I'm wondering in the VDC in the Track models can be switched off. I know that the traction control can be switched off, but what about the VDC?

If so, can it be switched off, so that it does not interfere at all (ie. under any circumstances ... like it's not there)?

 

David, the VDC can be turned off. There is a swich on the dash. Unfortunately the default position is on and the switch is a pain in the bum if you want to turn it off quickly.

Not sure about turning off the traction control though???

As always

H

 

There is the switch of course but there's a theory that it still doesn't turn things off 100%.

I know that when I spun at Wakefield with VDC off the Slip light was flashing and wouldn't stop until I turned the car off which to me indicates it's on to some extent even with the switch off.

 

OK, now I'm even more confused. I just checked the 350Z literature, and it says that the traction contol has an on/off switch. So, can the traction control be switched off? Just to make sure, by traction contol I mean the device that stops the rear wheels from slipping when too much power is fed to them. When it's switched OFF, you should be able to light up the rear wheels from the lights (if you give it too much power) and no electronics will interfere and cut the power.

And what about the DVC? Is there a 2nd switch for that? If there is, then does anyone know if it really switches things OFF 100%? The Best Motoring guys mentioned (in volume 6) that it cannot be fully disabled. Does anyone know if there is a fuse somewhere (or something like that) that will disable this device completely?

...when I spun at Wakefield

Where did you spin (ie. which corner)? And what caused the spin (besides the driver :-) ?

 

TC and VDC are controlled by the same switch on the Track model.

Not sure of the corner number but it was coming on to the top section. Basically I ran a little wide and dropped a wheel in the dirt and it flicked me around. The transition was a lot more sudden than I was used to in the Mazda. But anyway, it was an interesting ride.

 

Apps, as you stated, your spin was very sudden, so one would think that VDC did not work in that spin. I would expect that the spin would have been slower and less in degees if VDC had intervened.
The SLIP light stayed on just to laugh at your loose - j/k

 

I don't think VDC would've made any difference in that case. Driving on the road with VDC when it cuts in it's unexpected as it comes in sooner than you would expect and it's so abrupt that I find it unsettles the balance of the car.

 

If VDC and TC was on during your spin you would have heard heaps of weird noises as it tries it's best to stop the spin.

I've had it kick in and it sounds like you are breaking something under the car when it is in panic mode. As I recall wasn't it nismor33 who had a big bang when VDC slammed the brakes at the double apex corner?

Also i've tried doing a burnout without VDC and although the slip light comes on, it doesn't aid in any way. I was sideways left and right before I felt sorry for the car... screw the tyres though.

 

I'd love to get to the bottom of this. Not only I'd like to know how/when these things are on/off, but also if there is a way to switvh them both off 100% (ie. zero interference).

 

Asked the same questions of Nishit technical dept (engineers)
Melbourne some months ago.
Nil reply. Still nil reply regarding tyre feathering.
Anybody home ?

FROSTY

 

I had the same banging on the laps with VDC on.

Interestingly if I get on it off the line I can get and maintain wheel spin but the SLIP doesn't flash if VDC is turned off. Different software revisions?

 

This VDC this is probably the biggest issue for me at the moment. I am not sure if i can live with any kind of electronics interference that cannot be fully dissabled. Does anyone know how the VDC can be folly dissabled (fuse or something?)?

 

JUst get the cheaper model and then get some custom brakes.

VDC is only fitted to the track model!

Easy solution imho.

 

JUst get the cheaper model and then get some custom brakes.

hehe, that has crossed my mind, but it takes more than that and costs a fair bit:
- Brembo brakes front and back = $5000
- 18" wheels (as the 17" will not fit them) = $4000
- Tyrer for the 18" wheels = $1800

So that's $10k extra invested in the car and you'll never get it back. Not only that, but there's still the suspension which is a little bit different on the Track model .... so there's another $1500 there. And there is the slight 'aero' kit which I'm sure Nissan will want at least $500 for.

As you can see, I though about this seriously as I really want an 'off' mode for the VDC. Hopefully it'll be easier (and cheaper) to somehow disable the thing when it's in the 'off' mode.

Any other ideas?

 

There are no differences in the suspension between the models.

You're right about the aero kit though, the rear lip spoiler is ~$900 on it's own.

 

I hate the T.C. Glad I've got the touring so I don't have to deal with the V.D.C. I RARELY drive with it on. It's just reflex now when I turn the key I automatically reach down and press the switch to F.U.N. position.

Be careful if you're relying on it to save your @$$ though. Was testing it out in the wet by putting the foot to the floor leaving a corner. T.C. did a great job keeping the car in a slow putt-putt around the corner in first. As soon as the car got traction it launched and when I hit second instantly I was totally at the mercy of the Gods. The car came unstuck and ..... well.... let's just say lucky I was only a block from home to go and change my undies. It wasn't quick enough to deal with the extra power pouring into the wheels in an agressive gear change. That's why I turn it off. I'd rather take my chances knowing where the edge is and deal with (enjoy) a bit of wheelspin. Don't rely on it - it's not foolproof!

 

I think the worst design flaw isn't the VDC it's the suspension. It is a very rough ride that can't handle any rough surface around a corner.

Thats one of the main reasons why I drive a bit tame on city roads. On a smooth track it's another story.

I'm not sure why VDC or TC is a problem to you.... the stock suspension should be your number 1 issue imho.

I'm passing by Pete's garage today so i'll pop in and ask about the TC since you seem to be really stuck on this issue.

 

There are no differences in the suspension between the models.

Are you sure about that? I was under the impression that the Track model was sprung a lot stiffer than the 'standard' model? Also the Track model seems to be lower (ie. just by looking at the 2 cars at the dealer). Isn't that the case?

I think the worst design flaw isn't the VDC it's the suspension. It is a very rough ride that can't handle any rough surface around a corner.

hehe, if you think that the 350Z Track is stiff, then you should drive an S2000 or Lotus Elise ... or even Boxster S with the sports suspension. Compared to those the 350Z Track is set up resonably softly :-) The suspension of the 350Z Track is one of the things that attracts me to the car ... I like the car to have minimal roll aand pitch/dive. Also I like a car that is very responsive to driver input and for that you need stiff suspension. I'm happy to sactife the ride and some grip on rough roads for this.

I'm not sure why VDC or TC is a problem to you.... the stock suspension should be your number 1 issue imho.

The TC and VDC are a problem for me becasue ultimately I want the car to be at my becking call/command and I want it to do exactly what I tell it to and when I tell it to ... I don't want the car to 'argue' with me despite me being right or wrong with my inputs. I want to be 100% in control of everything that happens while I'm in the car (that is at least while having 'fun') ... I want it to slide when I ask it to slide, I want it to spin if I mess up. If want the beact to drift on corner entry, then I should be able to adjust my driver inputs to do so, and the car should do it. etc.

Of course, having a switch which would engage all the driver assist devices would be evene better as I see a benefit of all the 'devices' 90% of the time. Still, I'd rather have none of the 'electronic interference/assist' then have it and not be able to switch it off.

I'm passing by Pete's garage today so i'll pop in and ask about the TC since you seem to be really stuck on this issue.

That sounds great, I really appreciate that.

 

Hey, look what I got as a reponse in one on the main forums:

The VDC yaw sensor is under our center console, the mysterious unit behind the parking brake. Disconnect the connector there and VDC will be dead. I found this out in the HyperRev Z book.

That could be exactly what I'm after. Is anyone here willing to have a look at it and try it? If it works then I'm very happy.

 

I'm certain they're the same but if I am wrong it wouldn't be the first time.