[wanab5150]

Well, the verdict is in!!!
Steven at Reno Engine and Drive train (my engine installer), installed the 41mm Wilwood calipers and a BELT DRIVEN vacuum pump. I put 300 miles on the car during the Cobra Bash and driving home 160 miles to Roseville. Once here I conducted a simple test by braking hard from 70 mph with the clutch pushed in to allow the minimum vacuum generated by the vacuum pump at about 900 RPM. I did 4 consecutive hard stops with no time to cool the brake pads.
I have to say that I am pleased with the performance. The old HARD pedal feel is completely gone and even with the minimum vacuum generated at idle, the pedal feels progressive and similar to any other good brakes I have felt.
The fronts still brake harder than the rear as the fronts will lock up now, but the backs still WILL NOT lock even after the fronts leave double black stripes. I can tell the rears are working well now as the car seems to "hunker down" if that makes sense, which it didn't before. AND......before, as the fronts started to reach their limits of traction, the car WAS NOT stopping. Keep in mind that I only have 255's in the front which I feel were doing all the braking. Now, I would estimate the car will stop in half the distance it did before without locking either the fronts or backs up. I know that seems like an exaggeration, but it’s not.......The brakes were that bad before, and that much better now.
I can't say these brakes are race track tested and ready for 140 mph stops over and over, as far as I can tell, they are safe, feel really good, and stop to my satisfaction on the street.
As far as the belt driven pump goes, it runs constantly and completely by-passes the booster. I can't detect ANY noise coming from it even with the hood open and my face 2 feet from it. Steven put an electric pump on a car from Valencia, Ca. and it has already blown out 3 switches!!! The electric pump makes noise and vibrates from what I was told. I have no personal experience. Also, the belt driven pump is the same pump Steven has used on all the Roush and other engines with fuel injection, so its time proven.
I have to thank Lance Stander (CEO) of Superformance for picking the car up and delivering it to Steven in Reno, and the decision to upgrade the brakes to 41’s (which he should do to all the cars with the 34mm calipers). As far as Dynamic Motorsports West, the dealership where I purchased the car, other than an initial phone call to ask what the problem was, and one telling me someone else was working on it, that was about all they did! They did not accept ANY responsibility for the car I PAID THEM FOR!
Thanks to all of YOU that had input. As you probably have seen previously, the more ideas, the better, regardless of whether they’re on point or completely off base. This is one of those sites that provokes thought which culminates in a solution.
Finally, I want to thank Steven for all the un-paid hours he put into this project. None of the research and development was ever his responsibility, but he stepped up to the plate when no one else would. I can’t count the phone calls and updated emails I received during this issue. I know the owners of two of the other cars he tried different brakes and vacuum canisters as well as multiple road tests trying to find a solution the factory would not help with. Steven was the one on the phone with Wilwood back and forth and everyone else, trying to figure out why the 34’s didn’t work. Without him as a mediator, this would have taken a lot longer than 8 weeks. Thanks again Steven!
If any of you need assistance with this problem (and I know you’re out there) don’t hesitate to email me at wanab5150@comcast.net tom