Hey guys.

First off, this is a great community. I'm still on a hunt for my perfect S and these forums have provided me with so much knowledge to facilitate making the best choice possible. For that, I thank you all. Now, to business:

What are all of your thoughts on the VSA in ap2v2's? Does anyone here have aftermarket traction control in an ap2v1?

I ask this because I'm in a dilemma. I've been searching for my perfect S, an 06+, but I'm doing so merely for the VSA. I live in WA, it rains a lot, and this will be my dd for a few years. To ensure longevity of the car, I want some sort of traction assistance. An 06+ can give me that, but prices are still relatively high. I can save several k by getting an 04/05 and buying aftermarket assistance for cheaper.

I don't want this to be a flame fest of "your foot is the traction control" because I'm looking for genuine opinions on the topic from an educated community. Do you think it would be a better option to get a v1, or is there more refinement in the v2 as a whole that make it worth it?

Thanks!

 

There's more to it than just the VSA. I think this is a good answer to your question.

 

So there is more than different wheels, drive by wire, and no holes in the head rest. The easier to tune part is definitely a plus. Thanks for that.

 

Hey man can't go wrong with a 06+. I love my 2006 AP2. Sorry not answering the question just love my 06. Best of luck with getting your S.

 

That is my thinking as well. I'll find my baby soon enough...

 

I searched for and bought an '06 for the exacr same reason. Its my dd, thus I drive it when I'm tired, frustrated, mentally occupied, etc. I know I can't be 'on' 100% of the time I'm driving.

I find the VSA works exceedingly well. In the rain, especially hydroplaing at highway speed, its rock solid. I am very glad I have it.

The only complaint I have is sometimes I wish it was a little less intrusive, allowed a bit more back end looseness. I hear people say its actually permissive compared to other cars. I guess ideally I wish you could dial in more or less intrusion, as conditions dictate. Which is exactly what the aftermarket systems do. As it is, I can only choose to turn it all the way off. No in between.

So my feedback is VSA is great, but an older model with aftermarket might be just as good, and over more flexibility. But I don't know. So try to get feedback from someone that has an ap1, has aftermarket traction control, and got it at least in part for dd safety.

As you have found out, there are other reasons an ap2 might be your choice. Its got slightly more refinement, makes use as a dd a little more pleasant. I couldn't be happier with mine.

 

You can partially disable VSA if you get a FlashPro. If you uncheck the VSA box in FlashPro Manager within your custom tune, the VSA will still engage the brakes but it will no longer cut fuel.

It also helps to have good tires. I found VSA to be intrusive with junk all-season tires, but once I swapped to Dunlop Star Specs (and later BFG G-Force Rivals) the car very rarely engages VSA. Like, almost never.

 

I like having VSA on the street. Saved my butt a few times. That said, it can be completely turned off with a push of a button

 

I have an MDX (04) with VSA. Driving at slow to moderate speed in a heavy winter slush freeway environment, the car hit a heavy sluice ridge and began to rotate. Although I started to let of the gas to deal with it, the VSA was instant, modulated the correct individual brakes and brought the front end back to alignment. That was the first of several corrections I have felt it make.

Fast forward to the 09 S. A few times accelerating around a corner (early morning, damp-tires in good shape) the rear breaks loose and the VSA instantly corrects. Now in those situations I was not in too much danger of hitting something or someone but I know its there if push comes to shove. I do know one case where it did save me. An individual suddenly did a hard left turn from my right, right across my front to drive off road to the left. I did a max brake, max turn and went off the road to the left as well. My wife screamed. We came to a stop literally inches from the other vehicle. (Other driver was stunned-said he had no idea any one was there. SUV) I am to this day astounded the car did what it did that I asked it to do and avoided a collision. Good old VSA.

 

This is a pretty solid summary of VSA.

I'm in the same boat as you; I'm on the search for my perfect S and the question of VSA came up since I will be dailying the car. I said the same thing in alSpeed2k's link to my thread. I like having the comfort of a computer assisting my driving in a daily situation - I will not always be on top of everything everyday, and the last thing I want to do is post a "So I spun my S today and totaled it" thread.

You're going to come across fire from those who swear without VSA and there's nothing wrong with that, remember, not all people with this car daily it, and it's safe to say most do not, and not all people have the same level of car control experience. For that, it's actually preferred to not have traction control. To each their own - take the time to find out what you want the most out of the car. What you will find is that the 06+ models charge a much higher price compared to <=05 because of the VSA and drive by wire. Patience is key.

Remember, you can always get an older model and purchase Racelogic's traction control system - it's not too difficult to wire up nor is it too expensive for what you get out of the package - it lets you limit the amount of slip while VSA is completely static. Most everyone with this system prefer it to VSA as it's not as intrusive but it does require comfort working with cables and setting it up.

Good luck with your search!