bd32322

I got my rx-8 2 weeks ago and have been eager to test it. Something I did scared the crap out of me and was wondering why it felt like that.

This is a 2005 model, 6-speed with GT package (DSC, limited slip etc). I had DSC on with snow tires (Dunlop Winter Sports M3 and dry roads) and was taking an exit a bit fast, I think. At the point where the car felt the most "strained" (near the apex I believe), instead of oversteer or understeer, the car fishtailed (or thats what it felt like - the rear end slid one way and then some sort of braking and then slid the other way)?? And then it was back under control as it went onto the straight portion of the ramp.

I didnt get to see the dash, but was wondering if that was the DSC braking the inside wheels or something?

I havent driven on the track but now I am taking it easy until I feel this thing on the track. Was wondering if you guys knew from track or other experience how the DSC feels?

Thanks,
Bodi

carbonRX8

iTrader: (1)

I think you just described your car knowing how to drive>you.

I am about 99% certain that was DSC.

bd32322

Good to know - for some time I was wondering how this could happen mechanically without some DSC intervention, unless I have a defective suspension setup or something. There was almost no warning except for the body roll (no tire squeal, no skidding).

Bodi

Razz1

The braking was TC traction Control.

And it's a good thing you weren't looking at the dash.


Keep your eyes on the road. Test the car in snow on an empty parking lot. Then in spring take a HDPE course.

dillsrotary

same thing happened to me from a complete stop, i was slowly pullin away from the curb in the snow and my back end took off to the right

yiksing

The throttle is not an 'on' 'off' switch, please learn to drive fast.

Imidazole

DSC will not prevent your tires from loosing grip, due to a loose nut behind the steering wheel.

valpac

iTrader: (2)

Feels exactly as you described.

DSC comes on when you incorrectly negotiating some turns (too fast and/or wrong line). It will help correct bad driving but cannot overcome physics. If you are going way too fast, on snow/ice or wet, DSC will try to save you but sometimes cannot. That said, it works as advertised. The braking system clamps down on one more wheels and keeps you from spinning. It usually just affects one side of the car and I rarely feel it brake the other side but it might be subtle and unnoticable.

There are many opinions about DSC here. Mine is its a great safety feature and one in which I rarely disable. It has saved my bacon on more than one occasion (mountain runs). My suggestion is experiment with turning off when you have lots of run-off (tracks) or when there are few vehicles around. Be safe and enjoy your car in one piece.

tlniec

Yep, that's precisely how it feels.
I drove the RX-8 to work one beautiful, sunny morning. That afternoon, it decided to snow (without warning) -- and since I don't sit near any windows, I didn't find out about the snow until I left work. About 1" of wet, heavy, slushy snow had accumulated on the roads.
I live on a side street off of a winding road (30 MPH speed limit w/ some 20 MPH curves). I was driving VERY conservatively, since I don't have snow tires. At one point, I pulled away from a stop sign, and had slowly accelerated to about 15 MPH. Suddenly, the rear end of the car snapped to the left. As I began to gently countersteer (I sure as hell didn't want to overcorrect and loop it), the car regained its composure and straightened out. It almost felt like a big hand reached down, grabbed the car, and put it back on course. That's DSC.

bd32322

Thanks for the info guys. Dont worry I was trying out the car on an exit with lots of run-off and on smooth flat ground and no vehicles. But a high performance driving course is a must if I am to enjoy this car.

I wish I had any warning from the tires before they lost grip (or maybe I just didnt notice the rear end sliding because I was new to the car). I'll see what the oem potenzas will do. I've had good experience with squeal and progressively losing grip with the potenza re-950 tires but those were on a front wheel drive honda accord

- Bodi

yiksing

The DSC I believe will allow a bit of skidding here and there but only correct with you really screw up.

Rotorpsycho

Not in my experience. I believe the DSC is far to keen to stick its 2 cents in.... its rather annoying when it kicks in and destroys a perfectly good corner.
However I guess in order to perform the job its designed to do, its got to get in early or it might as well not bother at all.

I generally turn mine off unless Im just driving around town.

Budweiser8Jr

I just got my first snowfall since I got my 8...and just got back from the parking lot. On stock tires, I don't see a problem. The only issue to make DSC work correctly is you HAVE to stay in the throttle some...that way DSC can clamp off the brake...if you lift too much, DSC will overcorrect the car as well.

I was able to pull out of about a 60degree yaw and maintain my heading with the help of DSC.

yiksing

I think it might have a higher tendency to correct oversteer than understeer, I have not experienced the DSC kicking in before (I know, u might think I shouldn't comment at all) but driving the car at the limit, I do sometimes overspeed into corner and get understeer but the DSC doesn't kick in, the tires just skidded for like 1-2 feet before recovering grip. Sad to say I'd never experienced oversteer since I got it, as I use very little steering input most of the time and very light footed.

Rotorpsycho

Yup, oversteer is more common. Normally 2/3's thru the corner when I'm getting back on the gas. But I have def experienced understeer DSC as well, mainly on lower speed hairpins and the front pushes out.

yiksing

When you got back on the gas, was it a WOT or just throttle modulation?

valpac

iTrader: (2)

DSC corrects both.

Budweiser8Jr

No, several people on here have shown the 8 can be controlled in a snow situation. I live in Ohio, we do get snow. I was driving in about 1" without problem, its all in how you shift, when you shift and how you treat the car. If you think I am smoking crack, thats fine...come to Ohio and I will show you.

I am not gambling one bit, if anything I am very conservative...I have been driving in the Ohio winters for 10 years, 2 of which were in an S-10 that was 1" off the ground, 225 Z-Rated tires, no weight in rear and a manual...I am not an idiot. I have done it many times before.

Rotorpsycho

The throttle application depends on the corner. Also the road surface and its condition, weather, run out areas (if any) and road camber affect it to. But yes I will wind on WOT quite happily on exit if I feel confident with everything at that time.
I am very used to having the rear step out a little bit sometimes in my RX7 on exit, so I tend to do the same in the 8 (even with 1/2 the power), I just gotta remember the DSC switch first....or it tells me off.