The Oldsmobile Connection

[Bassboy53]

I was just wondering how complicated it would be to convert my 89 cutlass ciera to ABS brakes like in the newer ciera's.

I know the later model ciera's came with ABS and I think that installing ABS into my 89 would be cool if it was fairly easy. I think it would help make up for the wide tires when it comes to the wet/snowy roads...



What parts would I need to get from the junk yard?

would I need to get a new ECU? (would that be possible to find one for my 3.3L engine too)

if that is required, then the project just got a whole lot harder..

[73Delta88]

why would you want to do that?

my advice: if you start sliding out of control, pump the brake pedal repeatedly, so you're tires will roll a little and you can at least steer.

I don't have ABS on either of my vehicles and I'm very happy with it that way!

I can't say specificaly what would be involved with installing it, but it sounds to me like a big, expensive, pain in the ass.

[strokercutlass]

Quote: I can't say specificaly what would be involved with installing it, but it sounds to me like a big, expensive, pain in the ass.


Ohhhh boy, did YOU just say a mouthful! You'd need to convert everything from a newer ABS equipped car...wheel speed sensors/bearings, wiring harness, computer, etc....etc.... do you see a pattern forming here? :lol:

[88delta88]

My mom and dad's vehicles have ABS... And seriously, if you learn how to drive in the wintertime, you're better off without ABS. I find I have a much better feel of the road when I need to stop fast without ABS. When I drive my parents vehicles, I just press the brake and hope for the best.

:-) Just my opinion.

[starfire]

88delta88 wrote: And seriously, if you learn how to drive in the wintertime, you're better off without ABS. I find I have a much better feel of the road when I need to stop fast without ABS. When I drive my parents vehicles, I just press the brake and hope for the best.

:-) Just my opinion.

I feel that way about the radio in my 68. It's got the analog tuner so I can fine tune the station in by hand. In my newer cars the digital tuners won't let me fine tune the stations. Unfortunately, that is a false feeling. The digital tuner does a better job of tuning the station than I can with my hand, and the ABS does a better job of stopping the car in a shorter amount of time with less loss of control, no matter how it feels. If you don't believe, take two similar cars (85 Ciera and a 95 Ciera) out to an icy parking lot and you will see.

I don't think it would be worth while, though, to change over the system. You'd have less money invested selling your current Ciera and buying a newer one.

[92BravadaAWD]

I hate ABS, i honestly do.. it seems to take some of the 'fun' out of driving, almost like that with power steering.. my dads old ranger dosent have power anything, and you really feel the road and everything better..not as luxurious but fun..;)

[85cieraholiday]

Just buy a new Ciera with ABS save time and get a newer car.

[justinwebb]

i've never been a big fan of abs its just like everyone else says takes away from real driving

[cierakornchild]

hey i got abs :(, but i do have to agree it can be a pain in the ass at times..

[73Delta88]

it's not a "bad" thing in theory, it's just with all that extra electronics and wiring and such, it's that much more stuff to repair when it breaks. ($$$$) Yes, in a test with a car that has ABS and one that doesn't when they're trying to steer through cones under full braking conditions the ABS car will win, but if you really know your car and how it handles, etc. it really isn't a problem. I've driven vehicles with ABS and without, and I prefer not to have ABS. Some people prefer to have it, it's all your personal preferance. In a vehicle with ABS, you can just mash the brake pedal and not worry about the wheels locking up, but with a vehicle without ABS, you have more control over the car and what it does (maybe you want it to slide :lol: )