So I am diving back into installing ABS into my LS swapped 1999 which did not come with ABS. This is a full-tilt track car running 275 A7s for some application context.

I searched and the latest information I could find was basically people using a 99-00 standalone Bosch 3-channel unit (I have the pump module), or they are converting over to the BMW stand-alone MK60 system as documented here...
https://www.miataturbo.net/race-prep...l-98383/page3/

My question is, before I jump into either of these rabbit holes, is the MK60 still the 'best' low budget option for an ABS retrofit, or have other options worth considering presented themselves since then? When I saw low budget, I am excluding things like a ultra-bad-*** F1 approved Motech ABS system that costs thousands.

I can handle the installation and fab work as needed so I don't need a bolt-in kit nor do I expect the MK60 option to be. I can deal with mounting the sensors and installing the trigger rings for example.

TIA

 

Move to the MK60E5 system. Performs the same or better, but at a fraction of the cost. If you are able/willing to DIY, you can have a functional ABS system for under $200.
Check post #210 for a quick rundown of what all is involved over the MK60E1 system: https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...105851/page11/

 

Excellent. thanks

 

Fack, now I want ABS. I always felt like it was a bit of an excuse when racing against much newer platforms in time attack, but after flat spotting numerous expensive tires, and even kissing a tire wall, there's definitely merits to ABS.

Ive gotten better at recovering after a lockup, but certainly ABS has got to be worth time, even for "pro" level drivers? What do the fast guys have to say about this?

 

Absolutely do it.

 

Abs can equal faster lap times for novice - even advanced drivers, but learning and exercising threshold breaking generates a higher skilled driver… I instruct and most with abs don’t know how to drive with abs and I spend a lot of time with students teaching them that abs turns the brakes into an on/off switch-no abs feedback on pedal-you broke too early and not hard enough. But I feel that any driver assist is a crutch. My $.02. That’s why I like my Miata, no driver assists!

enter the gtr- makes the worst drivers on the planet look like track day heros. How? The computer drivers the car. No skill required… shut off the Nannie’s, holy hell they learn how bad their driving really is.

that being said, someone who has learned and practices threshold braking getting into the same car now with abs can certainly net gains (and save tires and body work )

 

I've read your thread, and this post, but really did not pay enough attention to it. $200 for the donor parts, and what would you say the cost of the diagnostic tools was?

At that price, it pays for itself if I avoid flatspotting even a single tire. This is moving up from a long distant dream goal to something I need to do.

 

INPA(the BMW diag software) is free, just need a laptop to put it on. It is becoming harder to find on the internet, but is still out there. You can also use a scanner tool like a foxhound, those are generally a few hundred dollars.
The price of ABS being cheaper then tires was my motivator as well. I flat spotted a newish set of A7's($1400) and vowled the car would have ABS before it hit the track again.

 

there's now a wheel speed sensor translator on the market so you can keep the stock miata tone rings and sensors too... a little more money but makes off the shelf parts work too.

 

For reference this is the converter I'm aware of. Its pricey, but has a few other features built in to it as well.

https://happycactusgarage.com/products/mk60-companion

 

Yeah, not cheap, and that is only the beta price - production units won't be any cheaper when the caveats on that webpage are removed and replaced with 'works with ...'.

But. This looks like bringing the Mk60 pretty close to 'plug and play'. First get your Mk60, then this, run an extra brake line south, and it is job done. What have I missed?

Sure, there is a bit of housekeeping, plug a redundant rear line, connect the factory ABS wheel speed sensors to the unit - is that it?

Maybe, instead of being an idle dream, this is looking almost doable for someone of my limited mechanical capabilities.