Left foot braking issues in WRX

[gary]

Howdy folks.

I'm having some odd issues trying to left foot brake in the WRX. My technique (which admittedly could be flawed) is, when coming into a corner, to ease of the gas while easing onto to brake. I then try to add some gas in the steady-state part of the corner to keep the turbo spooled up, and then release the brake when coming out of the turn.

The part that doesn't work for me is the very first step. When coming into a corner, the brake pedal feels very stiff, and the car doesn't slow down much if I try to brake while my foot is still partially on the throttle. If I take my right foot off the throttle, then apply my left foot to the brake, the pedal moves, and the car stops, as desired. Is that normal? I did some left foot braking in my BMW, and didn't notice anything like it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Gary

[LoCore]

I've learned in the M3 that brake pedal feel can be dramatically effected by dragging the brakes too much. Specifically, if my left foot is resting on the brake, it will tend to bleed off vacuum from the power brakes.

The results is inconsistent brake "feel".

Before doing too much troubleshooting, make sure your left foot is off the brake pedal when not braking. And if balancing the car, make sure to not drag the brake for too long.

[SubaDrew]

the brake booster does not work when you're in boost for our cars. So the pedal is VERY stiff when on throttle. It probably feels the same as when the car is on, but without the engine running. It just tough to stay in boost. Pretty much have to downshift in some situations. :o

[Jake Latham]

Most (Many? Some? Few?) boosted cars have a 1-way check valve in the brake booster line, so that you can get vacuum for brake assist, but not boost pressure for, um, deassist. my '90 GSX, and my A4 1.8T both had just such a feature.

So, if it's legal for your class (dunno?), if you can find an appropriate 1-way valve to put inline in your brake booster line, that would take care of the "stiff pedal under boost" problem.

-Jake

[mdahl]

I always liked the firm pedal on boost, it seems to make my left foot braking way smoother in the rex.

(Not that I am actually skilled in LFB.... but it's nice to not accidentally buise your teeth on the steering wheel while practicing.)
whether I can use that skill on field is another question.