So I've driven a 1999 Toyota 4runner 3.4L V6 all my life (past 7 years). had 306k miles on it and loved it. It got me through high school, college and a few months after college.

I bought my Z recently and love it so far. However a small SUV and a sports car are two different beasts. So from my point of view, the Z is a BEAST. I've had it for almost a month now and there have been 3 times that I've launched it from 2nd to 3rd gear and the rear end started to get a bit sideways, the first time scared the crap out of me because I did a full 180 on the road while making a right turn then launching it (luckily no car/object/person was around when that happened).

How do you guys deal with it? I don't want to loose control but like to enjoy some spirited driving from time to time. Everything is stock as of now. Do wider tires help?

 

Keep the traction control on lol

 

*reads title, didn't read thread*

You didn't hit a pole on Thanksgiving did you?

 

Haha.... op if you are not used to the power driving it like a granny and get used to it

 

Okay, read thread.

I wanna know what Z you have that gets sideways shifting into 3rd. Mine just chirps the tires unless I'm in the rain/snow.

How to control it, take a driving course, learn foot control, don't shift in the middle of a turn, etc...

Prepare yourself for more take driving courses/learn to drive/go to a track responses.

Also, I wish I could permanently disable to VDC but sadly I can't.

 

^ Actually, you can.

 

Well yeah if you build the circuit board and wire it in with the switch.

But that's too much work. I just got into the habit of pushing the button every time I get in the car.

 

2003 Touring. My VDC says OFF 80% of the time I turn the car on. It goes away here and there. I don't know whats up

 

I learned my lesson fast when I turned off the VDC in the rain... I went around a corner and did a 360. I wasn't used to the power and rwd

 

I was impressed when I first drove a Z also. Didn't take long to want more.

 

The 350z's VDC defaults to ON. It should be ON every time you start the car.

If VDC defaults to OFF when starting the car, someone has messed with the electronics. Take your car to a Nissan dealer for a repair.

--Spike

 

I don't know if it was messed with or if its failing somehow. Sometimes I start the car and its ON (no light). Other times I start the car and its OFF (lights on) as well as SLIP light illuminated and the BRAKE light illuminated also (even when I'm driving). Like I said happens like 80% of the time..it usually goes away by the time I reach my destination. The car is bone stock with only one previous owner.

 

I wish you could change this to where it defaults to off and you can only turn it on if you want it for some unknown reason.

 

You have a problem. I'm guessing an ABS problem (might be low on brake fluid as well)

 

I turn mine off in summer when roads are dry.

What does it mean if I leave it on and the slip light comes on when OI go around a corner? Is that the LSD working?

 

what is your wheel and tire setup.... sizes?

 

You spun a tire and that's TCS shutting you down. Preventing any fun.

 

You can do this, and 10 years ago this site had the instructions. I doubt the DIY is still here since VDC is a safety device, and as thus should not default to disabled.

There is really no good reason to set VDC’s default state to OFF that I can think of other than you always run your car on the track and never on the street.

--Spike

 

I remember there being a circuit board you can make with a 555 timer to pulse the VDC button every time you turn the key on. But it is like $65 for all the parts to make it and I can push the button for free.

In mustangs you can have the TCS stay off with the flip of a switch.....

IMO the VDC is more of a danger than an aide.

 

You can just use switch to kill the G sensor and the VDC will stay 100% OFF all the time.