KL0699

I just bought a 1986 944 Turbo, my first-ever Porsche. The one thing I noticed right away was the pedal effort for the clutch and brake. It's like a leg machine workout compared to my Mazda3 daily driver. I can actuate the brake on my Mazda with easy ankle pressure, whereas the Porsche requires full thigh muscle. I just wanted to ask you experts if this is as it should be, or do I need to test my brake booster?

Auto_Werks 3.6

probably not normal. It probably will never be as touchy as a new car. ... but the pedal shouldn't be a brick, and it shouldn't be a thigh workout to get good braking

V2Rocket

944 pedals are much firmer than a typical newer car, including a Mazda3 (I drove one for a few months a few years ago as a commuter car, 2010 2.0, fun car)

Should not be rock hard, should still be easy to use, but it is "firmer". Japanese car clutches tend to be featherweights (also cable actuated) for easy driving...the 944 clutch is just...manly.

I actually wish sometimes the 944 brake cylinder were slightly larger for an even firmer pedal (but still boosted)...but I'm not going to mess with that until I need to put a new MC on.

ekoz

I have an s2000 along with the 951. clutch is much heavier in the 951 but never noticed the 951 brake pedal being heavy. I find the 951 brakes with the same or less effort than the honda, But I do run hawk blues year round on the 951 (mostly a track car)

sh944s

Check you power brake booster. If it has a leak, pedal effort will be much higher.

arthropraxis

There is an assist spring for the clutch attached to the pedal. Maybe it needs adjustment or is missing.

KL0699

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I appreciate the help. I'll check the brake booster first and take it from there. I'll chime in afterwards if I discover anything that might be helpful for the forum.
-Kurt

jerome951

I test-drove a Mazda3 a few years ago and was surprised how delicate/light the pedal feel was. My 951 felt much stiffer in comparison.

I'd suggest asking an experienced 951 owner or mechanic in your area to drive your car. There may be nothing wrong.

LUCKY DAVE

This!
Non "S" brakes aren't wonderful.