Upgrading the brakes...

[gigagaia]

I'm wondering, I've got simple, manual brakes, on my 74' 911 (check sig for links to what is going on) and I am wondering if it is possible to upgrade to a vacuum assist braking system, and if so, how difficult would the modification be?

[RWebb]

difficult

and there is no reason to do so unless you have a degenerative muscular or neural disease

[Jeff Alton]

Lol

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by gigagaia

I'm wondering, I've got simple, manual brakes, on my 74' 911 (check sig for links to what is going on) and I am wondering if it is possible to upgrade to a vacuum assist braking system, and if so, how difficult would the modification be?

As Randy said, this is not a small (nor inexpensive) project.

If you are unhappy with the pedal effort, one should examine what pads you have as there some really good choices that are very grippy. Rotor finish & style also play a role in pedal feel and effort.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

Lol

Well, it wasn't really meant to be a joke - some people do have such diseases, and with the right equipment they can drive a 911.

But I doubt that's the case here.

If gigagaia will post specifics on how the brakes feel now and why he thinks they are "hard" I'd bet this bbs can help him out. In one recent case, a guy had a car with track pads on from the PO -- he flet like he wasn't getting any grip.

[gigagaia]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Well, it wasn't really meant to be a joke - some people do have such diseases, and with the right equipment they can drive a 911.

But I doubt that's the case here.

If gigagaia will post specifics on how the brakes feel now and why he thinks they are "hard" I'd bet this bbs can help him out. In one recent case, a guy had a car with track pads on from the PO -- he flet like he wasn't getting any grip.

No, to be honest, I don't know how the brakes are (my project is moving along surely but slowly). Since I've never driven a car without power assist brakes, I considered that the pedals might be very heavy and I was just exploring potential options available before I reassemble the brakes on the car.

Are there any general tips people have for me, on optimizing the "hardness" on my brakes as I reassemble them?

Thanks!

Ian

[RWebb]

I bet you'll find them to be just fine.

Use a quality brake fluid & change it at least every 2 years - maybe every year.

Use good street pads if you drive on the street.

Replace the factory rubber hoses with the same. Repeat every several years.

Observe all precautions if you are assembling or cleaning the brakes - that means the Porsche caliper assembly paste & the 20 degree orientation.

There are many threads on all the above. Just pick out the right terms & do a search.

[rfloz]

Originally Posted by RWebb

. . . and there is no reason to do so unless you have a degenerative muscular or neural disease

No, there's not. But, going from my Carrera (with supposedly assisted brakes) to my 325ci, I sometimes find myself inadvertently stomping the brakes (and clutch) until I remember where I am. My wife does not appreciate unannounced brake checks.