VDC...off?

IDZRVIT · 10-04-2010, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZedZed

Anyway, please post some pix of your crashed Z with VDC off (that's if you survived the crash of course), we sure love seeing those.

I hope you have more faith in your own driving skills than having faith in "VDC on will ALWAYS save my a$$ no matter how reckless I drive." I'm not saying you're a reckless driver but it's hard to refrain from spirited driving once in awhile with a sports car. If one knows how to drive to begin with, then it doesn't matter whether VDC is on or off.

sonic370 · 10-05-2010, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZedZed

I really don't understand why one would want to turn VDC off other than racing on a track, it really baffles me.

Anyway, please post some pix of your crashed Z with VDC off (that's if you survived the crash of course), we sure love seeing those.

AllForTheCash · 10-06-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZedZed

I really don't understand why one would want to turn VDC off other than racing on a track, it really baffles me.

Anyway, please post some pix of your crashed Z with VDC off (that's if you survived the crash of course), we sure love seeing those.

I drove my G35c 6MT with it off all the time...Shifts were much smoother even at low RPM....I noticed the same with the 370z, I drive the car with it off all the time....I never wrecked my G35c 6MT....I'll post pics of the 370z....I haven't rev'd it past 3,500RPM yet...

Trips · 10-04-2010, 04:04 AM

This subject has been discussed in numerous threads. Please use the advance google search, and try vdc.
Thank You.

spearfish25 · 10-04-2010, 07:53 AM

1. Don't turn off VDC and 'test the waters' unless you are on a track, doing an AutoX, or in a deserted parking lot. While everyone THINKS they have quick hands and can catch a slide, they can't until they've practiced.
2. VDC does not make going fast impossible...it just demands that a driver keeps the car balanced and smooth. I had the opportunity of doing hot laps in a 370Z with a professional driver during a track day. They had R-compounds on the car and he was driving like you wouldn't believe. When we pitted, I asked if he had VDC off and he had no idea what I was talking about. Looking at the dash, the VDC light wasn't illuminated (VDC was 'on' the whole time). He was able to drive so smoothly and with such balance that the car never even noticed. My Z has probably never lapped as fast as he was that day.
3. VDC 'off' is not unmanageable but you have to have quick hands to catch slides. If the rear end starts to rotate and you sit there saying "hmmm, feels like the back end is sliding. I wonder how far it will slide. I wonder if I should give a little opposite lock. Ok, here is a little opposite lock. Oh $hit, the back end is still sliding and even a bit faster now. I'll try some more opposite lock and maybe lift off the gas too (a bad idea)..."...YOU'RE COOKED.

I've found that I have very quick hands during an AutoX event because I'm expecting slides and my senses are heightened. However, if the rear end gets loose any other time, I'm not nearly as quick. A racing technique book I read recently suggested that top drivers prefer to induce a bit of slide because they will then both know when it's happening and be more prepared to deal with it (no surprise factor).

Short answer, keep VDC on unless you're on the track, in an empty parking lot, or doing an AutoX.

LunaZ · 10-04-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

2. VDC does not make going fast impossible...it just demands that a driver keeps the car balanced and smooth. I had the opportunity of doing hot laps in a 370Z with a professional driver during a track day. They had R-compounds on the car and he was driving like you wouldn't believe. When we pitted, I asked if he had VDC off and he had no idea what I was talking about. Looking at the dash, the VDC light wasn't illuminated (VDC was 'on' the whole time). He was able to drive so smoothly and with such balance that the car never even noticed. My Z has probably never lapped as fast as he was that day.

This validates my viewpoint I've expressed in other VDC threads that VDC on does not slow down a smooth driver.
Thank you.

cossie1600 · 10-04-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaZ

This validates my viewpoint I've expressed in other VDC threads that VDC on does not slow down a smooth driver.
Thank you.

My a$$. The VDC can kick on under moderate acceleration in a straight line. I had the VDC and ABLS kick on thanks to a moderate crosswind at 100mph. The VDC is intrusive and annoying on the Nissan, they need to learn from Porsche and BMW.

