Adding ABS brakes

[batsford]

Hi all
I'm thinking about adding ABS brakes to my roadster, even though I have never drove it past go kart mode. I'm planning on letting my better half, the Wife, also drive. Last time she drove something fast was at a Porsche dealership and when it was her turn to drive, she drove like it was stolen. The salesperson was surprised and told her that's the way to drive. The cobra has a little more of an attitude and don't want it to bite her back. Does anyone have any info or experience with adding ABS brakes?
P.S. For anyone that says don’t let her drive - If I do that then she won’t help, and my Cobra cookie jar will be empty.

[rich grsc]

Why would anyone think your wife shouldn't drive?

[Nigel Allen]

X2 on Rich's comment. Apart from reversing trailers, my wife is a better driver than me. Her brain is faster and her eyesight sharper.

I don't have ABS, just standard brakes as supplied with the kit. These were impossible to lock until I fitted Hawk pads. I then changed tyres from woeful HTR's to Nitto 05's. Car stops as good as a daily driver without lock up. I only drive in dry weather though. Not saying to ditch the ABS idea, just highlighting that these lightweight cars stop very well if fitted with good quality sticky tyres.

Cheers,

Nigel

[EZ$]

You could contact Greg M over on the other forum. He's one of the top posters over there, so you can find him listed on the main page in the bottom right area of the page, and just contact him by PM. He put together an ABS system that works, and it's based on a 95 Mustang ABS unit. Those units were not connected through the engine's computer, and did not have handling controls. Unfortunately, other than the written portion of his instructions, the photos were lost when his photo storage site disappeared awhile back. I installed it on mine, but I'm still working some things out, so I can't give you a complete review. One thing I can say is that he is one of the best people you could ever talk to, super helpful.

[mikeinatlanta]

There are stand alone aftermarket systems available for racing. Before spending the bucks I'd suggest making sure it can easily lock all four wheels though. IMHO good brake setup and balance is the bigger issue on most cobras. Also cheaper to enter in a few autocrosses than ABS, more fun too.

[CraigS]

I think ABS can be worthwhile. So, even if you don't do it initially, some research on what is required as far as spindles, hubs w/ tone rings, etc could make it easier to do later on. OTOH, also research what is needed to get the standard brakes working really well. In particular learn how to get enough rear brake so the front to rear balance correct.

[toadster]

I opted to go with the FFR#48 style ABS from the 05-09 Mustang GT500 HCU

here are my details, several guys have done this... I have yet to get it on the road
https://cobradreams.com/2020/04/12/abs-planning/

[johnpinetree]

I've decided to go with the modified E36 ABS controller. I'm even farther back than toadster though. I've gotten confirmation that it can work with the ABS tonewheels that come stock on our builds.

[CraigS]

John, I hope that info is correct. The teeth need to be perfect. One model of Lexus used to have a problem w/ the tone wheel cracking. Rust would build under it, expand and crack it. We could just barely see the crack between 2 teeth, so they were maybe .025 inch further apart than they should be. That was enough to throw off the abs ecu.

[johnpinetree]

That's an interesting data point. Every time I think I've got these understood I realize that I don't...

Anyhow, for my application the ABS control unit needs to be reprogrammed anyhow to take into account the different weight distribution, etc. So while they are at it they'll also flash it for the different number of teeth between the front and the back.