FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Delta ABS system covered by a Warranty?
A: A 1 year "back-to-base" warranty covers the HCU and harness. The harness must be unmodified.
Q: Does this system have an "Ice Mode"?
A: No.
Q: Why should I consider an ABS system for my race car? As an experienced high-performance driver, I’m confident I can out-brake any ABS system.
A: Unless you have four brake pedals, superhuman reflexes, and an extraordinary sensitivity to braking forces, no human can out brake a true motorsport Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
Q: How does ABS work, and how does it improve braking even for seasoned drivers?
A: ABS works by monitoring the speed of each wheel and detecting when a wheel is about to lock up due to the forces exceeding the available friction on the racing surface.
When a potential lock-up is detected, the ABS modulator momentarily reduces the brake pressure at just the affected wheel, preventing it from locking up while still maximizing braking force for the conditions.
Even the most experienced driver cannot control all four corners of the braking system independently, which is why ABS is a powerful tool for improving braking performance.
Q: Why aren’t more racers using ABS?
A: Many existing ABS solutions are either prohibitively expensive or involve piecing together parts from a junkyard. A lack of resources or time often leads racers to second-guess installing ABS in their race cars. Delta ABS, however, is a new, motorsport-specific solution that’s affordable and easy to acquire.
Q: The Delta ABS HCU looks like any factory ABS pump module. What makes it special?
A: The Delta ABS HCU features an oversized OEM-derived pump motor attached to a custom solenoid block with eight motorsport-grade solenoids and large accumulator reservoirs. The control module is a custom Delta design, easy to program, and housed in a sealed enclosure with an OEM-sourced connector.
Q: I’m not very tech-savvy. How difficult is the initial setup?
A: The setup software is simple and straightforward, requiring only a single page of configuration. All you’ll need is a measuring tape and about an hour of your time.
Q: What are the capabilities of the software?
A: The Delta ABS client software is used for initial setup, reviewing diagnostic trouble codes and triggering ABS system bleed procedures.
Q: Does the ABS Unit need to be "tuned" for optimal performance?
A: No. The Delta ABS braking strategy adjusts it's response based on the variables entered during the initial setup. There is no costly or time-consuming "tuning" involved.
Q: Do I need a proportioning valve or bias bar or does the ABS system have built-in bias control?
A: The Delta Motorsport ABS system does not internally change brake bias. The system is designed to prevent tire lock-up on sub optimal surfaces and in less than ideal environmental conditions.
You should always setup your braking system for the best possible braking performance in optimal conditions and then add ABS on top of that. The system does output a brake balance channel via CAN so the input brake bias of the system can be recorded for review.
Q: What if it starts raining mid-race and I need to adjust the settings? Will I need to carry a laptop everywhere?
A: No need to worry. The included 10-position switch allows you to adjust the allowed slip rate on the fly, so you can adjust to changing track conditions without needing a laptop.
Q: Can I access the data the Delta ABS system gathers?
A: Delta ABS broadcasts a wide range of channels via an industry standard CAN-Bus protocol. The channels included within it's data stream are:
-
Brake Light State
- ABS Active State
- Front Right Wheel Speed
- Front Left Wheel Speed
- Rear Right Wheel Speed
- Rear Left Wheel Speed
- Brake Balance
- Slip Switch Position
- Speedometer
- Front Brake Pressure
- Rear Brake Pressure
- Lateral Acceleration
- Longitudinal Acceleration
This data can be used by data loggers, digital dashboards, and ECUs, giving your team a competitive edge and a complete picture during post-race evaluations.
Q: Will Delta ABS work with my pre-existing wheel speed sensors?
A: Delta ABS works with common two-wire Hall-Effect (active) sensors. The kit also includes four compatible sensors, which may require minor fabrication for your application.
Verified sensor models include:
- Alfa Romeo 4C
- BMW E46
- BMW E90
- BMW F20 (116i and 118i only verified)
- Lotus Evora
- Nissan 350Z
- Peugeot 208GTI
- Porsche 997
- Renault Clio 197-200
- Vauxhall Astra J
- VW Golf MK5
Q: I run a motorsports shop that can handle installs. How can I become a Delta ABS dealer?
A: We are actively looking for installers for our dealer program. Contact us at sales@deltaabs.com for more information.