Losing brake power and engine stalling HELP!

Hi everyone,

I'm a novice when it comes to mechanics so bear with me...basically, I noticed the last few times I've driven my 72 z that when I brake it takes a lot more effort to do so. When I brake, a whooshing noise -- almost like air is escaping somewhere near the pedal -- can be heard coming from near the pedal. The brakes still work, it just takes a lot more effort to come to a stop. Also, my car is dying when I brake ... so when I come to a stop at a red light I need to pull the choke way up to keep from stalling.

I told my mechanic all this, and he said that he suspected a hose going into the intake (my memory is spotty on exactly what he said) probably had come loose and that's why my engine is dying at stop signs and red lights. He said that he checked my hoses when he serviced the car last (in April) and there weren't any holes, but maybe one came loose. Well, my buddy and I checked and nothing is loose and there don't appear to be any cracked hoses. My buddy said there could be something wrong with my brake master cylinder.

I am hoping someone can help me out....maybe this is a common problem and you can point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Daniel