Brakes, ABS, Traction control - I'm out of my depth.

[Martin]

So my wife decides she wants to add a few things to the shopping list which means I need some help.

17" wheels, IRS, standard width.

She now wants to add ABS and traction control.

Traction control I think I can get from race logic: http://www.racelogic.co.uk/index.php/en/other-products/traction-control

ABS - I have no idea

Now I need to figure out a brake package that will work ABS and the traction control. Oh and she is also very slight so anything that needs a bit of oomph to push down on won't fly. Power brakes as well?

I was looking at the FFR upgraded brakes, Levy's brake pack (this was my first choice before ABS/traction control got put in the mix), and I am sure Breeze also do a package, Whitby power brake booster (if I need it?)

Any ideas on a complete combination that will work and fit in the wheels?

Martin

[Tad]

I used all the stock mustang parts to get the combination you are describing: (hydroboost brake master cylinder, ABS unit with Traction Control (2001 Mustang), Power Steering Rack, 13" Cobra front brakes and 11.65" Cobra rear brakes). Pretty straight forward set-up and somewhat common for those wanting power steering and brakes. Its all factory ford Mustang stuff so it is somewhat easy to put together on the Factory Five. I'm not sure if there are any posts on this forum that describe the combination but I'm sure there are several on FFCars.com You will need to get the wheel sensors and ensure you get the front hubs / rear axles with the tone rings for the ABS system. Takes a little more time to wire it all up and plumb the brake lines but it is a nice system. I'm glad I did it.

ABS Pump Unit with Traction Control Note: I turned off my traction control via the ECM tune
http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq34/tad240/2008_0901DISNEY0013-1.jpg

Cobra front brakes and Power Steering Rack
http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq34/tad240/2008_0901DISNEY0012-1.jpg

Hydroboost and Master Cylinder
http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq34/tad240/2008_1216DISNEY0029.jpg

[Martin]

Good to know it is all possible. We're trying to keep this to a non-donor build if possible. Looks like it might be a call to Mark D. to help confirm it all.

Thanks for your post Tad. Much appreciated.

Martin

[Snakely]

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/tags/abs.html - the ones by Greg_M have some good detail.

[Bill_VA]

Tad, curious, could you have rigged a switch to turn the TC on and off depending on your mood?

[AC Bill]

Better add six months more to your build time..and start the budget for the build all over again..;)
It's bad enough the guys here on the forum are always pointing out ways to spend your money, now you have your Wife helping too!:rolleyes:

[Tad]

Tad, curious, could you have rigged a switch to turn the TC on and off depending on your mood?

Don't think so since I did not use the factory harness and instrument cluster. I got a dyno tune and those guys just turned off the TC. But if you retain the cluster and TC switch with the factory wiring, I think it is always ON unless you use the switch to turn it off each time the car is started. At least that is my understanding (or mis-understanding).

[Martin]

Better add six months more to your build time..and start the budget for the build all over again..;)
It's bad enough the guys here on the forum are always pointing out ways to spend your money, now you have your Wife helping too!:rolleyes:

The day I started buying parts I threw away my budget. Hopefully time will let me forget what the minimum amount is.

[tjmotter]

I'm in the final stages of installing ABS with power brakes. I have an MK3.1 complete kit so the first step was to buy the complete power brake kit from Whitby's. It is a nice kit that provides everything you need (new brake pedal to replace the Wilwood, Booster, Frame mod kit, Master Cylinder etc.). My car was almost complete but I took the body off for this as there are some fairly big holes you need to drill. Hydroboost may be an easier option.

For ABS, the '96 Mustang had an ABS option that consisted of a 3 channel controller (1 for the rear and 1 for each front tire). It was pretty easy to install but I did have to make some changes (a little cutting and welding) to make the old bracket work. These controllers are available on eBay for about $150. As others have suggested, you also need to ensure you have ABS rings on each hub/axle. The complete kit ships with them on the front so the sensors (also from eBay) were an easy fit. The fox length rear axles do not have enough room for an ABS ring so you have two options: 1) you can build a custom rig (as Greg_M did) to fab something that can fit the narrow axles. 2) you can buy a new set of axles. I chose the latter approach. The stock Fox axles are 29.25" so I went to Superior Axle and bought a set of '95 axles that were 29.93" long and had the provision for ABS rings. The axles don't ship with the ring so I also needed to order a set from LateModelRestoration.com. This works with 17x9 wheels but the extra axle length may create a problem with tire rub if you have the 10.5" wheels (I have the 9" in the back and it actually makes the car look better as these were set in a little too far with the smaller wheels). If you choose this route note that you will also have to change your caliper brackets on the rear end. Ford makes a set (part number: M-2300-M) that are a bolt in replacement and provide the clearance you need for the 11.65" rotors.

[Wayne Presley]

Don't think so since I did not use the factory harness and instrument cluster. I got a dyno tune and those guys just turned off the TC. But if you retain the cluster and TC switch with the factory wiring, I think it is always ON unless you use the switch to turn it off each time the car is started. At least that is my understanding (or mis-understanding).

You are correct