ABS Pros & Cons

[S2central.net]

I tried and failed to find a comprehensive thread on this subject here... I am still in two minds as to keep ABS when rebuilding the Coupe - application will be fun w/end toy with hopefully the odd track-day or hillclimb. Insurance permitting it should be street legal for the odd fun road trip too.

I know the obvious compromise is to keep the complete system and install an ABS cancel switch (mine is the later model which doesn't have the cancel switch) for anytime that I wish to turn it off, but all of the brake line plumbing is easier without it... plus there is the added weight of the hydro-relay block itself in the engine bay plus cabling, controller etc

I also know its a bit of a premature question, but it was triggered when faced with the task of removing suspension this week - that involves those hateful wheel speed sensors which will have almost certainly welded themselves to the hub... chances of extracting all of them are very low and at roughly GBP100 each new I am thinking its maybe a waste of money.

I know how to get the knuckles out with ABS connectors unplugged but that just delays the inevitable.

Anybody removed ABS and really regretted it ?

[Bowie69]

Not removed it, but have a B3 so an ABS switch...


Do I ever turn it off? I have done very occasionally... only to turn it right back on afterwards, it is frankly rather scarey, and you do not realise how much it is doing, the car pitches and grabs when braking hard, say up to a roundabout.

Not a pleasant experience at all.

For a predominantly road car, I wouldn't be without it.

[s2driveruk]

the beauty of the 3b and its cancel button....just glad mine is working as you say those sensors are well and truely welded in!

[Bowie69]

I've had my sensors out recently, they just pushed out ever so easily.... at least the front ones

[s2driveruk]

Not removed it, but have a B3 so an ABS switch...


Do I ever turn it off? I have done very occasionally... only to turn it right back on afterwards, it is frankly rather scarey, and you do not realise how much it is doing, the car pitches and grabs when braking hard, say up to a roundabout.

Not a pleasant experience at all.

For a predominantly road car, I wouldn't be without it.

I've turned it off in the snow the few times the car has been out in it but on mine, i'm always amazed how much leg pressure is needed for it to really feel it kick in and work hard...unlike more modern versions which you can feel with hardly any pressure applied.

[S2central.net]

I was leaning towards removing it purely to simplify and reduce weight, but the benefit of having it working on a single occasion could easily outweigh the downsides.

I am mindful of the old adage "if it aint broke don't fix it" - but I could just be a bit of a woose !

[Bowie69]

I've turned it off in the snow the few times the car has been out in it but on mine, i'm always amazed how much leg pressure is needed for it to really feel it kick in and work hard...unlike more modern versions which you can feel with hardly any pressure applied.

Indeed, pretty unintrusive, MUCH better than any modern car I have driven.

[s2driveruk]

agreed...!

[irishs2]

you can use b5 quattro rear sensors for s2 front and rear, might save a few quid but cost a little in solder.

[s2driveruk]

nice tip...is it an easy job?

[irishs2]

Yea , some solder and some water tight adhesive heat shrink .

[mcandmar]

Personally i would ditch it, only time it is of any use is heavy rain as no matter how good you are you cant stop as quickly without it.

As for fitting a switch, i never looked at the wiring diagram but the obvious place to start would be the diff lock switch as the system disables the abs, i would expect a simple connection between the two controllers you can tap into.

[John.]

Would the MOT be a problem with a car which has originally had ABS but now removed?

[mcandmar]

I think there is a requirement that it be fitted to all cars over a certain age, but that may vary from country to country. I might even be an EU law lol.

In this case i don't think Pauls motor will see another MOT test center in its lifetime.

[John.]

I think there is a requirement that it be fitted to all cars over a certain age, but that may vary from country to country. I might even be an EU law lol.

In this case i don't think Pauls motor will see another MOT test center in its lifetime.

An age thing would sound about right.......I was assuming the OP's car would need to be road legal as a weekend toy and for the occasional road trip?