Just went out the same run twice to decide whether to junk the HICAS - one with it on, one with it disabled.

 

Was it better - in short yes, definately.

Ulitmately I guess it's probably quicker with it or nissan wouldn't have put it on but that's academic if you don't have the confidence to chuck it around. To me, it's also academic if it'll pull 0.1g more in a 140mph corner because I like back road driving.

 

It used to 2 main things that annoyed me:

 

1) Back end used to feel 'floaty' like it was going to come round on you. This used to happen mainly on bends with a changing radius or when you had to give a quick correction - basically anytime when you had to give extra steering input mid-bend. I never trusted this feeling and so was getting back on the gas only when it stopped. That was always way after the apex so I couldn't get back on the gas as early as I wanted.

Without the HICAS this feeling is totally gone.

 

2) When turning in really hard into a very tight bend, particularly when changing direction like in a chicane the car used to feel unsettled. Hard to describe really but nasty.

Again this is gone without the HICAS.

 

Another benefit is that you get a better idea of when the back is going to step out because you can feel the load building up better on the back wheels.

 

Guess it's a case of learn to drive with it or take it off. I'm definately going to remove it. Saves 20Kg too.

How did you disable it John? Was it just a case of pulling connectors or fuses?

 

20kg loss has gotta help with 1/4 mile times...:D:D

Short out the level sensor on the fluid tank and that's it.

My Z doesnt have the HICAS as it was removed before I bought it, but the person who owned it before I did said it was better when it was off. There was less wheel hop and felt more secure round corners. You can feel the difference more when going round roundabouts.

 

Stuart

A few people have asked about how I disabled it:

 

Basically, find the two wires that come from the top of the steering fluid tank. Follow these to a brown plug next to the HICAS actuator. Undo the plug, and short it out on the loom side.

HICAS light will now be on, HICAS wont :D

 

If anyone else tries it, please let me know what you think.

 

Cheers

Thanks for that John :)

Can anyone explain exactly how it works (or is supposed to work) is it speed sensitive, how much does it turn the rears, does it turn opposite lock to the fronts at low speed and same at high like other systems I've read about?

 

I agree with John's comments about the handling with it on though, but have you driven a 3000GTO - much ,much worse!

The rear wheels turning depends on the speed you are traveling at.

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart

Nigel,

I'd imagine it's a mapped system rather than a simple Steer = K x x roadspeed x steering wheel angle.

Don't have any proof of that mind, just a thought. Might go pull the ECU apart later on and have a look.

Er, I think I'd read STu's post before I went that far John!

 

I suspect it has all the answers I want, but thatnks for the generous offer to demolish your car in the name of science!

 

:D