the RPV function is important
Sure, but just to add... Brake hardware on the VX wheel end is identical to that of the Rover S2 Elise.
Same calipers, same pads, same piston sizes, etc.
Rover S2 Elise of course does not have vacuum assist and ABS, but also no rear proportioning valve whatsoever, just straight brake lines from the MC. Also the master cylinder, while sized appropriately for non-assisted use, is a straight (single size) bore so there's no hidden pressure difference from a stepped-bore MC to give some form of additional biasing either.
This was all basically carried over from the S1 'as is'.
So disabling the RPV function on a VX should basically turn it back into the same behaviour as an un-assisted Elise as far as distribution goes. Not more or less 'unsafe' than these.
While the RPV is very useful, especially with ABS I'd argue that it would/should really be used on these cars to allow more rearward bias on the brakes than the 'bare' setup on the Elise provides.
The Elise is already a little front-heavy on the brake bias and can benefit from moving more bias to the rear (within reason..)
But... I expect the ABS/RPV system to be tuned/calibrated for a more 'saftey' oriented setup (even the Elise 4 channel one) so it likely tends to put the bias even more forward than it is without any intervention.
The latest Elise BOSCH ABS system (not compatible with the earlier units.. eg. Hall-effect wheel sensors) may do more in this area as it's combined with a TC/ESP function so has more feedback on the car movement and could allow more rearward biasing to maximise the full brake potential while keeping any hard-braking fishtailing or weaving under control.
Bye, Arno.
