ Apr 8 2005, 06:05 PM)

...not a fun job to do....

replacing the mc was an hours-long, ugly job that had me cussing and wishing i'd never bought that stupid car. then i remembered the car only cost me 400 clams. but since the mc was leaking (check your pedal cluster area), it needed to be done.
~a

Porsche makes nice replacements for stock 914 brakes.

of all the things I've done on my car so far, changing the MC was the worst... it is the most aggrevating, annoying, PITA job... don't do it if you don't need to...

... other than that, did you enjoy it?

QUOTE (Eric_Shea @ Apr 9 2005, 10:12 AM)

... other than that, did you enjoy it?

I was with my car, so, yea, I guess I did in a sick way!

Yes I enjoyed driveing it.
Brother drove it again today.
Got a vaper lock.
Is that possibile in a 74?

QUOTE (john grier @ Apr 8 2005, 06:02 PM)

I have 911 19mm master cylinder on my wrecked 73, that a big pick-up truck ran over. Should I use that?

Damn, what's wrong with you guys/ Someone usually gets that in before it can be read!

I did the ENTIRE brake system in about 2.5hrs. Replaced every inch of every line, the MC, AND the pedal cluster.

What is it everyone else found so hard about it?

QUOTE (john grier @ Apr 9 2005, 06:46 PM)

Yes I enjoyed driveing it. Brother drove it again today. Got a vaper lock. Is that possibile in a 74?

Yeah my 74 gets vapor lock in certain situations