VLSD/ABLS fun
 

Newbie sports car question :tup:

I've had a few instances where I've turned off VDC, intentionally hit it hard, and had the rear end correct itself without the Slip light flashing.

Sometimes I notice a fairly "rough," mechanical noise and feel (usually on wet/loose gravel roads), and a bit of fighting between the wheels; slip-noise-grip one tire, followed by slip-noise-grip on the other, back and forth a couple times depending in how long I keep the gas pedal down. Reminds me of the Wrangler I used to drive with a mechanical LSD, except the Jeep would just go slide-one-way-slip-noise-grip-slide the other (fun, but useless/dangerous on-road.)

Other times it's a pretty smooth and super-fast "one-wheel-spins-oshittorque:-D!! (Last car was an '04 xB, excuse the enthusiasm). Dry roads, almost always. Short bursts.

I would assume the rougher stuff is the ABLS pulsating the brakes, and the smoother stuff is the VLSD? Do VLSD-equipped models even use ABLS? Maybe I'm a little nuts? Professional opinions?

In order to enjoy this ride, u need to pull the VDC fuse in order to completely turn it off, cuz the button on the left only turns it off halfway.

I believe theres DIY on this site how to do it. GL and be careful.

There is a yaw sensor under the cup holder that the button doesn't turn off.

I don't want to turn the system off, since all of my driving is on-road. It's pretty awesome on wet roads, IMO.

As DOOMMONKEY777 and JWillis72 said, the VDC button doesn't turn off all the systems and you also need to disable the yaw sensor. You can use a switch to turn the yaw sensor on/off. There are several DIYs on this site. If the site search doesn't work for you, try Google (or one of the other major web search engines) and add "site:the370z.com" to your search string.

I never asked how to turn the systems off.

Yes. The slip light on your instrument panel will flash when ABLS is triggered (basically whenever the car detects wheel spin). If I'm not mistaken this is the case in every 370Z model (except maybe the Nismo RC model?)

Safe to assume nothing flashes for VLSD, since it isn't computer controlled?

Correct. There is no light indicator for the VLSD because it just works the way it's supposed to. There is no system that triggers the VLSD. It doesn't really kick it - it continually adjusts as needed.

Okay, I think that answers my question then! The rought stuff is ABLS fighting the wet roads under hard acceleration.

Looks like I'm in the minority... I like the traction nannies! VDC can be a bit obtrusive at times, but there's a kill switch for that.

Of course, I wouldn't know what to do with my car on a track, purely a daily driver.

Never... and I mean NEVER turn VDC off...

Rumor has it the rear end explodes, the angel of death shows up in your passenger seat, and the car bursts into flames if you hit over 45 with VDC off. My '87 Z just fishtailed super easy....

My next post will be titled "I Turned Off VDC But..."

Why does everyone on this forum say never turn off VDC? The first thing I do every time I start my car is turn it off. I've never had any problems, I DD and track my car. I just am smart enough not to floor it in the middle of a turn in the rain.

Lol I think it's just turned into a joke more than anything.

I turn off VDC daily. It's cuts power dangerously for me sometimes. When I'm pulling out of my neighborhood onto a 60 mph road, I usually err on the side of higher RPMs (towards wheel spin) than lower RPMs (towards engine bog). If VDC is on and I'm a little rambunctious with the throttle, it will cut my throttle and brake when I'm at a critical stage of acceleration. With VDC off, I can recognize and control the wheel spin on my own by backing off the throttle slightly while still accelerating to reach speed. Its not difficult. Its take a little practice, of course, but anyone should be able to learn with practice.

Everyone saying that has made me not touch the button since I've gotten the car about 2 months ago :rofl2:

Truth is since it's my first RWD car, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'll probably do a beginners HPDE event in spring so I can learn the legal and safe way.

BC416 honestly, this is one of the best RWD cars to learn on. It is a short wheelbase, but most of the RWD cars I've driven (excluding the family 240SX) have a dangerous Grip/Slip curve with little to no warning, and when the rear end pops out you pretty much hold on for dear life.

Our Zs have ample torque to pop the rear end out, but even with all safety nets turned off, if you pay attention your Z will let you know when to let off the throttle and when to turn the wheel. I haven't driven many other sports cars but I've been very impressed with how our Zs communicate and respond to driver input.

With that being said, if you turn off VDC, you will die.

That is a great way to do it :tup: I did it in a gigantic empty parking with no poles or wheel stops :driving:

We were given a loaner Z after purchasing ours while waiting for delivery. It had extremely bald tires, and my first attempt at sliding the rear end around was seriously excessive and taught me some respect for the car. I regained control without incident but it was way more than I was expecting or going for. I have practiced and learned a lot since then.

^ Good stuff guys!

At HPDE to "learn the track" I did a few laps with it on. It cut power down most of the straights and I quickly learned you MUST turn it off for HPDE. Car is very predictable and I felt safe with it off. That said, it was HPDE so I was going maybe 7/10ths

Damn young kids. :shakes head: You guys have never driven a car with 500hp v8 with a Detroit Locker in the rear on a wet road. :eek: :rofl2: That's when you learn to drive. :D You can have your computer nannies.

Wow, this is still being talked about to this extent these days?

OEM VLSD (imho) is not very good, and should be upgraded if you really plan to push your Z.

There are great options. I put in a Quaife, and LOVE it. The power on handling is completely transformed, and when the back end does come out, it's much more controllable.

For light track use I think this should be the second mod considered after an oil cooler