Mechanical problems with the ABS system itself, or the car "just wouldn't stop"?Quote:
but I have had many times in my Stealth problems with the ABS making it near to impossible to stop in a tight situation
Because if it is a case of the car "just wouldn't stop" that probably means there wasn't any grip - which means your inability to stop was because you were going too fast for the conditions, and the ABS probably saved your life.
When I got my Stealth, I heard a bunch of these "the ABS in these cars sucks" complaints - so I did some testing. Wet, dry, and snow, the ABS system on these cars is FINE. Maybe not as sophisticated as more modern stuff, but there is CERTAINLY no underlying flaw in the system.
I have a buddy who raced a 1996 Mustang GT (similar system). He had no ABS on the car, and after a couple of races his tires were octagons. We retrofit a Mustang ABS system onto the car (as was permitted by our rules) and not only did he suddenly keep his tires round, the car got faster because he was no longer locking wheels on corner entry.
Same deal with Vipers. I used to have this gig where I taught Chrysler engineers how to drive at the limit, and we used Vipers and Prowlers. Vipers were very unforgiving in braking, because there was a lot of braking power there, (and a lot of grip) so it was very easy to lock a wheel. When they introduced ABS in... 2000, maybe? The cars got WAY faster and easier to drive, because the consequences of locking a wheel at corner entry went away.
"Heard it from a friend who, heard it from a friend" is not science nor engineering.Quote:
years of being in the 3/s community have given me the distinct impression that the 3/s ABS system is a flawed construct at best.
I tested the system. It's fine, and far better than the alternative of not having it. A "holy shit" moment, assuming the system is mechanically and electrically sound, is the driver's fault for carrying more speed than appropriate, NOT the fault of the ABS.
I'm keeping mine.
DG
