Miata Mailing List: October 1997, Message #1
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From: 	hsue <hal109@Mcs.Net>

Subject: Re: ABS and autox, (was comments on SP8000 ..) (fwd)

Date: 	Wed, 1 Oct 1997 00:03:39 +0000



On Tue, 30 Sep 1997 Bobaliu@aol.com wrote:

> Does anyone on the list autocross with an abs equipped miata? I've found

> the abs to really kill braking distances. Should I just pull the fuse?



Yes, I have ABS and autocross. In fact, if I didn't autox, the ABS in

my car has only been activated about twice in four years. That's good :)



For braking distances, I'm convinced that ABS stops the car as a fast 

or faster than an expertly applied threshold brake on the type of road 

surfaces usually seen in an autox, i.e., clean dry parking lot or asphalt 

track. I think a recent Car and Driver article this year has the data. 

On the other hand for lowest times, it depends on what gets you and your 

car around a corner faster. Not all turns need full braking with ABS. 



Another advantage of ABS, IMHO, if it doesn't stop the car faster, is that

you won't lock up the wheels if you braked late and the tires won't

get flat spotted.



You could pull the fuse and see if your times improve.

However, if you do, don't put yourself in an agricultural driving 

situation, with a pile of tires waiting for you at the end of

the grassy trail. Then you'll want the ABS. :)



Harry