ABS Brakes anyone?

[BlownMGB-V8]

I ran across the Delta ABS Motorsport ABS package yesterday, apparently a standalone ABS system suitable for top level competition use and adaptable to pretty much any vehicle. It should be with a package price of nearly $5K but it spurs thoughts of less expensive implementations.

Obviously the two critical components are first and foremost the controller and secondly the solenoid block. Having formerly disassembled an ABS pump assembly it seems a fairly simple matter to come up with an alternative, they cite a higher volume as being their pump's advantage. Frequently the pump is combined with the solenoids but Rover and some others have used separate pieces. It is probably worth checking to see if they will sell their controller separately.

It uses a couple of sensors aside from the individual wheel sensors which they state should be hall effect and at least 40 tooth. Should not be too hard to set up.

I expect there are any number of alternatives out there once we start looking.

Jim

[Dan B]

Bosch 5.3 used a most manufacturers starting in the late 90's, including domestic, euro and Japanese, according to Grok.
ATE/Teves MK60 used on BMW M3 is a little more adaptable but more expensive, the SI says.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Been looking at Rover parts since I have the pump assembly already. In the mid 90's they used a system that had a separate pump and then a control assembly which also has a smaller pump for return flow and the reservoir, the M/C and a link for the pedal. With the late bedal box I think it might fit the MGB. Big reservoir, it holds about a quart but that's required due to the nitrogen charged pressure vessel on the pump assembly. It's recommended to push the brake pedal 30-40 times with the key off before checking the fluid level. This may not all be completely accurate as there were a number of variations in the bits used.

A question that has come up is how the controller acts on ice or when it thinks there is ice. Apparently it can be fooled into stopping very slowly under some conditions. The Delta controller does not have this "feature" as it is a race oriented system which they claim is suitable for competitive FIA applications, however I suspect it might be just a somewhat less sophisticated controller, in the fashion of aftermarket engine controllers and such.

Jim

[Dan B]

On the rover, is that the Bosch 5.3?  It seems to me it was one of the makes Grok mentioned, as well as MGF

[BlownMGB-V8]

Much research has been accomplished, some parts ordered, and a plan established. Quite a lot of research and figgerin' really, almost like an engineering project.

So it became pretty obvious early on that the late pedal box would have to be used to allow room for parts, and the balance bar had to go. I'll find another use for the big walnut knob under the dash.

Next thing I found out, my Jag rear brakes and Outlaw front calipers are in pretty close to perfect balance, around a 64/36 split which I can probably live with as an interim configuration between stages. Next is that I will only have about 12" between the pedal bracket and one of my header tubes, making part selection a bit difficult.

However, the Wabsco pump/accumulator unit is very versatile and will work with numerous hydroboost units, leaving the ABS and sensor package to be added later as a second stage. Drilling a pattern of holes in the inner face of each of the brake rotors can provide the required wheel sensor arrangement.

Those hydroboost units? They work well with several solenoid/controller packages, some of which are self contained, leaving only the sensors themselves. Fortunately the right selection of units means the main pump and the ABS can be located almost anywhere.

So selection of the hydroboost and MC are kinda critical and almost killed the project. But as it turns out, the Germans used a nicely compact hydroboost in the BMW e23 7 series, one of which had the mounting flange about 1/4 of the way along the bore, and in combination with the MC gave about an 11 inch overall length so it ought to fit. Also from BMW was the ABS, a Mk60 Teves unit, but not just any Mk60, oh no. It had to be special and hard to get naturally. Still working on that one.

All of these parts *can* be extremely expensive but don't have to be. I prefer not to pay the BMW tax myself, so I've managed to cut costs pretty well so far. In the end I don't think total expenses will hit the 1k mark, but they won't be all that far below it.

And what do we get for all that then? Well initially brakes that have a light pedal and work very very well. After that, anti-lock suitable for a race track if I get the right ABS unit. At the very least excellent street manners.

I'll take some photos once parts start to arrive.

Jim

[MGBV8]

Well, have fun. 

We have survived a very long time without ABS.  We know how to threshold brake. Early ABS was not so good. I can out-brake those.  In fact, I have the ABS on my 2000 Silverado disabled.