mkck

I am looking to buy my first 'vette and have narrowed it down to a chrome-bumpered C3. I think I've found something suitable which has everything on my 'wish list' except power brakes. Having driven nothing but modern cars with servo-assisted brakes I am unsure. Is it a big deal for a C3 to not have power-brakes? I know the obvious thing is to drive it....but I'm in the UK (car is US-based) and opportunities to check this kind of thing out are limited.

Any advice really appreciated.

Cheers.

MK

page62

Manual brakes will still stop the car OK, but they require more pressure to operate. Just takes getting used to.

If the car is an excellent deal, buy it. You can always retrofit a factory servo-assist or Hydroboost system later if you feel the need to do so.

Nifty 71

I have manual brakes on my 71 and have no interest in upgrading them, make sure yours are in good condition -no leakes etc - and you will be just fine. Power brakes would be nice to have but they are probably not worth the hassle.

stingr69

I have driven both power brakes and manual brake Vettes. I have no preference. The manual brakes work great as do the power brakes. You have to push harder for manual brakes but the system is a little simpler and you might enjoy the added room under the hood when you go to service your car. One less thing to go wrong under the hood too.

Not a big deal either way.

-Mark.

Eddie 70

I have to agree with the others. My car has manual brakes and it just takes a little getting used to. Just make sure the brakes are in good shape and all will be fine with the brakes.

mkck

Thanks guys for your quick, clear advice!

Matt

CA-Legal-Vette

Manual brakes in good condition are actually pretty cool. They'll stop the car just fine and have a great feel to them as well.

superfine69

Slotted rotors and metal pads and you will hardly be able to tell the difference.