Ive tried to break the car loose in the rain to test it out, (slowly)

VSA seems to slowly reduce throttle when you start slipping, and apply front brakes sometimes (Don't know this for sure, just how it feels)

 

[QUOTE=RACER,Nov 25 2007, 11:26 PM] I'm not 100% sure how the system works, but I'm pretty sure that the brake only activates when you put your foot on it.

 

You'll get quite a few answers that seem overlapping. Some people and sources blur the line between stability and traction control.

The oversimplified version is:
Traction control only works in 2-dimensions and front to back in a 2WD car. It works to keep grip relatively matched between front and back by cutting ignition. It doesn't care if you're spinning off the road. BUT... the type of rev-through followed by overcorrection accident most S2000s get into would be limited by keeping grip matched. Once again, an accident where all wheels lose traction... TC is not going to help. But most of the common S2000 accidents are "rears came out, then gripped when I was pointed in the wrong direction."

VSA takes additional sensors and steering input into account. It tries to keep you on line and will use both throttle TC and individual brakes to keep the line. Think of it like "smart" traction control. Or the grip of traction control with steering help.


Stability Control
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/28001-...ty-control.htm

Traction Control
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/28000-tracti...l-explained.htm

The Interweb is your friend....

Audi Traction Control
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/tools/g...trol__ASR_.html

Audi Electronic Stability Control
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/tools/g...on_program.html

BMW Dynamic Stability Control
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/technology/dsc.htm

And the wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...bility_Control

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traction_control

 

I love the vsa. I end up using it all the time, mainly due to my lack of smoothness. It is very subtle IMHO, not like the last M3 system.

I find I get the back end wiggy on a bump in the apex, just as I'm starting to add throttle. So, when the road doesn't help, vsa saves the day.

 

The thing I love about VSA, is that it will let you get sideways, for a brief moment...but yet, its easily controllable.

I did a test a couple weeks ago. I found a huge empty parking lot. It had just rained, and I wanted to give VSA a work-out. I was doing about 20 mph, going into a slight turn, punched the gas, and the car was nearly outta control.

It was definitley too much for the system. You could feel all the brakes just freaking out, and the throttle dipping like crazy. It made me LOL.

 

I don't have VSA on mine, but a little counter steering will do the trick. The system can only do so much and the rest is up to you.

I think the VSA will come in handy when you lose traction of one or two tires, but if the car starts to slide, there is nothing it can do.

Jason

 

The VSA is actually designed to keep that slide as neutral as possible by "trimming" the individual brakes.

 

Here is a definitive explaination on how VSA works, it alos clear it needs the drive by wire throttle hence it is only fitted on +06 cars

I had it on my last S and found it to be very good, it is not progressive as it either cuts power or applies brakes as it sees fit. It is hoever not intrusive on the road.

I suspect the RLTC is better as you can select how much slippage you want.

http://world.honda.com/news/1997/t970702d.html

 

BTW one of my old threads with a review and comments

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...0&#entry7789698

 

Not so VSA will cut the power and apply the brakes to the slipping wheel until it grips. Then when it has sorted it out put you back in control.

Assuming you have enough space for it to sort it out
from my experience of 4 S's one with VSA and one with 320 BHP I would suggest that VSA is more likely to sort a problem out better than most of us can.

Suffice to say I will be fitting some form of switchable traction control as my next set of mods aiming for the 400 BHP target.