I agree completely with what the guys have said, and have a couple other thoughts. What bore is your master cylinder? I've never had much luck with the 3/4" or 7/8" and much prefer the 1" (at least) manual master cylinder's, along with what Tech said.

Also, most brake pads and shoes, have a break in process. Might want to check the instruction sheet on the parts you have and see what procedure they recomend.

Anyone who has driven most of their life with power brakes is never going to feel comfortable withougt a booster. It does sound like there is a problem with your system, though. Oh yeah, do you have rubber hoses or stainless braid hoses from the lines to the calipers? Also, anytime the master cylinder is mounted lower then the wheel cylinders, power bleeding is the best way to get the lines full of fluid and get rid of the air.