Anti-Lock Breaks System

A few questions regarding ABS to you all -
  1. To those driving an SLC - I am curious if you feel like you need ABS braking? I am an aggressive driver and haven't had a non-ABS car in 2 decades. Should I be putting ABS into my SLC to avoid locking up the brakes in hard breaking?
  2. For those of you who are or already put ABS into your vehicle -
    • what is the recommended path and how approximately much does it cost?
    • I am having Fran do a Turnkey build for me and will have traction control but don't currently have ABS planned. Should I have him do it during the build or should have it done post build?
    • Any regrets in doing ABS or not Doing ABS?
Thanks as always!!!!

Brian
 

Ken Roberts

Supporter
The factory race car had the Bosch ABS system I believe. I'm installing a BMW ABS system from a 2003 M3. There are a few companies selling it with a custom made wiring harness. I chose to also install the dynamic stability control system. It uses a yaw sensor and steering angle sensor. It along with the Racelogic TC will help keep the car straight. Both the ABS and DSC can be turned off if needed. My car isn't finished however so I can't give any driving impressions yet.

I talk about my install here....

 
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I personally would consider ABS or booster if possible. The manual brakes don't inspire confidence when you're use to modern brakes, no doubt takes some getting use to. I haven't had to stand on mine fully yet, but been kicking around the idea of CTS-V2 front calipers since they'd bolt up. Not sure if extra clamping force would benefit it, but you would get the BBK look. Just haven't looked in detail to see if I could find cut sheets with dimensions on them to see if it would clear the wheel. I suspect not since the Camaro calipers are close as it is.
 
Is there an OEM abs system out there that can be dropped in with basically the 4 wheel sensors and works independently from the PCM?
 

Ken Roberts

Supporter
ABS requires a complete rework of the brake lines. The front and rear lines exiting the pedal assembly master cylinders must have pressure sensors added before going to the ABS unit. Then 4 independent lines exit the ABS unit and head to each of the calipers.

The BMW Teves ABS system from a 2003 M3 is the most used OEM setup if not splurging for the Bosch Motorsports system.
 
I'll add here that I am in the other camp. I *love* manual brakes. The pedal force helps plant you in your seat. If you are used to them they are easy to modulate and together with manual steering they provide good feedback to the driver.

If you are not used to them I fully understand wanting the more modern Power+ABS.

As far as ABS, as much as I hate relying on it, I don't think anyone can repeatably brake as well with non ABS. With or without ABS, you need to drive within your limits 100% of the time.... Unfortunately you don't have control of the other guy.
 
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