Boxster monoblocks and ABS, Installing Boxster monoblocks and ABS Options

[Dinobx]

Hey all,

I was reading another thread on brake upgrades. Some of you have talked about using the Boxster (not S) monoblocks on the 914, once you've changed to 911 struts and rotors.

The agreement seems to be that this would be great for the track but a bit too much brake power for the street. Some have indicated lockup of the tires can occur quite easily. I can certainly see this being a problem (I would think there would also be that scary "just touch the brakes and they grab way too much" feeling).

If that's the case, is there some way of fixing the lock up problem by also adding ABS to the equation?

[ClayPerrine]

The only thing used from the Boxster brake system is the calipers themselves. They are attached to the struts/trailing arms with adapter blocks, and 24mm carerra rotors are used.

To put ABS on a 914 would require some major engineering. You would have to add rotation sensors to all 4 wheels. Then additional wiring to support them. You would have to install the ABS control unit that allows pressure to be bled from each wheel when lockup happens. There is also a speedometer type sensor on most abs systems to disable it below a certain speed too. Then you have to add the computer to support all this. IIRC, the ABS controls are contained in the Body control computer, which also contains a bunch of other functions. To use it, you would have to either hook up those addtional sensors, or find a way to trick the computer into seeing the correct voltages on the sensor lines.



After all that, you have an ABS system that is incorrectly calibrated for the car. The 914 weighs quite a bit less than a Boxster.


Plus, most people who drive near the limit don't want a computer helping them with something as critical as braking. Remember, the most sophisticated computer available is the one between your ears.