ABS/TC? Benefit or nanny?

[jsceash]

Originally Posted by ammonman

Hi all,

Porsche owner but Boxster newb here with a quick question. I'm looking for a base car to AX/DE for a year or two while turning it into a Spec car. Is it worth finding a car with the ABS/TC option as a base for a spec build? I get the impression the system is more a"nanny" for inexperienced/lazy drivers rather than something performance oriented.

Thanks

Mike

If you want to call it a nanny well look at it this way the second the ABS starts to cut in, you're braking too much and you can still lift a little, no harm no fowl. You didn't slide the tires and end off track, you didn't cost yourself $300-400 flat spot your front tires. Popping off the brakes too fast didn't put the car sideways. My opinion is it is a great tool that cost little or nothing. I look at it as an insurance policy until you have experience

As you gain experience and can feel those point with out PSM stop using it.

[ammonman]

Thanks for the input guys. I think the ABS is very worthwhile for an inexperienced track driver like me. I'm more trying to gauge the value of the ABS-based traction control system. If the car is equipped with the brake-based traction control system does it have to be switched off when on the track to comply with the spec rules? If not, is the system beneficial or detrimental to performance? Does using it on-track tend to promote bad habits in new drivers?

Thanks

Mike

[jsceash]

Spec BSR would have some cars in both categories but it says you can not modify the ECM or other electronic systems immobilizer ETC. Only a stock ECM is permitted.