LOL you had a S10 too? I activated the ABS once and everyone for a mile around stopped to see WTF was going on. I think it sounded like the whole truck was gonna fall apart. LOL

 

It started out as a PSA to let folks know to still drive a safe distance even with ABS. But these types of posts always change direction a bit so it turned into an ABS vs Non-ABS thread which brought out the anti-ABS in me and consequently turned into a sports cars vs other vehicles thread.

No matter. Take it any direction you want. We can talk about tits now.

 

I guess I was the only one that realized Chuck was talking about sports car and racing applications as well, since I was assuming he was defending the Viper from the beginning (which, by the way, is a car I keep considering and still would buy, despite not having ABS. Much love. ).

Now the main problem with racing applications is that the ABS systems I am familiar with ('90s stuff) cannot keep up with your mods. The system doesn't know when you put on wider, stickier tires and better brakes. The more of this you do, the better the DRIVER can brake, while the ABS system will still limit its braking capacity to what it was designed for. However, in the wet, the potential grip is much lower, and the ABS has the advantage again, despite your super brakes and tires. Modern braking systems may (probably) have improved to be more sensor-dynamic, and could react to these mods. Either way, the best ABS setup is a simple design that is based around a specific car and setup. Also, from what I've heard, installing a custom ABS system will pay for itself the first time you prevent flat-spotting your nice $300+ per corner race tires.

 

LOL I can attest to that. The first couple years I flattspotted so many times my tires were shaped like stop signs. But I still never wanted ABS. I just kept at it and learned the limits - expensive as it was.

 

Vipers have had ABS since 2001 (01 and 02 are still the classic body style) and the newer Viper brakes are good enough to put you through the windshield.

 

As adamant as I am about ABS, I'd prefer the forged motor. '99 for me.

 

My old '91 Grand Am did that all the time.
Thats funny as hell.

 

I still have it actually. Its a great truck, except for that crappy ABS. My friends Suburban was the same way. I think their ABS is the worst, and could get you into more trouble than no ABS at all.

 

YAY! Thats the best suggestion I've seen in this thread yet!

 

I agree, sadly this just happened to me recently. My brake bias is pretty out of wack thanks to larger than stock front brakes. I was looking across the road while driving to work to see if a friend was at her job, and when I look back I realized traffic was still backed up in my lane only. My first reaction was to hit the brakes and I did and locked them up instantly. I tried to let up on the brakes to regain traction with the front wheels but it was to late. Now I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end of my car.

Could ABS have helped me? I'm not sure. But I can see how ABS would help most people while on the street and in the rain.

I think the article comes down to peoples ignorance about cars in general. If you have something as powerful and potentionally dangerous as a car, you should get your head out of your ass and atleast learn how basic things work and what and why their are specific safety features on your specific car.