Author Topic: How to eliminate ABS  (Read 5151 times)

mcibmw533

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How to eliminate ABS
« on: March 01, 2014, 02:05:51 AM »
I'm finally getting back to working on my 318is after neglecting it for mos of the winter to work on my other commitments.  I'm building this car with it's primary use being track days with the BMW CCA and other local clubs and some autocrossing while remaining street legal to be driven to the track (at least for now).  I talked with a couple of my track instructors last season who are also PRO3 guys about the e30 ABS system and it was suggested that I eliminate it.  I've never been a big fan of ABS (or similar aides e.g. power steering) when used on the track.  My first couple years of track experience was without ABS and I've also had a couple with - I prefer without.

With the above being said, I'd like to point out that this thread is not the discussion of weather or not to remove it or keep it.  I've decided I want to eliminate the ABS system and will accomplish that.  I would appreciate any contribution to assist me in this endeavor rather than trying to change my mind or give me examples, reasons, etc. to do otherwise.  It's been discussed in depth before and I've done plenty of research before making this decision. 

My problem is that I'm having difficulty finding the information needed to make this a fully functional, clean and stock appearance operation.  I'm pretty mechanically inclined but prefer to have all my "ducks in a row" before commencing on a project.  My question to you all is what parts do I need to source from other cars/models, what do I remove/modify from mine, etc.?  Of course this will be inspected and tested (as required by the club) by a professional mechanic prior to use on the street or track.  I have a very reliable local mechanic who always double checks my work prior to use to reduce that portion of risk associated with such projects.  I just don't like paying someone for the research and fabrication time that I can perform myself.

I already have the engine bay completely stripped (engine, tranny, all accessories and mounts, etc.) thanks to some work that needed to be done thanks to a negligent previous owner.  The ABS module and computers/sensors have been removed.  I would like to mount a brake bias valve inside for adjustment.  I also have a front UUC BBK that will be installed as it was never installed on a previous e30 I used to have.

I've done some searches on this board as well as the other e30 boards and haven't had any luck finding anything clearly outlining this procedure yet.  Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated and I would be more than happy to provide a writeup once the procedure is completed on my car for the use of the community.

Thanks

P.S. It's an alpine white '91 318is slicktop
Current Garage:
1932 BMW Dixi body (to receive custom frame someday)
1977 530it yellow (t is for truck - ask me for photos if you don't believe it)
1991 318is slicktop alpine white
2004 X5 4.8is LeMans Blue Metallic

DesktopDave

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Re: How to eliminate ABS
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2014, 04:09:52 PM »
Check of you have the 3-port master cylinder. Two of the ports are used on our cars; just remove the blocking bolt and run non-ABS hard lines (like from an '84 318i).

If you don't have the three-port master, I'd look for a slightly larger cast iron 3-port master cylinder (E23/24/28?). I prefer cast iron, they're safer to rebuild.
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romkasponka

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Re: How to eliminate ABS
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2014, 06:00:18 PM »
You can put T-fitting instead of changing master cylinder.
E30 318is M42
E36 318is M44

mcibmw533

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Re: How to eliminate ABS
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2014, 04:08:26 PM »
Thanks for the replies.

Check of you have the 3-port master cylinder. Two of the ports are used on our cars; just remove the blocking bolt and run non-ABS hard lines (like from an '84 318i).

If you don't have the three-port master, I'd look for a slightly larger cast iron 3-port master cylinder (E23/24/28?). I prefer cast iron, they're safer to rebuild.

Your solution sounds pretty straight forward, looks like I have the three-port master.  Just to verify, I can just take the bolt out that points down from the hard brake line directly below the reservoir and go from there (see attached photo if it lets me post it)?  Now I'm on the hunt for the non-ABS hard lines...

Thanks again.
Current Garage:
1932 BMW Dixi body (to receive custom frame someday)
1977 530it yellow (t is for truck - ask me for photos if you don't believe it)
1991 318is slicktop alpine white
2004 X5 4.8is LeMans Blue Metallic

Esprit Motorsports

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Re: How to eliminate ABS
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2014, 08:26:52 AM »
We did the 'T' and will change the lines around later to clean up the bay. It works great and gives us room for our intercooler.
Formerly Esprit Aviation on this forum prior to the email delete. (took us three years to get re registered)