Whats the easiest way to tell if I have power brakes or not?

When braking I have to put the pedal all the way to the floor when stopping. Two different older guys I've had drive my car told me that is the master cylinder but when looking for parts I'm seeing parts for power and manual....

 

There will be a BIG cylinder thingy that your MC bolts into.

 

don't see one... How much do the power brakes help? Is it worth upgrading to or not?

I will be doing new tie rods and putting disc brakes in sometime soon

 

Generally speaking, the 65-66 models don't need power brakes, but after that the added weight of bigger engines and bodies required at least power assist brakes.

 

I'm only using a 289 at least for the next year or so.

Ditching the drum brakes and going to disc should be plenty of help with stopping.