Yeah, I encourage all of us to hit an empty, clean parking lot with the temps under 40F, turn VDC off, and just gas it for one second going straight, then do the same thing with the steering wheel set slightly off center. It's shocking how fast this car can whip around.

There's many a reason they put VDC in the Z, and that's one of them.

Life is the hardest teacher you will ever have, for Life almost always gives the lesson AFTER it gives the test.

For the record.....Approximately 85% of drivers in the US think they are above average drivers. The first mod for any performance car should be a HPDE. Even if you have done them in the past, it is the safest place to learn the limits of the car. Once you know the limits, you can safely stay within them. When you get your car back, sign up for one. They are very fun and very educational.

Sucks to see that. Glad to hear it was safe for all the occupants though.

If totaled I call the brakes. ;)

Having now used my Blizzaks in the first snowfall, they're the best investment I made in the past year.

You bought a car cheap enough to be had by high school kids and people with less than 5 years driving experience. Add RWD and +300hp equals many of these will be bent. You seriously thought that rates were going to be low? Evos and STIs are in the same boat. If the boy racer wants it, it will be expensive to insure.

ouch, sorry to see that!

And Nissan the VDC! ;)


No sh*t, my insurance when up with the 370Z, this is like the 3rd recked 370 I see here in the past day.

+1

*Is guilty of only having 5 years driving experience and owning a 370Z... hides*

Just referring to the stats that drive insurance rates. If you don't bend it, no need to hide. BREAK the odds. (and make up for me....when I was that young, I fit right into the statistical prediction. )

Glad you made it out of there safely.

I find it hard to believe you weren't "pushing the car".. why was your VDC off anyways? Let's hope your insurance company doesn't find out somehow lol (I'd take this thread down :bowrofl:)

Wrapping up
 

Thanks for everyone's insight and comments. I posted my experience in an effort to give a real life result of the poor choices and lack of knowledge on my part. I take full responsibility for the actions that resulted in this wreck. I have obviously contemplated all the things that I did wrong and have not attempted to blame the car the car manufacturer or the conditions. I do believe that many of you/us consider turning the VDC off to see how the car reacts and so please use this post as the intended word of caution.

If there is any interest I will post the repair process and cost. Or feel free to pm me for any details.

In closing: I have road raced motorcycles since 1994, I have auto crossed, I have attended HPDE in the dry and in the wet. None of which prevented me from making this mistake.:tiphat:

Slowing down a bit wouldn't hurt, either.

sorry man, happy you walked away ok and you have a real grown up attitude towards the incident. I agree with some of you here, looks like Z's all over the place are losing control. Here's to leaving it in the garage and driving the Camry when it's shitty out.

uh oh...just sold the civic and now this is my DD. Guess ill just have to be extra careful.