[The T.I.B.]

Your system sounds very much like the 'Bendix' ABS system, superceded by a Bosch version in later models.

I know someone who has had the motor feed directly connected - although through an on/off switch in the cabin.

I wouldn't recommend this. I would recommend stripping out the braking system and installing either the Bosch ABS version or the standard direct brakes. I speak from personal experience as my motor caught fire a fortnight ago. Luckily I was near the car or the whole lot would have gone up.