I was on the parkway last night when my Z just broke loose on me going around a sweeping right curve. I spun two or three times going up on the shoulder then back on the road hitting the divider with my right fender before coming to a stop!!! I was facing oncoming trafffic!! Thank God traffic was light. After scrambling to get my Z to safety I realized the damage as follows:
Definate tie rod damage - left wheel facing left at about 30 degrees off center
Probable tire damage - drove home three (3) miles ....veryyyy slowllly
Definate cosmetic damage - right side fender scrapped to black in wheelwell area
Possible engine leak - Unable to confirm yet; will check driveway for leak tomorrow morning (it's 1:30am now!!!)
Not to color the truth or hide anything: I downshifted from fouth to third going deep into the curve as lost traction.

What do you guys think it will cost to replace tie rod and additional related pieces?? and to check engine l.eak?? under warranty? Not worried about cosmetic as much because of obvious aftermarket opportunities. Thanks for the input in advance.

 

Not sure bro, but I lost traction before doing exactly the same thing you did... I downshifted into a corner hard and floored it.. I lost control of my Z and spun 180 degrees into the street facing oncoming traffic. Luckily I didn't hit anything.

 

its funny, same thing happen to me too...

 

Warranty won't cover a crash related oil leak. Sounds like a cracked oil pan. Definatly will not be cheap in labor to fix all the damage, not to mention the parts. Probably best to report it to your insurance so they can file a claim under collision. Maybe you will be more careful next time and leave hot rodding to the track. Good luck.

 

This is why I am glad I have VDC, keeps me out of trouble when I get on it...

 

Call your insurance company or take it to a body shop. And yes, you really need to be more careful driving on the road.

 

$1,235.83. Exactly.

 

Ah, that sucks bro. Let me be the first to tell you it's not cheap. Find a junk yard and get a panel from there. You will be suprised how many Z's are in the yards that are lost in accidents. Hopefully you can find one that isnt a total loss and can salvage some parts from it.

I was hit 2 weeks ago on the right rear corner of my car and her insurance company is not happy. It wasn't a hard impact but so far the damages are totally 5k (stock skirting, quarter panel, hatch, wing and lights) and thats just the walk around estimate. It's driveable but will be going into the shop where I live Feb 20th for repair and a much needed face lift and custom work. I will be tracking the progress on myspace soon with pics and such.

Good luck and careful, you are driving an light car with a lot of torque... she will get away from you if you are not careful... but I guess you know that already.

Kenneth
Villainous350z@yahoo.com
Frederick, Maryland

 

If it's in a junk yard...it's a total loss (I know what you meant though), and 3300lbs ain't light.

 

First three posters need to learn how to properly enter and traverse a curve at speed. You should do all your braking and drop into the proper gear before you start the turn, be consistent on the throttle through the turn and accelerate out of the apex. If you MUST change gears during the turn, at least make sure you rev match and ease back onto the throttle. Changing to a lower gear in a curve and stabbing the throttle is a gauranteed recipie for spin out.

 

+1

 

Nice!! I hate it when people take a turn while keeping the car in neutral and just "shake" the shifter...AHHHHH it makes me wanna hit them!!

 

leave your TCS/VDC on unless you're actively racing in a track.... VDC would have prevented this scenario as you're brakes would have come on and your throttle cut.....

 

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000000

 

For those of you who care... I finally got my baby back after A MONTH!! I was VERY lucky. Since I had already Cusco sways fr & rr & A-arms along with Tanabe coilovers waiting to be installed it kind of worked out. I had to replace the right side tie-rod & lower control arm(??). The new pieces replaced some other damaged parts. Total labor.........$1,040 ( covers OEM parts[ $500] and install of all parts ( OEM & aftermarket) ). The damage to the bumper wwas superficial and will be repaired as the body shop installs my INGS+1 replica body kit. In all of this however, I have learned a valuable lesson.

Respect the "Z" or feel her rath!!!!

 

Glad to hear it worked out alright for you. I almost lost it one time when I first got my Z on an entrance ramp to the LIE. I downshifted at about 60 mph on the ramp and the car slid out about 4 feet but I was able to regain control. Now I am extra careful.

 

Need pics. Where's the pics???

 

damn bro. that sucks.... yea and dont downshift of a turn without matching ur revs