[DempseyDoodle]

Afternoon everyone!

I recently got into autocross and circuit track racing with the Solstice. Its a NA 2006 Base without ABS. I'm mechanically inclined, but don't want to get in too deep with this project.
My question is, besides wiring, axles, sensors, brake lines and the ABS control module, what items would I need to acquire to add ABS to my Sol. I can't stand locking up my tires during HEAVY braking into corners. Thanks!

P.S. If you did this conversion, please chime in!!!!

 

[JohnWR]

My initial thought is that you would be better off to add a Solstice with factory ABS to your list of needed items.

As integrated as the control systems are, I do not believe that it is possible to add factory ABS to your car. You would have better luck finding an early stand-alone system from an older car.

 

[The_Ghost]

I'm not certain the ECU could be programmed to have ABS sensors added. It's not just ABS sensors but also gyro sensors. Back in the mid 2000's the car was basically either built with it or without it. And it couldn't be added. Today, it's simple to add items that weren't ordered on the vehicle. It could be as simple as buying the items, plugging them in and then getting someone with the knowledge to turn them on in the specific ECU. For instance. All Dodge Chargers, Durangos, Jeep Grand Cherokees and Challengers come with the police light stobes (flashing headlights, foglights, turn signals, brake lights, etc) already programmed into the ECU. It just needs to be unlocked to be used. As a matter of fact, they also come with the wiring already installed for the light bars because it's cheaper to just put it there then to build them with/without.

 

[ennonne]

Wouldn't be impossible. But I'd also recommend the route of buying a car with ABS. JL9 RPO was on my shopping list when I bought mine.

That said, I think the biggest hurdle may indeed be programming. Only module that would need reprogramming would be the BCM (Body Control Module) though. The EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) has the speed sensors, power, ground, and data network wired to it. The brake position switch is wired to the BCM. Looks like there are two physically different EBCMs. Schematics have different pin location for an LE5 vs LNF. Probably unique programming for auto vs. manual too. Get the right EBCM and it shouldn't need programming.

And it wouldn't need axles, just hubs. That's where the ABS sensors and tone rings are.

Traction/stability control was a separate thing. That's what needs the accelerometer and steering angle input. Don't need those just for ABS.

 

[RedOne07]

I assume you drive with an automatic transmission ?

 

[Rams]

Afternoon everyone!

I recently got into autocross and circuit track racing with the Solstice.

I can't stand locking up my tires during HEAVY braking into corners. Thanks!

P.S. If you did this conversion, please chime in!!!!

This reminded me of some advice I was given when I first started auto Xing.
"Speed doesn't always win the race, slowing down and better control can and usually wins.
Auto Xing is as much about the track and the driver as it is about the vehicle."
Again, this is advice I was given at the track.

Personally, I wouldn't consider an ABS up/down grade. I'm not a fan of ABS. But, that's just me. I'm sure others will have differing opinions.

Rams

 

[JohnWR]

This reminded me of some advice I was given when I first started auto Xing.
"Speed doesn't always win the race, slowing down and better control can and usually wins.
Auto Xing is as much about the track and the driver as it is about the vehicle."
Again, this is advice I was given at the track.

Personally, I wouldn't consider an ABS up/down grade. I'm not a fan of ABS. But, that's just me. I'm sure others will have differing opinions.

Rams

I am a big fan of ABS on the street. For autocross or racing I prefer non-ABS.

 

[wmf246]

in my limited autocross experience, powering through a course doesn't work as well as smooth and steady...

Bill

 

[kgschlosser]

Things you would need.

all 4 wheel bearings, ones with the sensors in them
EBCM (antilock brake manifold)
Underhood brake lines for all 4 wheels
Engine Wiring harness, complete
Body wiring harness , complete
Dashboard wiring harness, complete
Rear harness, complete
Yaw module/ABS module
Steering angle sensor

You would need to have the ECM and BCM reprogrammed and also the TCM if you have an automatic transmission. The EBCM and the yaw module would also have to be programmed for your vehicle.

I am sure there are some things that I forgot but that is most of the large items.

 

[rob the elder]

I am with Rams.

 

[Hurricane87]

This reminded me of some advice I was given when I first started auto Xing.
"Speed doesn't always win the race, slowing down and better control can and usually wins.
Auto Xing is as much about the track and the driver as it is about the vehicle."
Again, this is advice I was given at the track.

Personally, I wouldn't consider an ABS up/down grade. I'm not a fan of ABS. But, that's just me. I'm sure others will have differing opinions.

