+1.

Out of curiosity I tried losing traction with VDC on and off and I find that having it on scared the hell out of me more than having it off.

 

I guess that depends on what you were trying to do at the time.

Last month, we had a "test and tune" for autocrossers. I drove the Z with VDC on for a while on non-staggered tires just to see what would happen. I actually had a hard time getting it to kick in. I think that was mainly due to the fact that I really had control of the car. It wasn't like something unexpected happened and I overcorrected or make the wrong correction and VDC tried to save me.

The only time I could get it to consistantly kick in was when I least expected it. I ran a few passes around the skid pad (100' radius circle), tires squeeling the whole way. Only when I broke from the circle to head back to the starting point did it kick in and only for a second. It did that repeatedly.

Besides the usual times on the street when VDC or TCS kicks in to stop wheel spin or fish-tailing on wet ground, I've had it kick in "for real" twice on a road course. Both times I was going to fast into a turn and it braked for me. Believe me, it works.

 

Sadly enough, I nailed going straight on a wet road

It took a little while to kick in but I noticed when it did I was heading towards a curb. If I nailed it without it on, I could control it better.

Dave, you'll have to take me for a ride at an auto-x (I may be heading there this Sunday to ride with a friend)

To the OP, I just drive really careful

 

Definitely come this Sunday, if not to drive you can always hitch a ride.

 

Just great information on this thread! It’s even better when a Moderator participates.

For sure if you’re on black ice or riding a film of water (hydroplaning) and you rotate, you’re “cooked.” I think TCS might help a little since it kills power, and ABS may help because you cannot lock the brakes; but (as Dave points out) VDC won’t help unless there’s some “pavement” to “grab a hold of.” I’m referring to a total loss of control when hitting a true layer of ice or riding the meniscus of standing water with no relief whatsoever. Hello guardrail (and major body damage, or worse).

I have 28K miles on my car now. Front tires were replaced by Nissan because of feathering, so they still have a good amount of tread. I’m still on the original OEM Bridgestone tires on the rear, and it’s obviously time to replace these. They were never great in rain, and always a little scary when hitting standing water at speeds above 45 mph. My rear OEM tires (now at 28K miles) no longer reliably maintain the line in wet conditions when turning under power, and (at the mileage I have on them) are now downright dangerous when you hit standing water. I’m going with the Michelin PS2s (which received good mention on this thread), and putting them on all four corners. Using appropriate tires makes a huge difference. If they keep you safe, it is certainly worth the investment.
--Spike

EDIT: For spelling correction

 

Dave, what do you think about this tire: Kumho MX

 

I've never used them but I have seen a lot of the autocross guys using them, both on the street and to autocross on. I've heard good things about the Kumho tires. If I ever graduate to R-compound autocross tires, I'll probably be using the Kumhos.

 

I'm thinking about slapping a pair of those in the back of my Z for street use. What do you think?

 

Based on everything I've read about them, I'd say get'em. On Tirerack's site for example, they are ranked #2 in the high performance summer tire class.

 

Is it OK to mix different brands (types) of tires (front to rear)?

I have no idea (not flaming), and only asking.
--Spike

 

I do it all the time but it's probably better to have the same tire all around to get a better feel for them. But tires can be very expensive, and I'm always on the look out for good prices and bargains. I'm running now a set of 255/40/18 Pirelli PZero Rosso Asymetricco. Love them so far. Quiet, spongy, grippy and looke decent. Not too crazy about the pattern, but a guy sold them to me for cheap because when he purchased them for his bimmer they rubbed on the dampers.

 

^^ I have OEM Bridgestone tires on the front that are like new. My rears are worn out. Can I put Michelin PS2s on the rear for now?
--Spike

 

of course, dude. listen, the Z is a car that obliterates rear tires. have fun with it, try some tires, burn some rubber, put some used ones once in a while and go drifting...Do it all!

 

i have tried ecstas 712, pilot sports, re050, dunlops 9000, crappy azenis, you name it. after a while, you will get a feel for tire differences. believe me, its not as simple as it seems.

 

I don’t need to worry… drives OK? …Won’t kill myself with different front to rears?

Guessing that's what you are telling me...
--Spike

 

Driving the Z in rain is scary just dont put to much pressure on the pedal you should be fine but ive had insidence where my car was just preey much floating on water with my back side wiping for a good 10 to 15 sec was scary but fun it was late no cars huge road with my freind a lil ahead of me i wont ever to that again with me baby

 

New OEM tires are fine in the rain. At about 15,000 miles the rain performance deteriorates quickly. And yes there are better rain tires.

Great tires is no substitute for poor driving technique.

 

+1 .........common sense, front heavy car with all power going to lighter rear.......hmmmmmmm

 

The Z is not a front heavy car, it is nearly balanced front to back. The balance makes it great on the dry but tricky in the wet once things get out of hand.

Also, standing water is also not the only thing to worry about, water acts like a lubricant reducing friction between you and the road so your entire traction circle shrinks when its wet outside.

Keep things from getting out of hand by using all of the controls smoothly.

Life is not a Playstation, there is no reset button.

Chris

 

Cool guys thanks for the great responses. I'm just gonna take it really easy when it rains bad outside. I've got brand new bridgestones on there so they should be good at least for spring when the rain is heavy.