I have a 1996 Honda Civic CX, that comes originally with rear drums. I bought a 1997 Honda Integra Type R 4x114.3 suspension and brakes so that I could convert my drums to discs. While I had everything off, I went ahead and upgraded a few things. I am using a 2000 Honda Civic Si master cylinder and 40/40 proportioning valve, 2001 Acura Integra Type R front brake calipers, and 1995 Honda Prelude front brake rotors.
Now, my problem. I have the softest pedal in the world when I start the engine. The brakes do not even stop the car at all. I have to use the ebrake. Take note that I have not left my driveway with the car in this state. I have bench bled the master cylinder twice. I have spent about 2-3 hours bleeding each caliper and have gone through 4 large bottles of brake fluid. I have checked the Helm's manual page that .RJ posted to diagnose if it could possibly be the brake booster or even the master cylinder.. no dice. I do not know what else to do now.
I would really appreciate any help and insight you guys could give.

thanx.

 

^^

 

Is the pedal also soft without the engine running?

 

If its going to the floor softly with next to no pressure, the MC is shot.. Even if you had a little air in the line, it would still stop the car..

 

When the car is off and you pump the brakes, do they become firm?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xian &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the pedal also soft without the engine running?</TD></TR></TABLE>

no! only soft when there is vacuum = car is running

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by granracing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When the car is off and you pump the brakes, do they become firm? </TD></TR></TABLE>

yes! rock hard.

i'm gonna put the stock MC back on and see if that does the job.
if so, i'm gonna take the 7/8ths Si MC back and get a 1" ITR.

thanx so far guys.

 

Um, you CAN NOT use a master cylinder from a car with ABS on your car unless your car also came with ABS. The brake boosters are different between ABS and non-ABS cars, and the master cylinders can not be switched between them. Get a brake booster from the 2000 Civic Si as well. That should fix ya up.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekian &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am using a 2000 Honda Civic Si master cylinder and 40/40 proportioning valve....</TD></TR></TABLE>

thanx though.