My Car doesn't have ABS!!

[Keira]

Hmm, why do you think you need ABS? Or why would you even want it? I live in Michigan and my car doesnt have ABS. It is better to be able to control your brakes on your own, especially on the ice. If you are familiar with your car having ABS shouldn't even make a difference.

[papa roached]

i can drive thank you very much, i have never had a car with ABS, i was just throwing that out there

[Keira]

I believe both of those replys were directed to the author of this thread 'RodbeyBur' and not you.

[jschrauwen]

The time, cost and effort to achieve ABS funtionality in a non-ABS vehicle would be so unsubstantiated unless there are mitigating circumstances that DEMAND this conversion. Circumstances such as drivers inability to effectively react to situations demanding extreme braking. If you believe that you may fall into this description than by all means go for it.

If it's a situation where you are merely in a speculating mode and visuallizing that this would be a "NICE to have MOD" or that by being surrounded by ABS your going to enjoy some sort of guaranteed extra safety then I believe the previous posts have answered the former and that the latter is an illusion. IMHO. To be honest, all things being equal given 2 similar vehicles, 1 with and 1 without ABS, of course I would take the ABS. ABS has it's merits.........to a point. And for me that point stopped well before I would even dream of considering converting a non ABS vehicle. IMO only! If you do tackle this project, keep us posted, it's always nice to be wrong in the right way?????
Good luck

[lakersfan1]

The time, cost and effort to achieve ABS funtionality in a non-ABS vehicle would be so unsubstantiated unless there are mitigating circumstances that DEMAND this conversion.

You mean like, for instance, if a woman was driving the car?

[RodbeyBur]

This is all I have to say to all those who think not having ABS is such a good thing.

Without getting the flame started again, why is it noone removing their abs on new cars if it is such a nuisance?

Yes I can drive. Yes I have had cars without abs before. Yes I have had cars with ABS. And I tell you that ABS has saved my a-- a few times. There always comes a time when someone pulls out in front, cuts me off, slams on their brakes, or catches me off guard (stop and go traffic) and ABS does work. To all those naysayers who think this isn't a good idea then begone.

I'll look into doing the swap and if my budget permits, I will do the swap and post some good pics and a quick how to on the subject. I have a pic and pull yard so I should be able to get the parts fairly cheap....hopefully around 100-200. I will look into it and keep you posted after I find out more information.

Reasons to do swap:
1. Increases resale value
2. Increases safety
3. Safegaurds car against driver error
4. I just want to try and see if it can be done

Reasons not to do swap:
1. Takes money
2. Takes time
3. Might be impossible

Whats so bad about being a little safer? If noone is worried about safety then lets all remove the five point harnesses, remove roll bars, remove strut braces, remove performance tires, remove those big brakes, remove rear disc brakes, remove helmets, remove those fire extinguishers, and remove the fog lights cause that is what that stuff is, in part, designed for. I know some of you want it cause it looks good or whatever, but come on.

I will say if it will cost as much as some are saying (1000's) then of course I wont do it. But noone has actually priced it have they? So please do not post a bunch of crap telling me to learn how to drive blah blah blah.

[Tunes67]

I am not posting this to add a negative voice to ABS.. if thats what you want to do to your ride.. then by all means.. have at it.. but a LOT of performance enthusiasts DO remove their ABS systems for a number of factors.

1) Improved feel of braking control - ABS eliminates the feel.. this may sound vague but anyone thats done Auto X or any kind of track racing will know exactly what I am talking about.

2) Removes excess weight.

3) Allows easier conversion to aftermarket performance brake systems.

These are just a few things I could think of off the top of my head.. I am NOT saying you shouldnt do the mod. If thats what you want to do.. go for it. I wish my car came with ABS simply because its a commuter car and I would welcome the insurance break it would give me. But would I ever attempt to put ABS on my car? Hell no.. I'd rather paint my car, shave the door handles, put on the Lambo Door kit or any of the other dozen mods available. But thats just me

Tunes67

[RodbeyBur]

I am not posting this to add a negative voice to ABS.. if thats what you want to do to your ride.. then by all means.. have at it.. but a LOT of performance enthusiasts DO remove their ABS systems for a number of factors.

