Is it possible to add ABS to an RS model? I ask because I live in Nebraska and drive on snow and ice every year. I may be able to get a good price on a used RS but the lack of ABS worries me. If it is possible, how much of a pain would it be and how much would it cost?

Thanks,

Future EVO owner

 

This is a good question and I will not be the one to help you.

 

I don't see why it wouldn't be possible, although the cost is up in the air. But I've heard a number of people remark that ABS is not essential on an AWD car (even in the snow) if you know how to brake properly. I could be wrong, though.

 

I'd say it possible but probably pretty expensive {i.e. different axles, sensors on the hubs and a computer to run it all}. If you want abs then buy the gsr or mr version much easier.

 

You really dont need it ive driven both in the snow obviously and never had a problem you just have to pump them a little if need be. I actually like hers without the ABS for everyday driving theres so much more feel to the brakes

 

i guess you could do it but for the price you might as well sell the car and get an ix

 

I took apart a RS over the weekend, and noticed the RS's have the ABS teeth on their axels, but no pump obviously. *might* be a cheap conversion.

 

The ACD uses wheel speed sensors to judge wheel speed for adjusting torque split, and the sensors are probably the same ones used for the ABS system in ABS equiped cars, so the sensors are in place.... should just need the electrohydrolic distribution block, wire harness with computer, and the different "hard lines" used to match up to the ABS distribution block.

Personally you couldn't pay me to drive a car with ABS in the snow or gravel. If the ABS is programed for driving on pavement (and nearly all of them are programed for pavment conditions) they ABS is way to sensative for low traction surfaces and you end up with a marked reduction in braking force on low traction surfaces like gravel or snow. If it is programed for low traction surfaces you get way too much indevidual wheel lockup on pavment and this can upset the ballance of the car. Since most driving is done on pavment without snow on it that is the conditions the manufacturs programe the ABS for.... so the ABS systems suck in low traction situations.

The ONLY time ABS is of any use at all is is you are turning and brakeing at max all at the same time..... in virtually all "real world" situations you are not turning the stearing wheel while you have the brake pedal pressed to the floor.... if you do you end up in on-comming trafic or a ditch... and either of those options is potentially more dangerouse than just braking at max and staying in your lane. Combine those two outlooks on the subject, and it is pretty clear that I prefer to do without thank you

Later,

Keith

 

That's a really good point. Does anyone else share Fourdoor's feelings? I may be calling the dealer back after all.

Thanks

 

^ read my post above not as detailed but I have day to day expierience in both

 

EDIT: If you don't already know, if the car you are looking at still has the OEM Yoko A046 tires on it, under no circumstances drive in even the lightest snow. I tried it once on my old Evo, and I think I made it about 6 blocks before I had to turn around. It was plain scary how useless the A046 is when mixed with snow.

I got an RS this January, live in Nebraska, and share similar feelings to Fourdoor.

You'll be fine without ABS if you don't drive like a monkey with it's @ss on fire when the roads are bad. So first of all, use caution.

If you really want to give yourself a margin of safety, then fit "real" winter tires like Blizzaks or any competing brand, and then you'll have plenty of grip in pretty much any winter weather we get here. Not having ABS becomes much less of an issue when you have a lot of usable grip.

 

Good point. I plan on buying blizzaks for the winter; I love them on my current car. I drive very defensive in the snow because everyone else is friggin crazy (they think their four wheel drive means they aren't going to spin out).

Thanks for the input guys!! I just called the dealer with an offer but I doubt they are going to negotiate too much because everyone seems to pay close to dealer asking price around here. We'll see.

Thanks