Installing tcs on a base model 350z, is it possiable?

[redsx13]

Like the post says, I was wondering if it is at all possiable to install tps on non-tps Z. I'm sure the wireing harness has all the supporting plugs, so my thoughts are if I obtain all the tcs components, it would basically be plug and play. I just don't know what controls tps, is it the main ecu, or an external ecu.

[aris_unlimited]

Why?

I honestly can't understand why you would want to do that. TCS is a serious hassle if you decide to change your wheels. It might even act up if you don't have the stock tire size on, not sure on that one.


Modified by aris_unlimited at 8:05 PM 9/13/2009

[HeavyDuty]

I can only assume you mean Traction Control System? Not TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)

But, uh, WTF would you want to install TCS on a non-TCS car?

[Watermelonwarrior]

But, uh, WTF would you want to install TCS on a non-TCS car?

Agreed. When I had my Z the first thing I would do when I turned the car on was turn off TCS.

[redsx13]

Actually, VDC (vehicle dynamic control) would be the ideal. Although Nissan's vdc and tcs systems are a bit touchy, they are still very useful safty features. I have made full use of this device in my 03 touring 350z. Recently acquiring an 04 base 350z to replace the 03, i now now realize how essential the VDC in my previous car was to my driving style.

Like I mentioned above, the stability control system on the Nissan 350z had been tuned on the safe side and is overly quick to cut power in mill of the slightest loss of traction (Independent rotation of a single tire in relation to the others). Because of this fact, this feature must be turned off in a race track setting in order to fully utilize the potential of the 350z.

Now before you turn your tcs/vdc off and go for a drive, you must first understand why every z except for the base came equipped with some form of traction control as standard equipment, and the reason traction/stability systems where developed in the first place.

In 2004 the nissan 350z was considered one of the most dangerous cars in the united states and according to Forbes.com"350Z has a death rate that's about double that of the average sports car...". One of the major reasons for this is reckless driving in conjunction with removal of the vehicles tcs/vdc computer systems. These systems have been designed to keep you and your car safe.

Now, for those of you who consider yourselves moderate to advanced drivers, and are fully capable of maneuvering a rear wheel drive, higher horse power vehicle such as the 350z without the aid of a computer, here is something you must consider. Unlike a race track, public roads such as canyons are full of inconsistencies which include water, gravel, rocks, off camber tuns, and sudden changes in elevation.

Why does this matter? Consider that you are racing a canyon course on a public road. You are on a long straight-a-way going downhill when you encounter a tight 30 degree bend in the road. you proceed through the turn at a speed of around 65mph, when you pass the apex you begin to accelerate. Suddenly you hit a patch of gravel and the rear begins to step out, you have only a fraction of a second to release the gas pedal in order to regain rear grip or you will spin. Not even a professional driver can react to all unseen road hazards within a fraction of a second, but your on-board computer can, and will.

As an avid driver who attends the track every week to compete in both drift and time attack events, I still find a use for Nissan's VDC, just not on the track. I will normally use stability control on high speed, and downhill canyon courses, it also helps me to avoid pushing my limits on the street.

As a helpful opinion i strongly advise that until you get to the point that it slows you down, leave traction control on so it can do what it is designed to do, keep you safe.
Modified by redsx13 at 2:49 AM 9/15/2009

[aris_unlimited]

I have a 350z base, hence no vdc, tcs, etc. And I have never missed it. I have only owned rwd cars and have learned how to drive without the use of computer "aid". Since none of my other cars had it. If you are honestly pushing yourself past your limits when driving on the street and have to rely on computer "aid" to help reign you in, then maybe you shouldn't be driving your car on the street.

As for unsafe conditions when you are a newb driver to the rwd world then vdc, tcs is good for that. I honestly can't see any other use for it.

To me vdc, tcs is like training wheels. If you need them because it is your first time with that bike then fine. But at some point you should take them off.

[HeavyDuty]

If you are honestly pushing yourself past your limits when driving on the street and have to rely on computer "aid" to help reign you in, then maybe you shouldn't be driving your car on the street.

Rectify the problem, not the symptom.

If you really really want it, get a different car, It's not like changing out a head unit.

[dasoupdude]

As for unsafe conditions when you are a newb driver to the rwd world then vdc, tcs is good for that. I honestly can't see any other use for it.

lawlz. My friend just went from a auto rsx to this manual 08 base Z, he got this on the 21st of August, so not too long ago.







And 2 weeks later.







Something about how the car slipped from while it was raining on the highway, he spun out and bumped the wall.

This is the 3rd time I have ever seen this happen with a 350z. The stories are always similar.

[aris_unlimited]

Wow, that's a shame. I have only ever spun out 2 RWD cars, and they were both my first 2 cars. Both beaters so not really any worry there lol. They both cost less than $400 lol. That is the way to get comfortable with anything (driving stick, RWD etc) but a $400 beater and test it out.

[redsx13]

I love how everyone and their mother thinks they are too good for VDC, it funny actually. Now I know why soo many Z's are wrecked...idiot drivers who think they are better than they really are. It would be an understatement to say that there is a big difference between a good driver on the street, and a good driver on the track. And unless you can be a good driver on the track you are not above stability control.