1) Improved feel of braking control - ABS eliminates the feel.. this may sound vague but anyone thats done Auto X or any kind of track racing will know exactly what I am talking about.

2) Removes excess weight.

3) Allows easier conversion to aftermarket performance brake systems.

Tunes67

1. not going into this one too long and more or less opinionated.

2. It does remove a little but not as much as other mods. I would say 10-20 pounds max. Closer to ten. After looking at the online manual the only heavy part to the whole system would be the ABS Hydraulic Unit (the massive part with all the lines going into it under the hood.

3. No harder than if you didnt have ABS. All the popular big brake kits that I have seen are compatible with ABS. Not sure if you meant a different performance breaking system though (none of which I know about if there are others).

[Tunes67]

*Chuckles* You seem to have a need to defend this mod man.. and you dont need to.. just do it if it makes you happy.. but if you doubt the validity of the performance aspect of not having ABS.. try checking out any "Race" car.. I doubt you will find ABS on hardly anything from Nascar to Indy Cars.

Tunes67

[jschrauwen]

I found out last night that my car doesn't have ABS. That is probably the reason the previous owner ran it into the back of another car.
Does anyone know how hard it would be to convert to ABS? I have a 93 and am not sure if it was an option in that year.
Is it possible to install airbags into a 93?

Rod, I think you're really reaching on that assumption and appear to be rationallizing your justification of the necessesity to have ABS...IMO

I believe that you've got some pretty clear feedback on that one...IMO

Again, you've been given some clear backround on that issue....IMO


Rod, you posted to get information on something you were speculating about, at least that's the impression I got. What you recieved, aside from some excellent technical info detailing with the complexities of an attempt, for the most part was an overwhelming response to the negative. That confirmed, it appears that you're trying to convince us of the merits of such an undertaking, which the majority of which do not subscribe to...IMO. If you posed your query in such a way as to say that you ARE going to undertake this project (which appears so), than perhaps simply saying so and stating that you need to know some of the specific technical details surrounding this project may have netted you a much better response.......again IMO. You must appreciate that most reponses are from those you were willing to take the time to HELP an inquiring mind and that we all share in the devotion and love of our ride. We all agree on the positive aspects and merit of HAVING ABS. If you do decide to continue on with that project, I'm sure there would be a number of interested people who would like to follow your progress, I for one. All the best in the endeavour....good luck!!!

[Grants]

Well said jschrauwen. You gave it a lot more levity than I would have given this:

then lets all remove the five point harnesses, remove roll bars, remove strut braces, remove performance tires, remove those big brakes, remove rear disc brakes, remove helmets, remove those fire extinguishers, and remove the fog lights

Sorta doesn't bode well for getting sensible, helpful information if he does push ahead with the project IMO.

And my 2c? Buy a later model with ABS and airbags. There ain't no way your going to get them fitted. The airbag models have the different dash for a start as far as I know. I don't think retrofitting ABS would even be legal. Probably need engineers certificates as Mazda did not have that feature in your model. But good luck I hope I'm wrong and look forward to seeing how it goes.

But noone has actually priced it have they?

But you did! But sorry I think your dreaming that

I should be able to get the parts fairly cheap....hopefully around 100-200.

You shouldn't ask a question and then not like the answers. Look at the trouble some of these guys went to to give you some advice. Look at the NZ pic for example. Chose to ignore it if you like, I won't lose any sleep over it.

[jschrauwen]

The time, cost and effort to achieve ABS funtionality in a non-ABS vehicle would be so unsubstantiated unless there are mitigating circumstances that DEMAND this conversion.

You mean like, for instance, if a woman was driving the car?

dohhh.........I was hoping no one would pick up on that one.................as he walks away....head down....in utter embarrassment...........LOL

[Chadley]

lots

[jschrauwen]

I'm glad i have ABS on my MX3 as i was glad i had it on my MR2 turbo before but i doubt i would go through all the hassle of adding it to a car without.

Well said M8

[hgallegos915]

my abs light is always on..never bothered to fix it. I dont need it.