FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Delta ABS work for my application?
A: Delta Motorsport ABS is a universal, standalone system designed to be vehicle-agnostic in both setup and use. It is sold as a complete kit, including all necessary electronic modules, sensors, and wiring for installation.
If your vehicle has a factory ABS system, four wheels, and brake calipers, installing Delta ABS will be straightforward.
If your vehicle does not currently have an ABS system, installation will require some custom fabrication. However, the process is manageable within a short timeframe and does not require expensive specialty tools or extensive prior knowledge.
Q: My car came with ABS from the factory. What other parts do I need to complete the installation?
A: Most factory-equipped ABS vehicles already have the basic system components in place. Installing a Delta ABS kit in these vehicles requires three key adaptations:
- Hydraulics: You'll be removing your factory ABS pump and swapping in the Delta ABS one. The Delta ABS unit features M10x1.0 ISO/DIN "bubble" flare on 2x inputs and 4x outputs. If your brake lines do not match this specification, you will need to install appropriate fittings and re-flare your existing lines. We strongly recommend using rigid metal brake lines rather than braided lines, as braided lines can lead to a less precise pedal feel.
- Wheel Speed Sensors: Factory sensors can be reused if they are "active" Hall-effect type. We offer connector kits to re-terminate factory sensors if they are compatible. Alternatively, simple brackets can be fabricated to adapt the included sensors to your existing tone ring location.
- Wiring: Power and ground should be connected as instructed in the manual. The system is compatible with both traditional fuse/relay power distribution and solid-state PDMs.
Note: Some older factory ABS systems may use a three-channel hydraulic setup, where the rear wheels share a brake line. In this case, fabricating and installing separate rear brake lines is required for proper functionality.
If you're unfamiliar with these procedures, we strongly encourage consulting a local shop experienced in race car preparation.
Q: My car did not come with ABS from the factory. What other parts do I need to complete the installation?
A: Vehicles that pre-date ABS as standard or custom-built vehicles will require brake system modifications and fabrication.
- Hydraulics: We strongly recommend fabricating new brake lines to ensure proper routing and fitment. You will need appropriate tubing, fittings, and bending/flaring tools. The Delta ABS unit features M10x1.0 ISO/DIN "bubble" flare on 2x inputs and 4x outputs.
- Master Cylinder: When installing Delta Motorsport ABS in a vehicle that was not originally equipped with ABS, we recommend upsizing the master cylinder by 1/16" to 1/8" to optimize braking performance.
- Wheel Speed Sensors: The included sensors can be adapted using custom brackets, or any compatible OEM sensor may be used. Tone rings/trigger wheels are required on all four corners. If fabricating tone rings, Delta ABS recommends a tooth count of 40 or greater per wheel.
- Wiring: Power and ground should be connected as instructed in the operation manual. The system is compatible with both traditional fuse/relay power distribution and solid-state PDMs.
If you're unfamiliar with these procedures, we strongly encourage consulting a local shop experienced in race car preparation.
Q: Does this system have an "Ice Mode"?
A: No.
Q: Will Delta ABS work with my pre-existing wheel speed sensors?
A: Delta ABS works with common two-wire Hall-Effect (active) sensors.
Verified sensor models include:
- Alfa Romeo 4C
- BMW E46
- BMW E90
- BMW F20 (116i and 118i only verified)
- Chevrolet Corvette C6 (ZR1 Model Only)
- Chevrolet Corvette C7
- Lotus Evora
- Nissan 350Z
- Peugeot 208GTI
- Porsche 997
- Renault Clio 197-200
- Vauxhall Astra J
- VW Golf MK5
The kit also includes four compatible sensors, which may require fabrication to fit your application.
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: Even the most skilled drivers can't match the precision of a true motorsport ABS system. Unlike a human, ABS monitors each wheel independently, detecting when a wheel is about to lock due to exceeding available traction. It then momentarily reduces brake pressure at just the affected wheel, maximizing braking force while maintaining stability.
No driver, no matter how experienced, can modulate all four brakes simultaneously with the speed and accuracy of ABS. This results in shorter, more controlled braking distances, improved consistency, and better overall performance—especially in changing track conditions.
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 the importance of 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: How difficult is the initial setup?
A: The setup software is simple and straightforward, requiring only a single page of configuration. Configuration Variables include:
- Front & Rear Wheel Circumference
- Front & Rear Tooth Count
- Front, Rear & Total Vehicle Weight
- Wheelbase
- Front & Rear Track Width
Q: What are the capabilities of the software?
A: The Delta ABS client software is used for:
- Vehicle Configuration
- CAN-Bus Configuration
- Reviewing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- Live Data Review/Scope
- Triggering ABS Bleed Procedures
Delta ABS Client software may be downloaded for FREE from our downloads page.
Q: Does the ABS unit need to be "tuned" for optimal performance?
A: No. The Delta ABS braking strategy tailors it's ABS response based on the vehicle configuration variables entered during 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: 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
A full breakdown of CAN channels and ranges can be found in the operation manual.
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: I run a motorsports shop that can handle installs. How can I become a Delta ABS dealer/installer?
A: We are actively looking for installers for our dealer program. Contact us at sales@deltaabs.com for more information.
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.