ABS Power Brake

mmlee · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 08:18 AM

Been looking for additional braking options, mainly some kind of power assist. Any one have any experience with the ABS Power Electric Brakes.

http://www.abspowerbrake.com/ehpm.html

What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Roush #1 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 09:45 AM

I recently installed the ABS electric power brakes in my Lone Star LS 427.

They work well and I am pleased with them. They are a good alternative to those that don't have enough engine vacuum for normal power brakes.

I did have to send the master cylinder back as the original one they sent leaked internally the second day of operation. It was replaced promptly and it all works well now.

I would recommend you check your wiring before installation as I had a bad connection on a wire splice that was taped up when I got it. They had spliced a 10 inch piece of wire to lengthen it and the splice connection was bad.

The hose fittings are a pain if you want to use stainless hose between the pump and the master cylinder and the master cylinder and a remote brake fluid reservoir.

Bottom line.....their quality control seems a bit lax, but after all the initial bugs are worked out, the product performs as advertised.

mmlee · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 10:15 AM

Roush #1,

Thanks for the feedback. If you don't mind me asking what was the model number you bought, the general cost and time/complexity to do the install. Also, did you have to do anything special on the pedal assembly to the balance bar since you don't have the second master cylinder to balance the pedal force. If you have time some pictures would be helpful.

Do you have too much power now and have trouble locking up the brakes to easily? Without modern anti-lock brakes you have to go back to old school and remember to pump your brakes to keep them from locking, hard to remember in a panic situation on the streets although easy on the race track. Especially after getting used to modern anti-lock brakes.

Thanks again,

Roush #1 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 12:46 PM

Mark,
I used their # 10-57 master cylinder which is a firewall mount with a remote brake fluid reservoir. I don't think there is a lot of difference in their master cylinders if you specify disc brakes on all four wheels as I did. The main differences seem to be mounting type and brake fluid remote reservoirs or built on the master cylinder.
I spent a lot of time making a bracket to mount the pump and accumlator to the firewall and changing out their fittings/lines with stainless hose.
There was also a lot of time involved in fitting the master cylinder to the firewall. I basically rebuilt the firewall from the outside fender to the center of the car and started over with the mounting holes. I used about a half gallon of fiberglass resin to do this.
When fitting the pedal assembly I had to also make another mounting point for the steering column which attaches to the sandwich plate on the engine side of the firewall.
I modified their pedal assembly to fit my interior. The pedals were about 2 inches too long.
The assembly they sent seems to work just fine after the initial bugs (master cylinder failure and wiring problem) were fixed and the pedals adjusted to fit me and my car.
I have not tracked the car with this set up but I think the brake bias will be just fine for road courses. I know the car will stop with a lot less pedal effort than before. If I need to adjust the bias, I will do it with brake line pressure rather than a bias bar in the pedal assembly.
If you just took the ABS package and installed it, I think it could be done as a week end project, but as I did it, I have about 60 hours in the modifications and installation.
Jody

PurpleVenom · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 04:38 PM

I have this system and am pleased with it now that I have my leaks fixed (my fault). I also have the 10-57 with a remote reservoir. My pump motor is mounted on the frame and the reservoir is mounted with spacers, long bolts and an aluminum bracket attached to the driver's side head. All of their Master cylinder's have built in brake bias so a bias adjuster is not needed. I have had mine on the track at Gateway for RNG and have been pleased with the brakes. Little effort to brake hard, no grabbing and I had no "O Crap!" moments. They highly suggest you use Silicon DOT 5 brake fluid. That discussion apparently can go on for a long time on whether or not DOT 5 should be used on a track. I've experience no problems. I installed mine in a weekend.

Let me know if you have questions.

mmlee · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 04:59 PM

PurpleVenom,

Thanks for the great pics. Well this definitely moves up in my "Cobra to do list".

Thanks again,

PurpleVenom · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 08:43 PM

In that last pic, I just noticed the manifold is not installed on the master cylinder. I was able to order just the manifold, remove the reservoir and install the manifold in it's place.

Please note this system isn't cheap, expect to pay around $950 or so for it.

HTH,
Tim

mmlee · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 10:18 PM

I expected to cost to be around $1K, my other options where to go to big brake setup which also required 17" wheels and tires... total cost ~$3-4K.

At least I can keep my current 15" wheels and tires with the power brakes. I'm old school and like the look of the 15's compared to the taller wheels. All I would need to add to the setup is some Hawk brake pads and slotted rotors and I'm ready for the track

Also nothing like having power brakes after a long cruise and your legs are tired out and just not having to stomp on the brakes to come to a sudden stop will probably be worth it as well.

Thanks again,