Alright, on Thanksgiving I picked up a 1980 Z28. So far, I've been afraid to really get on it because the brakes are worthless. If I had to stop, it would just not happen. The pedal doesn't go to the floor, it's plenty firm. There is no screeching or anything when stopping. Everything feels normal, it just takes the car forever to stop. What might the problem be?

Also... the car has a header leak. Should I buy new headers, or is there an easier way to fix the problem?

Thanks,
Matt

 

is the header rusted out or is the gasket just broken?

 

It could be a bad brake booster also?

 

If it were the brake booster it would just make the brake pedel harder to push than even manual brakes because you have to push through the booster. It does not determine how well the brakes stop as long as you put some muscle into it. I think it is greasy or oily drum linings that could be because of leaky axle seal lining(s).