Have you ever driven on the track? You have to be smooth with the VDC on because the car can't move any other wise!

I don't remember the exact amount, but I was 5 sec + slower per lap at the track with the VDC on. It didn't just apply brakes, it even cut throttle!!!!

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

My a$$. The VDC can kick on under moderate acceleration in a straight line. I had the VDC and ABLS kick on thanks to a moderate crosswind at 100mph. The VDC is intrusive and annoying on the Nissan, they need to learn from Porsche and BMW and Ford.

Have you ever driven on the track? You have to be smooth with the VDC on because the car can't move any other wise!

I don't remember the exact amount, but I was 5 sec + slower per lap at the track with the VDC on. It didn't just apply brakes, it even cut throttle!!!!

Fixed.

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2010, 09:00 AM

Just be careful. The Z is a short wheelbase car with a fair amount of built in understeer, so when it starts to go it's usually going to go around quickly. You really need to be able to think ahead and predict how the car is going to react to your next control input.

Spearfish is right on. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to correct the car you need to be able to do it right away. If you find yourself chasing the steering you're cooked. Follow his advice and you'll be in good shape.

ClemsonWill · 10-04-2010, 09:06 AM

I just don't understand why you would want to turn vdc off on the street. I don't care how good a drive you are. Everyone makes mistakes. The car has a built in traction control to reduce your mistakes. Use it! It's not like you can't have a spirited drive with the VDC on.

Mt Tam I am · 10-04-2010, 09:33 AM

One reason to turn off the VDC is if you want to get to your destination quicker.
The VDC is a generic answer to your specific set of turns. I know where I want the car to go while the VDC thinks it knows where I want to go. Thus far it has never been correct. Using the steering wheel to control throttle output is such a bazar feeling on a sharp turn but I do not intend to become a master of this technique since Il simply turn off VDC.

ClemsonWill · 10-05-2010, 07:34 AM

Track or closed course = VDC off

Street = VDC on

Jeffblue · 10-05-2010, 10:24 AM

If you feel the need to turn off VDC because its interfering with your daily driving by kicking in all the time, then you are driving like an ass, and your idea of 'daily driving' is dangerous. You shouldn't be losing traction very often if you are driving safely and are conscious of other people on the road. If you have VDC off because you like to drift while you're driving to the grocery store, then you are a hazard to everyone on the road.

If you're finding yourself turning VDC off whilst daily driving, then get your cheap ass to the track or an autocross event and get it out of your system. Thats what it really comes down to. Its not like you don't want to take your car to a track. It's that you don't want to spend the money, so your cheap ass decides to be a hooligan on public roadways. the funny thing is, the fine you'd wind up with if you were to get pulled over is less than a track day would cost. However, if you kill someone, you're probably gonna wind up going to jail for vehicular manslaughter/negligence.

sonic370 · 10-05-2010, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

If you feel the need to turn off VDC because its interfering with your daily driving by kicking in all the time, then you are driving like an ass, and your idea of 'daily driving' is dangerous. You shouldn't be losing traction very often if you are driving safely and are conscious of other people on the road. If you have VDC off because you like to drift while you're driving to the grocery store, then you are a hazard to everyone on the road.

If you're finding yourself turning VDC off whilst daily driving, then get your cheap ass to the track or an autocross event and get it out of your system. Thats what it really comes down to. Its not like you don't want to take your car to a track. It's that you don't want to spend the money, so your cheap ass decides to be a hooligan on public roadways. the funny thing is, the fine you'd wind up with if you were to get pulled over is less than a track day would cost. However, if you kill someone, you're probably gonna wind up going to jail for vehicular manslaughter/negligence.

sonic370 · 10-05-2010, 07:28 PM

i don't need to turn it off to know the car can get crappy on me in a heartbeat. just like i don't need to fire my pistol to prove it's loaded.

