VDC makes a HUGE difference. It's a completely different car with it on vs off.

Initially, it was raining when we got on the track, so we were taking it easy...and I had VDC on. I had some 'moments' under braking at about 160km/h where the car would twitch. Kinda scary but nothing serious, I refrained from braking that hard at that point in the track.

Anyway, the rain stopped & the track eventually started drying and a dry line formed. I still drove with VDC on and noticed it interjected far too early and completely changed the car's dynamics. It would cut power and apply the brakes when I didn't expect it too (it didn't feel like I was sliding) and as a result I could rarely take the right line.

So I turned it off. BAM! Much smoother and I could take the right lines at much higher speeds. The car didn't slip or slide and was very stable and confidence inspiring so I could push it a bit more lap after lap. I got in the zone and enjoyed it quite a lot.

I had gone with the local RX8 club and noticed that the VDC in the RX8 is more forgiving and allows the car to slide a bit more before engaging. Completely different compared to the Z.

The other thing I noticed is the brakes. My car is non-Brembo and I am using EBC Yellowstuff pads and Wilwood racing brake fluid. It was pretty much fade free but the yellow paint on the outer edge of the pad started bubbling & changed colour. I think the calipers had some discoloration as well and smoke was coming out of the rotors. The RX8s, in comparison, had no such symptoms. I guess that is a trait of the Z. The car did stop fine though.

Oh, and I have OEM Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S (all seasons) on the car. I imagine I'd have a much better time with summer tires.

In short, I'm shocked at how different the car behaves with VDC off. I can't wait for the next track session.

here are some pics:

The car in front is a race car based off a Panoz Esperante with a 7L Ford V8.


bubbling paint on the pads.

 

Wow sounds like fun! I wanna track mine soon!

 

Many of us have driven on a open road course with a non-VDC equiped Z, so I don't know about VDC versus no VDC.

I also autocross with Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S. You could do better but its a OK tire. In fact I like Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S because if it rains I am ready.

 

The first stint I did was with VDC enabled just to cover my ***. My future sessions will be VDC-free.

Anyway, here are some pics:

 

Hey .... I know that track !

The paint bubbled on your pads because they became very hot. They smoked because they where very hot. They became hot because VDC constantly applies brakes, as you saw.


My advice, leave it off !

 

Always leave it VDC off. The time you forget it will put you in a situation you will not like on the track.

 

EXACTLY.............glad your ok.....since i see that track has tire walls..etc....

-J

 

part of tracking your car is learning these things........

i hope you learned that you never gave your brakes any cooling time..........
dont drive with the VDC on.
drive at your level till you are move confident and able.
learn your lines
track etiquette/ passing, etc..
etc..etc..

-J

 

OP good rule of thumb...

Your brakes will heat up more if you drag the pads on them for 300ft. Compared to aggressive brake pressure at 150ft.

EBC Yellows are not a good pads for the track. Actually, none of EBC products are...lol