Testing brake pistons?

[JoeK]

Well, I've decided that I think my brakes kinda suck. SO, I'm tearing them down to check if anything is actually wrong, or if I'm just expecting too much. I have one front side apart, and as far as I can tell, everything looks fine. What shoud I be looking for? Do I need to disassemble the pistons? They are off the calipers, and really look pretty new, but I can't be certain.

I suppose I might as well say what I think needs improvement. Basicaly, I feel I have to press really hard to get it to stop, and if I press to hard, the rears lock up.

Any suggestion on pads would also be appreciated.

What are the advantages with the Volvo upgrade? Does it equal better braking, or are the parts just cheaper in the long run?

Thanks in advance,

And OT, this is what I would call a V8 conversion, http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/whattadrag.html

[spl310]

This may start a firestorm, but someone (Mark Dent I believe) posted a cost comparison and the net costs were virtually the same. I know a few folks that have the volvo conversion on their car, and they don't see any improvement over good original brakes. YMMV..