Ive recently bought an F27 (number 2) with M16 front brakes and drums rear as per cortina/escort set up. problem is... it won't stop!

Its got a sierra master cylinder, my other f27 looks to have an original MK2 escort master and stops on a button with the exact same brake set up.

is the general feeling that it is the master cylinder?

ive swapped the front brakes out for refurbished items as the originals where nakered! bled the system, no air leeks... rock hard pedal and and very poor stopping forces..

any thoughts welcome! cheers

what pads are you using?

The Sierra cylinder is intended to be used with a servo so if it is not fitted the force required is LOTS! you could try a smaller diameter cylinder.

Could be the M/C diameter but its more likely to be a combination of the pedal ratio incorrect and the M/C too large.

I had the same problem on my Gemini, although it did pass IVA ok, i wasnt happy with the force i needed to apply.
I altered the ratio on the foot pedal, moved the hole about 10mm if i recall. Much improved and confident in stopping easily now.