Abs for road racing?

tsirider13 · 07-19-2008, 07:30 AM

Hey guys,
Who is using and who has disable the ABS in their car? and why?

I currently have the ABS light on in my car, ever since i put the mustang cobra brakes on it.
Does that mean that i dont have ABS brakes at the moment? or is only a malfunction light?

Also, Can i just pull the ABS fuse out to get rid off the ABS? Like in the EVO?

Thanks.

cmspaz · 07-19-2008, 10:30 AM

I autox without them, but that's because I've got a bad speed sensor. Technically, you can out-brake the computer, so you can perform better without them. I'm also training my left foot pedal control, so that when I get the system back online, I can still out-brake it.

The solid light does mean that they're disabled. It is in fact a malfunction light, but when the ABS computer senses the malfunction, it turns the system off.

And yes, pulling the fuse disables it.

drivemusicnow · 07-19-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmspaz

I autox without them, but that's because I've got a bad speed sensor. Technically, you can out-brake the computer, so you can perform better without them. I'm also training my left foot pedal control, so that when I get the system back online, I can still out-brake it.

The solid light does mean that they're disabled. It is in fact a malfunction light, but when the ABS computer senses the malfunction, it turns the system off.

And yes, pulling the fuse disables it.

All the above is true technically, however for the beginning road racer, I would try and have working ABS. There are several reasons for this.

While it is true that technically you can brake faster without (as in the limit of grip is after the initial kick in of ABS) You can also flat spot expensive race tires by not knowing the limit. It also is good for people that are just beginning because sometimes people freeze on track and just slam the brakes. No ABS = car into a wall possibly, or at least a 4 wheel off. With abs, You'll be able to stay on track easier.

tsirider13 · 07-19-2008, 11:05 AM

I did the last event without AbS and it went ok, I will pull the fuse and see how i do this monday,
the track i go is pretty frienly, meaning that the walls arent in any bad spots.

If i see that i can handle it then i will put the fuse back on.

Thanks guys for the prompt and accurate answers.
I love this board.

-Manuel

talonTSIDriver · 07-19-2008, 12:33 PM

It's much easier to push the car to the limit with ABS.

RipperXX · 07-19-2008, 01:23 PM

I agree and disagree with the ABS thing, my car does not have ABS so I could care less about it, BUT on a dirty/dusty track I could see ABS being a nice thing, on anything but a clean dry track the ABS will render shorter stopping distances.

I don't see it as a problem trying to out break the ABS though so long as:

1. Track is clean
2. Track is dry
3. You don't go balls to the wall the first time out

If you just keep going around a little faster each time you will quickly learn the breaking points and how hard you need to break.

talonTSIDriver · 07-19-2008, 02:01 PM

I should also mention, with the stock brake setup and a good pad, its fairly easy to hit maximum breaking without the ABS and without locking up the tires, however with my big brake kit (wilwood 4piston), at low speeds even with race rubber it was too easy to lock the tires up.

tsiboosted · 07-20-2008, 10:18 AM

I personally do t not use my ABS on my car. But I learned to drive/race with a car that did not have them anyway. So its not that a big of a deal to me. I only lock my brakes up when it is not my fault. I know that sounds odd as I locked them up. But it was due to someone in front of me doing something odd or a wreck i couldnt see over a hill and slammed the brakes and slid by them etc. But I say try them both and go with what you are comfotbale with.

cioc · 07-20-2008, 12:28 PM

I don't run ABS either. I've locked up all four on occasion but not badly enough to flatspot tires. If you're a quick learner I'd say your better off without them. They can definitely save you in a panic but in a short time you won't miss them.

cmspaz · 07-20-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cioc

I don't run ABS either. I've locked up all four on occasion but not badly enough to flatspot tires. If you're a quick learner I'd say your better off without them. They can definitely save you in a panic but in a short time you won't miss them.

Yep, the only time I lock them is in a panic. I still haven't gotten to the point where I let go when they lock, though.

RipperXX · 07-21-2008, 12:05 PM

Why panic? Whats the worst that could happen?

kwheeler · 07-21-2008, 12:34 PM

The only real advantage to ABS is a reduced chance you'll flat spot your tires.
I've done quite a bit of research into this and found almost all the experts say that once you learn the braking thresholds it's possible to out brake ABS, but it takes a lot of practice and you have to keep the brake system in top condition to do it consistantly.
My Talon doesn't have ABS and neither does my auto-x car (73 240Z with a V8) so I've had to learn the limits. I've gotten pretty good with the Z but when I let someone co-drive it I'm almost guaranteed flat spotted tires.
The bad aspect of learning with the ABS on is it becomes a crutch. I let an instructor drive my Z at a driver's school a couple seasons ago who normally drove a car with ABS. He went way to deep into a corner assuming the brakes would be comparable to what he was used to. 70s technology does not compare to modern brake systems, needless to say all 4 tires were badly flat spotted and we blew through a cone wall. Nothing got hurt except my expensive tires and the instructor's pride.

I'd suggest running with the ABS off if you intend run that way at all, otherwise get it working and leave it on.

kwheeler

ApexVIII · 07-25-2008, 05:14 PM

i dont even have ABS in my dsm lol,

Ludachris · 07-25-2008, 11:15 PM

I pulled the ABS on my car long ago. But the 1G system is more crappy than the 2G to begin with. I've learned the limits of my brake system and am comfortable with being able to brake hard, up to the point before they lock up. I've only locked them up a few times and each time was only for a split second. I haven't noticed any flat spotting.

If you're not worried about the possibility of having to buy new tires then go for it. But I wouldn't go right out and hammer on the car. Take it easy and be careful learning the limits. I wouldn't have pulled the system on a newer car with a better system, but these old systems suck. I haven't driven a 2G to the limits, so I can't comment on how well the system works.

GSX · 07-26-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ludachris

I pulled the ABS on my car long ago.

What he said

1LE · 07-26-2008, 10:38 AM

I have the ABS disabled in my 2g. It never worked very well to begin with, better off without it. However, I keep the ABS enabled in my MR2 because it works very well, very non-intrusive, lets you lock a wheel for second or so before engaging.

everbruin · 07-26-2008, 08:39 PM

for 2g, the abs apparently differs from early (95?) and later yrs. On yahoo's dsm-autox group, ppl consider the early nippon denso abs as very good, but the later bosch abs as lame. I really like the abs on my 95 awd (and 95 m3) and only defuse it for offroad.

gsx roadracer · 07-27-2008, 08:34 AM

In my 98 about the only time the ABS kicks in on track is if the ground is wet. Even with the Stoptech setup up front and 245 R compounds, getting it to kick in on dry pavement is almost impossible. I have elected to leave it on for those days we do have to run in the rain.