Now don't get me wrong!, you should learn to drive without it, and there is no circumstance in which you should rely on it to save you. Just don't believe you are too good to use it if you have it. Afterall nissans tcs/vdc are like training wheels, they don't make you better, but take them off and you increase your chances of falling over.

[HeavyDuty]

I love how everyone and their mother thinks they are too good for VDC, it funny actually. Now I know why soo many Z's are wrecked...idiot drivers who think they are better than they really are.

It's not like I'm saying;

"I don't need ABS, I can pump the pedal 28 times per second myself."

What I'm saying is if you want TCS and VDC (whatever) go buy a car that has it. To reverse engineer that on a car this advanced would SO not be worth it once you did it.

If you're bound & determined to do it anyway, find one that has it and remove *all* associated hardware and software then have a ball.

[bmike818]

I love my VDC, especially in the rain.

[aris_unlimited]

I love how everyone and their mother thinks they are too good for VDC, it funny actually.

I don't think I am too good for VDC. I just don't see the point in it. All the other RWD cars throughout the years never had anything like that and you never heard complaints about it.

Just because a bunch of young punks got excited bought their first RWD sports car and totaled them because they had no idea how to drive.......then b****ed to their rich parents about it (same parents who bought them the car) who then complained to the dealerships and made it all look like it was needed. Doesn't mean it is a necessity.

Let's face it most of the people who wreck these things are kids that have no idea what the hell they're doing. I haven't heard any stories about 40 yr old guys repeatedly totaling these things because they "just weren't manageable without computer assist".

[BusyBadger]

And 2 weeks later.

Something about how the car slipped from while it was raining on the highway, he spun out and bumped the wall.

I drive in the rain all the time and never have problems. Something tells me there was more going on and we're not hearing the complete story.

Either way he needs to part that thing out, I can always use spare set of wheels and I would like to upgrade my tails.

I have only owned rwd cars and have learned how to drive without the use of computer "aid".

Is your dad still making drive around with that goofy cup filled with water?

[Watermelonwarrior]

It just takes time to get used to a new car. I did the same in my Z. but thankfully it was on a huge street where there was nothing around. Haven't had any other incidents other then that in the 15k miles I drove the car. It also helped that I took a couple classes on the weekend at the track. After that I knew exactly what the limits of the car were and I felt a lot more confident driving it. The same thing happened to my brother when he went from a 96 3 series to a 07 corvette. again nothing happened but he said he pushed the car to the limit without knowing.

[_b.jaye_]

I have a 350z base, hence no vdc, tcs, etc. And I have never missed it. .

if im not mistaken, a base is equiped with an open diff, so you wouldnt miss it. it would behave much less dramatically than a car with some sort of positive traction if you cut the wheel & punch the gas. not recommending here, just saying dont let your confidence in a base get you into trouble should you ever find yourself in something with a LSD... itll be a bit different animal

speaking of, im pretty sure this (the open diff, provided the base'ers have'em) would be another obstical to what your looking to do here red.
Modified by _b.jaye_ at 2:38 PM 9/17/2009

[aris_unlimited]

if im not mistaken, a base is equiped with an open diff, so you wouldnt miss it. it would behave much less dramatically than a car with some sort of positive traction if you cut the wheel & punch the gas. not recommending here, just saying dont let your confidence in a base get you into trouble should you ever find yourself in something with a LSD... itll be a bit different animal

speaking of, im pretty sure this (the open diff, provided the base'ers have'em) would be another obstical to what your looking to do here red.

Modified by _b.jaye_ at 2:38 PM 9/17/2009

I've driven some pretty fast cars with a LSD and never had problems with them either. I am actually preparing to install a quaife LSD in my Z this weekend.......and guess what........bet I still won't wreck it.

[BusyBadger]

I am actually preparing to install a quaife LSD in my Z this weekend.......and guess what........bet I still won't wreck it.

Nice nice! Take plenty of pics for an install thread.

I waffle between installing the Quaife and a traditional LSD when its time to replace the stock viscous unit.

Out of curiosity, do you park your car when the white falls in Utah or do you still take it out?

[aris_unlimited]

Nice nice! Take plenty of pics for an install thread.

I waffle between installing the Quaife and a traditional LSD when its time to replace the stock viscous unit.

Out of curiosity, do you park your car when the white falls in Utah or do you still take it out?

Unfortunately I will not be installing the quaife LSD. A guy in my Z club that owns his own shop is going to do it. I decided not too after I saw a write-up on it lol. The main thing that concerns me is putting shims in to get everything perfect.......I think I'll let someone else be held accountable for that lol.

As for the snow. I do park my car when it gets all snowy out. Although last year I had to take it out a couple times in the snow (even though I didn't want too) and it did fine in the snow, even with an open diff. Mostly I just make sure to go out about once a week or so, start it up, let it run for a while, and move it around the driveway or the street (if clear of snow) just to keep everything maintained.