I have two mk1 rabbits one with manual brakes and one with booster brakes. The one with boosted brakes is much worse because all of the components are 40 years old. But the manual car has all new components. So take wear and tear into consideration.

It’s gonna be hard in regular traffic but on the racetrack i can see why you would want stiff brakes.

You should probably get boosted with how much you pushing.with track use your leg will probably be tired after one lap if the brakes aren’t boosted.

Not having power brakes sucks! Manual steering is fine, I don’t mind that at all but I’ll keep power brakes in everything I have

Track driving, mountain roads, 400 HP:

All of those things say stick with power brakes.

There’s a reason people switch from manual to power and not the other way around

ITT Most people have no idea how a hydraulic brake system works or the relationship of the master cylinder diameter/stroke to caliper piston size.

I would be very curious to see links to actual builds by the folks in here running without a booster. I see it very regularly on older race cars (Formula Vee, SRF, etc) but even on my stripped AW11 MR2 I still had vacuum boost (no abs though).

If you size the master cylinder bore size and pedal ratio correctly manual brakes will perform just fine even on the street. If it’s a platform-specific kit that engineering has probably been done already.They’re actually preferred for track/autocross use as you’ll have a more consistent pedal feel every time.

Why the hell would you want to basically double the horsepower in your car and reduce the brakes by 50 percent??? Are you suicidal??? There’s absolutely no reason to replace the factory power brakes for no more horsepower than you’re putting in there the stock system would be fine unless you want to upgrade to drilled rotors or better pads. I’m running power brakes with 750 horsepower using same basic setup with upgraded rotors, pads , and rear disc conversion with no problem on a dirt track.

I have ever only tracked one car without power brakes and hated it. It was a thunder roadster and it was set up right, but it had a wide brake pedal because it damn well needed it. The manual brakes were one of the reasons I didn’t buy the car.

Converting to manual brakes has its advantages, but I don’t think that’s something I’d want on a street car personally. If it was a dedicated track car, sure. I also find that I don’t really like manual brakes during autocross either, the inputs just need to be so quick that it’s kind of tough.

I mean… you could. You could also have manual steering, crank start, and put a carb on that LS. But why? Power brakes are stupid simple, just need a vacuum line.

My MGB has manual non boosted brakes. I’d say they lack the initial bite of boosted brakes. I auto crossed my B a few weeks back and the lack of immediate feel was a little strange to get used to on course. Of course the MG doesn’t weigh much though so your experience may vary.

Way too much thought going into this decision, imo.

It’s safe. Just takes more effort from the driver. That’s it. If you don’t want your leg getting sore during day to day driving, put a booster on it.

Sounds real stupid to do if your intent for the car is autocross and hitting the tail of the dragon and generally sporty driving. Why cheap out on brakes?

I say this as someone who has A. Driven the tail of the dragon and B. Owns multiple vehicles with manual brakes and manual steering