...a friend of mine mentioned to check the brake lines for swelling. Perhaps, as the lines were old they were expanding and absorbing the hydrolic forces that should be going to the brake calipers. Ok....How do you check for that? Replace the lines with new($$$), replace with braided steel lines($$$). No no. he says...use zip ties as a diagnostic tool. ZIP TIES!?...HUH?

Get a bag of high test zip ties(I used 40lb test, 1000 for 10$), zip tie all the lines thoroughly and tightly. The lines have much less ability to expand under load. It took a bit of time, but at a fraction of the cost of the alternatives, it was a cheap way of determining if the brake lines were the cause of my issues.

There was a benefit to all of this though....a firmer brake pedal. This same technique is apparently and old autocross trick. In the "stock" classes very few modifications are allowed. Stainless steel brakelines being one not allowed. What is a racer to do when he wants a better feel on his brakes but cant swap the OEM lines out? Thats right...zip ties. The feel aproxamates steel braided lines and still fit within the scope of the rules. (I *think* the SCCA has plugged up this little loophole)