I remember reading in a popular car magazine that a car could stop faster while the car is in neutral. I always thought that you could slow down slightly quicker by putting the car into gear and letting the clutch out slowly. Is this just true when coming to a dead stop from 150mph or all the time?

 

The limiting factor in braking is going to be determined by the contact between the tires and the road. How you choose to slow the wheels, whether it be through only using the brakes, or a combination of engine-braking and the brakes, has only to do with the "feel" and balance of the car under braking (provided that the brakes are indeed sufficient to lock up the wheels of the given car under those conditions).

Clark

 

It's going to be exceedingly difficult to "lock up" the wheels on the stook with the ABS.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lvs2k
[B]It's going to be exceedingly difficult to "lock up" the wheels on the stook with the ABS.

 

Although the ABS system on the Stook is excellent, I have no problems locking it up. If you hit the brakes very hard and fast at 100mph (I don't suggest it, and certainly not any faster) you can lock the brakes quite easily. ALL ABS systems can be overridden if given enough pressure. The tires will stop, so be careful.

Also, engine-braking is good, but not at 150mph. Best just to try to control the lock. Much success awaits. Be smooth.

Andrew

 

If one wanted to disable ABS, does anyone have instructions on how one would do it? Can we simply pull a fuse?

-B

 

On most Hondas (haven't tried it on the S2K), ABS can be disabled by pulling the e-brake up 1 click (until the dash light for the ebrake comes on) and then driving approximately 1/4 mile. The ABS light should illuminate on the dash and ABS will not work. It will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.

UL

 

Hey guys, can someone address the question that sleepy posted? Not asking about merits of engine braking is better or just brakes is better, but the question is rather: If I have to make an emergency stop, do I keep the car in gear or neutral and brake at the same time? Which is a faster way to stop(neutral or in gear)?

 

I think you don't want to increase your reaction time (which will add loads to your actual stopping distance) by fiddling with gear changes and what not. Just stomp on the clutch pedal and the break pedal and steer the car away from a collision.

 

thanks! That cleared it somewhat but an aspect of my question was not answered because I did not phrase my question properly. Let's say I don't play with the transmission, do I stop faster with

1)the car in gear and applying brakes(ie just brakes)
2)the car in neutral and applying brakes(ie clutch and brakes in at the same time)