I need peoples' opinions on whether to use manual or power brakes.

I am building a buggy that will have 40-42" tires and should weigh in at about 3000-3500 lbs. I am using a D60 and 14BFF that I've converted to discs. I am thinking about using CNC brakes and I like the simplicity of manual brakes (as well as the cost). But will manual brakes be enough for this?

Also, what pedal ratios and MC diameters are you guys using in your manual and power applications?

I use Wilwood stuff. It's similar to the CNC. I run non-power and like it just fine. My rig is of similar weight that you plan. Whether it works or not is largely dependant on what your caliper sizes are. If you are running huge 1 ton calipers, the CNC or Wilwood stuff woudl be maginal at best. I had some pretty long discussions with Wilwood when I did my set up. They readily admitted that the race car type MC's will not move enough fluid and create enough pressure with such large calipers. I run a small CJ sized caliper on my front 60. On the rear is a small GM metric caliper. It works great. So, i would say that if you are keeping large calipers, go with a power setup up matched to your brakes. If you are swapping to some smaller and lighter brake components, talk to CNC. They will point you in the right direction.

I use Wilwood stuff. It's similar to the CNC. I run non-power and like it just fine. My rig is of similar weight that you plan. Whether it works or not is largely dependant on what your caliper sizes are. If you are running huge 1 ton calipers, the CNC or Wilwood stuff woudl be maginal at best. I had some pretty long discussions with Wilwood when I did my set up. They readily admitted that the race car type MC's will not move enough fluid and create enough pressure with such large calipers. I run a small CJ sized caliper on my front 60. On the rear is a small GM metric caliper. It works great. So, i would say that if you are keeping large calipers, go with a power setup up matched to your brakes. If you are swapping to some smaller and lighter brake components, talk to CNC. They will point you in the right direction.

Thanks for the input. What size piston and pedal ratio are you running? And what size tires?

I am currently running 39 inch Krawlers. At one point i was running 42 inch Iroks. I run a 3/4 inch bore MC. I am not sure of the pedal ratio. It's adjustable so i am not entirely sure where i landed.

I am currently running 39 inch Krawlers. At one point i was running 42 inch Iroks. I run a 3/4 inch bore MC. I am not sure of the pedal ratio. It's adjustable so i am not entirely sure where i landed.

I'm leaning toward 39.5" Iroks for tires, and I'm using slightly larger calipers so maybe if I go with a 7/8" diameter piston it will work ok. That way I can move more fluid for the larger calipers but will have slightly less pressure. I will just have a little bit more of a "hard pedal" than your setup.