Perhaps this is a dumb question, but I figured I'd ask anyway. I of course specifically mean a base Cobalt. I had to hit my brakes fairly hard the other day on the freeway and I forgot I didn't have ABS and it kinda freaked me out. I'm about to double my freeway driving here in a week or so, so I was just curious. I got so used to just stomping on the breaks in my old Cavalier. Can't do that with this new car, I slide.

So, is it possible? If so, is is going to cost an arm and a leg?

 

wow learn something new everyday, i had no idea that abs wasnt standard on the cobalt...that is some weird chit right there. just confirmed it on chevy's site that you can get a ls cobalt without abs. im very disapointed that its not standard, what year is it again?? there shouldnt be a car sold that doesnt come with abs...how retarded. anyways to answer your question...anything can be done with enough money, but i can only imagine it would cost you big $$$$$$ even with junkyard parts, not too many cobalts in the junkyards these days.

 

I noticed this when I was looking at the '05 models and noticed the base (now the '06 LS) didn't come equipped with ABS but all models above that did. The same goes for the final year Cavys...if you buy a base model you have to pay for the ABS...it's still not standard on all vehicles because some people just don't want it. While ABS doesn't stop you any faster it does at least provide more control under hard braking and allows you to steer the vehicle whereas without it if you turn the wheel you're going to more than likely fish tail into someone . I've found the ABS pump a LOT faster on the Cobalt than they ever did on the Cavy, but at least I don't have that obnoxious loud noise associated with them on the Cobalt.

As for converting it, I'm definitely not a specialist on this but I would assume it would be a pretty significant overhaul. If I find some time I'll do some research into it but I have a general idea what's controlling the pumping action but not exactly what all the differences are between the two systems.

Permafried-

 

ABS sucks anyway

 

For obvious cost considerations, GM does not make ABS standard on the Cobalt Base (2005) or the Cobalt LS (2006) - as it is the case with most of the Cobalts competitors. You cannot add ABS, but you may want to use a LOWER GEAR in certain driving conditions - I know I do with my 2005 Malibu (which does not have ABS either - and I don't miss it).

 

if you can drive, you dont need abs. abs is turned off in my cav and i dont mind it cool. i have controll over it its not bad.

 

i knew the second i typed that post my non abs was gonna bite me back, and it did. i was going to work on the free way and i was switching freeways hit the brakes and i spun out. luckily my suspension is fully done and i regained control and didnt wreck. but i did do a 180 and had to quickly correct my self after i was stoped so i didnt get hit by an on coming car. luckily no cars were out at 6am on sunday. what a rush i tell ya. one reason why you work on suspension first is to beable to take control of the car on incidents like these. but i am ok so i need to work in 1 minute. i'll chime in soon.

 

There might be a few aftermarket companies out there that are moking systems for vehicle's that may not have. I know it was at least attempted at once but that was some time ago. All I can say is google away and see what happens