Why did my car excellarate when coming to a stop and brakes wouldn't catch

Nothing. Your transmission/torque converter is stalling, loading the engine to its limit. It is how it is designed. If you really want to change it, you can purchase and install a 'high stall speed' torque converter. Check with a retailer who handles performance parts.

That is not the symptom of a bad brake booster.

the master cylinder can bypass internally and go to the floor. you can usually pump them and they will catch and hold . and then it may not do it again for a while.

You probably need to replace your brake pads. They are what queezes your tires to get them to stop. If your brake pads are old, they can be worn down over time and become less effective at gripping the wheels to stop them. You press your foot all the way to the floor, but the pads are too thin to create enough resistance to push back.

Bleeding brakes in not difficult; however, it must be done correctly. The attached link is very discreptive and will walk you through everything needed (pictures are included).

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/4213448

Please remember to rate my solution. Thanks!

bleeding the brakes -
look fo the bleeder ( zerk fitting ) on the side of the caliper, attach a 1/4 inch clear hose to this fitting and run hose into a catch pan or bottle,, make sure you have plenty of brake fluid in the reservoir ( re-fill as needed during the bleeding process ), have a helper sit in the car and ready to press down the brake pedal, with brake pedal up - open the zerk fitting using a small wrench, have the helper press down and hold the brake pedal to the floor, with the pedal down - close the zerk fitting, your helper can now release the pedal, ( repeat this about 3 to 4 times or until clean and bubble free fluid flows through the clear hose ) --- top off the reservoir with fluid and repeat these steps for the other brake calipers. Note: if brake pedal feels sloppy ( not firm ) then there is still air in one of the lines,, continue bleeding until pedal feels like it has some resistance.

c...

check first the brake fluid reservoir to see if it is full, then bleed the brakes if the petal will not come up.

The first thing that i would investigate is when the last time that car had a brake job, if the pads are good on the car and the pedal still seems to be extra soft, you (A) either have air in one of your brake lines causing the soft pedal, or (B) you have an air leak in one of the brake lines, an easy indicator is to see if there is any brake fluid on the ground under your car, if not, i would start checking for oily residue on the master cylinder, then follow the brake lines to the wheels of the car, looking for any signs of leaks or damage.

Hope this info serves you well

MIKESTA

sound like you need a master cylinder