Track questions

Akmcmahon

I went to the track for the first time this past weekend, although not in my Z. I was taking the 3 day Ron Fellows course at Spring Mtn in Nevada. It was an absolute blast and had to be the best training and instructors I've experienced in any field. They really are that good. I came out with a ton more knowledge, better skills, and profound respect for skilled drivers and the Corvette. I was in a Grand Sport and Z06 during the course. I have to say, while I've always liked Vettes, I have even more respect for them now. That car is very user friendly and has great composure. Learning curve was almost null with it's stock setup. Very forgiving and very fast.

So my questions are probably in some thread somewhere on these forums, but my searches came up somewhat empty. I got bits of info here and there but nothing was concrete for me. So please bare with me if you've answered these before. The Corvette's traction control was very non-invasive. In fact, it almost never came on to my knowledge while flying around the track. Even when it did, I didn't notice, other than the light on the dash flicker on then off. This is how it should work IMO. Really only comes on to save your butt when you've lost a moderate amount of control. Do you guys turn your traction control off at the track in the Z? With mildly spirited driving or just accelerating around a turn, mine will kick in, but it's noticeable. You can feel power cut out. I'm afraid of going limp on the track, but haven't really tested it at the track yet. My other question is in regards to the fuel starvation issue. I have a 2012, was this fixed by now? I plan to take the Z to the same track in the near future and just want to be aware. Thanks!

ChrisSlicks

Yes the traction control on the Corvette is significantly better than on the Z. It can be set to "Competition Mode" to allow for some limited sliding and wheel spin before activating. The Z doesn't have this (but the GT-R does), and as such is programmed for maximum driver restraint.

It is pretty much impossible to track the Z with the traction control on unless you are willing to dial back the pace to around 70%. It really hurts you when you are trying to accelerate out of turns (tight turns especially). As a novice I don't see any harm in leaving it on for a session or 2 while you get get acclimated with the track, but unlike the Chevy system it is very invasive and you will be sitting there for a second or two wondering when the car is going to start moving again after accidentally triggering it.

My personal opinion is that your goal should be to eventually run with it turned off, you are there to learn complete car control not enjoy the scenery. Nothing wrong with easing into it though.

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ResIpsa

And in the 370Z you cannot completely turn off the traction control. Even when switched off, it is still there in the background.

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ChrisSlicks

Partially true, the VDC is completely off but the VLSD is still active. VLSD simply limits single tire wheel spin using the rear brake. I have had it activate but it isn't all that bad, and it is defeatable if you really need by unplugging a connector. It would be an issue for drifters, not really an issue for casual track as I see it.

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_ace_

I ran the first time with it on, then turned it off when my comfort with the car improved. Worked fine, but I'm still a beginner, YMMV.

370zDR

Yep, you can go with VDC On as you learn the track and gearing, after that, turn it off and have some fun

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Akmcmahon

Thanks for the responses guys. Definitely looking forward to hitting the track. Was the fuel starvation issue resolved in 2012? Or should I be prepared with some extra gas?

ryan0

i couldn't drive my vette fast with the TC on at all... even comp mode killed me... so the 370 is like dragging an anchor.. but you probably should have it on for your first few times.

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ChrisSlicks

No change. You will get it even as a novice so bring gas or be prepared to fill up at the track side pumps.

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Mike

I did that school about 4 years ago and it was a great school.

As a novice, you probably have to fill up every other session, and then every session as you get more experience. And yes, you can start with VDC on, and if its too intrusive for you just turn it off.

I find the the Z communicates what its doing to the driver much better than the corvette and much more fun on the track than my C6 was.

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cossie1600

Z react a lot more progressive, the c6 snaps one way or another

threeseventy

I've found that my '09 gets fuel starve with just two fuel lights out- way faster than my buddy martin82's '12 model- and we drive a righthand-sweeper intensive track (Willow Springs) so I have to top off after each session, he goes two sessions and thinks about maybe getting gas. More fuel = slower Z (he has me by a half second when we're on track the same day). Whether it's a factor or not is going to depend on the particular track so be ready with gas but don't obsess. Get in line for the fix from Phunk (see thread in this forum) because sooner or later you will learn to hate it with a passion.

VDC is atrocious on this car, track time is expensive. Your commitment to learning via school indicates that you are worth a sh*t as a driver. My recommendation is to turn it off at all times on dry surface, street or track: it can actually endanger you if someone happens to be close behind and neither of you expect it to kick in. Run it in the damp and in rain, when you're wisely keeping revs under 3k anyway and it can only help you.