Hi,

I'm in the process of getting my '88 Turbo Z roadworthy again, and the
problem I have is with the brakes, want some opinions before I start
ripping out parts and buying expensive parts (got a master cylinder
quote for $194 ouch).

2 things, one of which someone tells me is normal due to the tranny
gear ratio/setup

1. the brake pedal is very sloppy (ie goes almost to the floor) if i
pump is 4-5 times, everytime I brake, it gets better, but still goes a
bit sloppy. now this isn't so much of an issue as what happens whan
the pedal gets to about 3/4 way down. when it reaches about 3/4 the
rear brakes lock up, and i have to release the pedal to stop it.

as you can imagine this makes stopping a hassle (luckily i don't have
to drive it like this but i did for a few weeks) first i have to pump
the brakes, then i have to brake, release, brake release, etc..

This has driven me to downshifting (auto/OD) to second to slow down
like you would in a manual, now this is the part I'm told is normal,
when i downshift to 2nd the rear tires lockup for a second and squeal
a bit. this combined with the rears locking up on braking was leading
me to think the rears are either stuck and dragging, or that they are
way over-proportioned to the rear (or both)

now my uncle says it's the master cylinder, but if it's just an case
of bleed and adjust (are the front/rear proportion adjustable?) i'd
rather not spend the $200. or i'd rather not spend the money and find
it was vacuum related, or brake booster, or calipers or any other
thing it may be.

oh yeah, all pads are good, probably replaced in the 6 months or so
before i got it.

--
The more laws and order are made prominent,
The more thieves and robbers there will be.
--Lao-tzu