Is it possible to add ESP to a non-ESP equipped car?

hey guys,

i was just wondering. What exactly does ESP consist of, is it just software or is there a whole lot of hardware that goes with it? Is it possible to add ESP to a car that doesn't have ESP originally equipped from the factory? Now, i know how to drive, so i dont really want to do this myself, i was just wondering if it's possible and if anyone else has done it.

~D

daniel_mad said:

hey guys,

i was just wondering. What exactly does ESP consist of, is it just software or is there a whole lot of hardware that goes with it? Is it possible to add ESP to a car that doesn't have ESP originally equipped from the factory? Now, i know how to drive, so i dont really want to do this myself, i was just wondering if it's possible and if anyone else has done it.

~D

Click to expand...

That depends on the year/make/model.

ESP can either be where the throttle is cut when wheel slip is detected, or the brake calipers can be activated on the slipping wheel or both.

With regards to updated ESP to a non ESP car, it will likely be possible but you'd have to start with a complete car that has ESP.

daniel_mad said:

hey guys,
i was just wondering. What exactly does ESP consist of, is it just software or is there a whole lot of hardware that goes with it? Is it possible to add ESP to a car that doesn't have ESP originally equipped from the factory? Now, i know how to drive, so i dont really want to do this myself, i was just wondering if it's possible and if anyone else has done it.
~D

Click to expand...

It can be retrofitted. There was an almost complete unit in the classified section being offered for the mk4 for sale (you did not specify what model year you want to do the conversion upon). Best bet is to do a search of the classified section and if you want to do it search the upgrade/mod section put together by Flash9 and Compu85 here (FAQ) as member/moderator Lito did this upgrade a few years back.

You can. I've done it. It's a b**ch. Traction control only - just replace the pump. ESP/ASR (aka traction control) - replace pump, master cylinder, booster, add steering sensor, add combi-sensor, add defeat switch, dozen wires or so to add to various connectors, bleeding ABS pump, coding ABS controller. You must have a Vag-Com to do the bleed and coding.
The result, however, was very much worth it. We had a huge snowfall for Seattle this winter, nearly a foot or so of snow on the ground. With 4 Nokian snow tires and ASR/ESP my TDI was simply unstoppable. Up steep hills, plowing through unplowed parking lots she was a stable as could be.

Relevant posts are below. There is no simple, step-by-step instruction sheet - you have to read the posts and figure out much of it yourself.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=95576
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=37354
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=92577
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=157416

Given the high cost of parts (even junkyards aren't cheap) and labor as well as the falling prices of used VWs, it's probably a heck of a lot less painful to simply find a used car with ESP...

My 2 pesos'...

Yuri.

Going to give this a go I. Doing g a 4 motion tdi and have a complete r32 with esp so gonna teach the wires down from the switch and take and use everything g as described thanks alot for a good idea