10-04-2010, 04:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,732 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	This subject has been discussed in numerous threads. Please use the advance google search, and try vdc. Thank You. __________________

10-04-2010, 07:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	1. Don't turn off VDC and 'test the waters' unless you are on a track, doing an AutoX, or in a deserted parking lot. While everyone THINKS they have quick hands and can catch a slide, they can't until they've practiced. 2. VDC does not make going fast impossible...it just demands that a driver keeps the car balanced and smooth. I had the opportunity of doing hot laps in a 370Z with a professional driver during a track day. They had R-compounds on the car and he was driving like you wouldn't believe. When we pitted, I asked if he had VDC off and he had no idea what I was talking about. Looking at the dash, the VDC light wasn't illuminated (VDC was 'on' the whole time). He was able to drive so smoothly and with such balance that the car never even noticed. My Z has probably never lapped as fast as he was that day. 3. VDC 'off' is not unmanageable but you have to have quick hands to catch slides. If the rear end starts to rotate and you sit there saying "hmmm, feels like the back end is sliding. I wonder how far it will slide. I wonder if I should give a little opposite lock. Ok, here is a little opposite lock. Oh $hit, the back end is still sliding and even a bit faster now. I'll try some more opposite lock and maybe lift off the gas too (a bad idea)..."...YOU'RE COOKED. I've found that I have very quick hands during an AutoX event because I'm expecting slides and my senses are heightened. However, if the rear end gets loose any other time, I'm not nearly as quick. A racing technique book I read recently suggested that top drivers prefer to induce a bit of slide because they will then both know when it's happening and be more prepared to deal with it (no surprise factor). Short answer, keep VDC on unless you're on the track, in an empty parking lot, or doing an AutoX. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z Last edited by spearfish25; 10-04-2010 at 07:55 AM.

10-04-2010, 09:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Just be careful. The Z is a short wheelbase car with a fair amount of built in understeer, so when it starts to go it's usually going to go around quickly. You really need to be able to think ahead and predict how the car is going to react to your next control input. Spearfish is right on. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to correct the car you need to be able to do it right away. If you find yourself chasing the steering you're cooked. Follow his advice and you'll be in good shape. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-04-2010, 09:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
ClemsonWill A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 12,045 Drives: a Civic VP! Rep Power: 445	I just don't understand why you would want to turn vdc off on the street. I don't care how good a drive you are. Everyone makes mistakes. The car has a built in traction control to reduce your mistakes. Use it! It's not like you can't have a spirited drive with the VDC on. __________________ Slightly modded

10-04-2010, 09:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	One reason to turn off the VDC is if you want to get to your destination quicker. The VDC is a generic answer to your specific set of turns. I know where I want the car to go while the VDC thinks it knows where I want to go. Thus far it has never been correct. Using the steering wheel to control throttle output is such a bazar feeling on a sharp turn but I do not intend to become a master of this technique since Il simply turn off VDC. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

10-05-2010, 07:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
ClemsonWill A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 12,045 Drives: a Civic VP! Rep Power: 445	Track or closed course = VDC off Street = VDC on __________________ Slightly modded

10-05-2010, 10:24 AM	#13 (permalink)
Jeffblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Age: 37 Posts: 9,192 Drives: Z32TT & 335xi Coupe Rep Power: 38	If you feel the need to turn off VDC because its interfering with your daily driving by kicking in all the time, then you are driving like an ass, and your idea of 'daily driving' is dangerous. You shouldn't be losing traction very often if you are driving safely and are conscious of other people on the road. If you have VDC off because you like to drift while you're driving to the grocery store, then you are a hazard to everyone on the road. If you're finding yourself turning VDC off whilst daily driving, then get your cheap ass to the track or an autocross event and get it out of your system. Thats what it really comes down to. Its not like you don't want to take your car to a track. It's that you don't want to spend the money, so your cheap ass decides to be a hooligan on public roadways. the funny thing is, the fine you'd wind up with if you were to get pulled over is less than a track day would cost. However, if you kill someone, you're probably gonna wind up going to jail for vehicular manslaughter/negligence. Last edited by Jeffblue; 10-05-2010 at 10:26 AM.

10-05-2010, 07:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 18	i don't need to turn it off to know the car can get crappy on me in a heartbeat. just like i don't need to fire my pistol to prove it's loaded.