ABS System for a 5A???

Post by **Scott** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:30 pm

Hey guys due to a recent scare involving an idiot (not me

) and a rather big lock up I have decided to start investigating the possibility of installing ABS to my 5A.

Has anyone done this or looked at option previously?

Need a suitable donor vehicle with similar overall weight, front/rear weight distribution, center of gravity, roll rate, and wheelbase (also rear wheel drive)

I am thinking rx8 at the moment

Anyone got any ideas or opinions??

Post by **Coupe Racing** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 2:25 pm

Try E36 318i as it has rear drum brakes
Likely to be a huge job to be honest
Don’t forget the type approval and insurance implications

Post by **scimjim** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 2:57 pm

I think the problem would be the control unit - anything too modern and it’s all integrated via CANBUS. Are there any aftermarket standalone options?

Post by **philhoward** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 3:07 pm

I think Steve is probably right - needs to be something pre-2000 if using a donor.

Not heard of anyone doing an aftermarket system and virtually everything has it now so no call for it (ABS delete was the desired thing a few years back!).

Post by **Scott** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 3:59 pm

there is an Aftermarket Bosch unit but its for race car applications and over£6,000!!!!!!!!!!!!
will look into the BMW thanks

*JP* · Post by ***JP*** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:29 pm

Anything is possible but ABS on an old car seems like a masssive task in both expense and time...TVR went bust even without spending to fit it to any of their cars,saying the cost was prohibitive.

Learning cadence braking might be advisable...

Post by **philhoward** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:00 pm

If you locked the wheels then you need better tyres, maybe?..

Post by **MarkHawkins** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:29 pm

Check brake balance on rollers? The single line system on 5/s and Coupes always seems more a worry to me than lack of ABS.

Post by **efi_sprintgte** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:51 pm

Scott wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:30 pm
Hey guys due to a recent scare involving an idiot (not me ) and a rather big lock up

Anyone got any ideas or opinions??

All the 5as I have driven can be locked fairly easily, this is largely due to the remote servo having no feel and not instantly releasing.

Removal or an inline servo make braking far more predictable.

MadMax · Post by **MadMax** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:14 pm

Just a thought as nobody else has mentioned it - If shorter stopping distance is required, ABS alone may not be the answer as it's main purpose is to allow the driver to remain in control during heavy braking, it won't necessarily make you stop any quicker!

Would be a good project though...

Post by **housemartin** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:40 pm

I recently completed a classic rally in a 'modern' 2000 Hyundai Coupe after the scimitar suffered a suspension damage. When trying to stop astride 2 cones the ABS on the Coupe, on the loose, would cause the car to glide on past my intended stopping point only by using the handbrake to overide the ABS and lock the rear wheels could I match the stopping ability of the scimitar. Not science just personal experience that ABS is not the answer to every stopping requirement.
Dan

Post by **scimjim** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:49 pm

Yep - sheet ice and gravel will catch ABS out because there’s no real friction, but on tarmac and most other surfaces it will dramatically reduce stopping distance and allow you to turn. Cadence braking can be almost as good as ABS.

Post by **gtcse8** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 11:24 pm

In the 80`s there was a basic system that could be retro fitted to cars of the era.

Possibly a development of the Ferguson / Dunlop / systems of the time.

I think they were linked to the original servo on the car.

BusaPhill · Post by **BusaPhill** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 11:07 am

Scimitar chassis with RX8 running gear seen on Ebay.

Sure a simpler solution could be found.

Did you stamp on the anchors.

Quick search found this.

http://www.racedatasystems.com/bosch-ab ... s-kit.html

Post by **Scott** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 11:40 am

My main concern is in an emergency situation, yes I stamped on as I was totally caught by surprise at the guy who "appeared" from behind a parked transit at almost 90 degrees right in front of me.
I have invested in new tyres (I am planning on changing to some wider wheels and sticky rubber over the winter)
I should point out this is not my daily driver and as such will never be driven on gravel/ice/rain etc.. (not intentionally anyway)

I new it would be difficult but in all honesty I hadn't considered the insurance ramifications.
Maybe the best thing is upgrade the braking system, as mentioned maybe new servo / brake bias etc..
I was planning on getting the willwood kit over winter (when I change from 14" to 15" wheels.

Whats the general set-up for fast road/track use??