High-performance speeds need high-performance brakes, and often, the original equipment installed by Chevy just doesn't cut it on a racetrack.
Kevin Keys, a autocross racer who was recently named the Sports Car Club of America Indianapolis Region Jack Tovey Solo Competitor of the Year, was one of the first autocross racers to install and race with the Delta ABS system.
Keys races a 2000 Chevy Corvette C5.
Delta ABS, which is owned by Zach Denney, is a Texas-based company. In a social media post, Denney said the Delta system was designed "exclusively for minimizing stopping distance".
"I've driven many good OEM ABS systems on track, and with the Delta setup in my car I can pitch the car with a lot of slip angle, full ABS, and it's not fighting me or trying to yaw the car around," Denney posted.
Chris Law, the marketing manager of Delta ABS, continued the online conversation with more details. According to Law, the version being offered now is the second generation. The first generation was originally designed for street car applications, but had "limitations" regarding system reserve capacity when used with large multi-piston calipers. The first generation Delta ABS was also a 12-solenoid system, which made it not FIA GT legal.
To fix those issues, this second generation has larger accumulators and an 8-solenoid design, which brings it in line with FIA compliance and keeps the same level of performance.
Law also added that Delta developed the electronics for the ABS system in-house.
"While it may resemble a Bosch 8.1 system visually, it is fundamentally different in function and design where it matters most," Law said.
Keys installed the system himself and found it fairly "straightforward" in regards to the wiring and hydraulic connections. He's also made other changes to his car, including upgrading the wheel bearings to +09 ZR1 with active sensors, which also meant upgrading the axles to 33 spline. So far though he's been "super happy" with the function and lap times.
"ABS is very consistent and the car has never stopped better," Keys said in an online conversation. "I love the knob for a quick adjustment if things get damp."
That ability to adjust to differing track conditions is one of Delta ABS' key selling points, as the system gives drivers the ability to change their slip levels as needed. The Delta ABS also prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, and the website specifically markets itself to racers by promising stability on corner entry.
The Delta ABS package costs $4,849 and comes with:
- ABS Control Unit
- Front and Rear Pressure Sensors
- Pre-Terminated Wiring Harness
- Wheel Speed Sensors x4
- Yaw Rate Sensor
- Slip Level Selector Switch
- CAN-to-USB Interface Module
It is exclusively available through the Delta ABS website.
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