Rams

ABS has saved me from at least two accidents. I wouldn't feel compelled to ass it to a 66 Mustang, but I wouldn't want a modern car without it.

 

[billdaman]

ABS has saved me from at least two accidents. I wouldn't feel compelled to ass it to a 66 Mustang, but I wouldn't want a modern car without it.

Just purchased a near perfect low mileage (7500 miles) 2006 Solstice. It’s very well optioned. But for some reason the retired GM toolmaker who had it built didn’t want ABS. Well this is no problem, I will take that into account every inch I drive down the road.

It’s not as if an alert driver just driving the car in the summer won’t be able to match the stopping distance performance of an ecu controlled system consisting of a hydraulic set of solenoid packs that are actuated based on inputs received from Wheel speed sensors. No contest actually. I am and will always be better!

 

[Rams]

I find the less automated systems I have, the more I enjoy the drive. Not a fan of ABS and you couldn't give me an automatic transmission if I have a choice.

Rams

 

[JohnWR]

Just purchased a near perfect low mileage (7500 miles) 2006 Solstice. It’s very well optioned. But for some reason the retired GM toolmaker who had it built didn’t want ABS. Well this is no problem, I will take that into account every inch I drive down the road.

It’s not as if an alert driver just driving the car in the summer won’t be able to match the stopping distance performance of an ecu controlled system consisting of a hydraulic set of solenoid packs that are actuated based on inputs received from Wheel speed sensors. No contest actually. I am and will always be better!

I have read a number of test reports that disagree, with you, with the exceptions of loose sand gravel or snow.

 

[Rams]

I have read a number of test reports that disagree, with you, with the exceptions of loose sand gravel or snow.

While I haven't read those reports, I would suggest that ABS is more consistent and therefore have less errors of "Judgement" or lack of attention that those of us who prefer to depend on our own skills. That doesn't or shouldn't suggest I want it, just that I understand most "average" drivers can use it.
Yes, I know I could screw up...........................

Rams

 

[JohnWR]

While I haven't read those reports, I would suggest that ABS is more consistent and therefore have less errors of "Judgement" or lack of attention that those of us, like me. That doesn't or shouldn't suggest I want it, just that I understand most "average" drivers can use it. I prefer to depend on my own skills and if I screw up, it's on me.

Rams

I would not hesitate to drive a Solstice without ABS, even though I believe it to be a worthwhile system to have.

Tires have the most grip just before they start to slide. It is very difficult to maintain a tire at that point, and absolutely impossible to do it with four tires using a similar pedal. Add changing conditions during the braking maneuver.....

 

[Rams]

I would not hesitate to drive a Solstice without ABS, even though I believe it to be a worthwhile system to have.

Tires have the most grip just before they start to slide. It is very difficult to maintain a tire at that point, and absolutely impossible to do it with four tires using a similar pedal. Add changing conditions during the braking maneuver.....

Valid points.

Rams

 

[billdaman]

I would not hesitate to drive a Solstice without ABS, even though I believe it to be a worthwhile system to have.

Tires have the most grip just before they start to slide. It is very difficult to maintain a tire at that point, and absolutely impossible to do it with four tires using a similar pedal. Add changing conditions during the braking maneuver.....

In summer driving, dry roads It’s extremely rare occasion that ABS activates on any of my vehicles, and can’t remember an occasion since I have adopted the practice of prudent driving when it made a difference.

Wet roads, Ice, ABS beats me. Did panic stop comparisons (engineering students with too much time on our hands in between classes) with same vehicles ABS, non ABS; two Buddies with VW Sciroccos, factory tires same, relatively same mileage on the tires. We performed consistent 60 to zero stops on dry pavement that were 10 feet or more shorter in the non ABS Car.

Definitely rougher on the tires non ABS panic stops.

 

[marksbug]

also try better tire/more tire & different pads as well as work on your driving style if you donut doo the abs. I dont know how the gm abs works,I dont think aIve ever got into a situation where I needed it. I did find out how the 90's chrysler abs worked...not fun at all. when a tire loosed traction you loose all breaking....( 95 dodge intrepid) and the pucker factor aint enough. good think it was just sand across the road in the parking lot at work the first week or so of owning the new car.

 

[Rams]

Well, admittedly I'm no expert nor am I a professional driver. What I am is someone with little tolerance for things that do little to improve my tasks and are often just something else to go wrong. For me, ABS falls into that category. YMMV.

Rams