Need help with master cylinder theory/operation, please.

[YerDugliness]

I want to improve the braking performance on my Cobra replica.

Currently it is fitted with Wilwood disc brakes all around, no power assist and not room to fit one.

I think the way to go is to replace the Master Cylinder. I have a Bendix master cylinder right now....can't figure out the number from the photo, but nobody seems to be able to cross over the # on the gasket for the top, so maybe it is not a current model.

So, if I want to improve my brake function, would I look for a master cylinder with greater piston diameter or lesser piston diameter, given the same stroke dimension for the piston? It would seem to be greater volume would be the way to go, but when I read the Tech Tips on the Wilwood site it said greater pressure should be achieved with a smaller piston diameter.

Seems contradictory to me....obviously I do not understand how brakes work. I would appreciate some information on brake theory and also some tips regarding which changes to pursue. Of course, there is no history on the car to indicate what the application was for regarding the current master cylinder, so I'll have to remove it and measure the bore diameter and go from there.

Thanks, guys 'n' gals.....I'm trying to avoid having to buy the ultra-high cost Wilwood master cylinders, I don't race the car, just street use, but things do get pretty hot on the freeways in the Houston area and I know heat affects braking performance. I can rebuild the calipers if need be, and if I were to attempt any significant performance upgrade would certainly do so. Right now the brakes work OK, just not like I would prefer!

Cheers!

Dugly