Did a little left foot braking last night as part of my practicing for advanced driving and with revs being maintained I found I could put myself through the windscreen! With complete throttle off and half a second foot transfer time the brake pedal is rubbish compared to left foot braking. Thing is I don't actually know what pipes there is on a zetec to check for leaks, anyone got a pic to highlight for what to look at? And I take it rubbish vacuum performance will also explain crappy lumpy engine idle and response?

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You saying braking with the normal foot as opposed to left foot is rubbish? Of course it will be lol.

Anyway for pipes, there is a plastic ones going to the brake servo, that goes to the inlet im pretty sure, check that, then check all other pipes on the inlet too

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Hopefully the weather holds to have a look. The difference in braking power is linked to the amount of revs, the lower the revs, the less braking power there is so my assumption was straight to the vacuum hoses lol.

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Just had a check of it again just now. The pedal lowers correctly after pumping it then turning the engine on so I can start ruling out the servo. Revs change when the pedal is held down and they increase by 500 or so from idle and then it gets lumpy for about 30 seconds after releasing. Quick drive round, pedal is soft under normal use and when i switch to left foot braking and keeping the throttle open a touch, merely covering the brake pedal brakes sooooo much harder. The difference is definitely noticable!

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I think there are a number of factors here.

1) You're always going to get better braking with the revs up, as it will create a stronger longer lasting vacuum.
2) when you are braking with your left foot it is used to using the clutch and therefore is not as sensitive as your right foot. As such, trying to compare the two is quite difficult.

If you're brake pedal is stiffening up when the engine is off then I don't think you have a problem, you are just realising how good left foot braking is

Just my tuppence worth

Paul