68/70Vette

Looking at the video you can see many instances where a Corvette is accelerating in a straight line and then suddenly spins out. What is the technique for avoiding this? I have paddle shifters, base engine, A&A supercharger. I have the stock run flat tires, but I will be getting new non-run flat tires.

Thanks!!

Eritosthenes

The number one way to avoid this is never to apply WOT (wide open throttle) on a public street or highway. Especially in a supercharged Corvette. There are far too many deadly obstacles and innocent bystanders. If you want to play, go to a proper playground.

LMB-Z

The best technique is to be easy on the go pedal. Good tires helps...knowing the limits of yourself, the car, weather conditions, tires, horsepower...all are contributing factors. Also, not trying to "show out" probably helps.

CadVette

Make sure your tires are warm first. Find a concrete road as the grip is better. Leave the tracton control on. Use common sense and be careful.

Mordeth

No. Most of these drivers are using the throttle like an on-off switch, and are applying far too much throttle for the amount of traction available and the direction of momentum .

Start with a few basic rules:

1) Ensure you have a proper alignment
1) Ensure your tires are not old, bald and are the correct tires for the application
1) Ensure tires have proper tire pressure
1) Ensure tires have been warmed up prior to any high speed maneuvers
1) Ensure road and weather conditions are suitable
1) Everything should always be smooth and balanced. Do not hammer/mash the accelerator. Always roll into throttle, smoothly applying pedal pressure and feeding power as the conditions and available traction allows
1) If you are unsure of the available traction, keep your steering wheel pointed in the same direction of the vehicle when applying power (straight)
1) If the rear end steps out, smoothly ease off the throttle and feather it. Do not snap your foot off the throttle or mash the brakes. Do not make any sudden movements or large steering inputs. Weight is being transferred during this process and so the traction circle is changing. If less throttle input does not resolve the condition, then slight steering inputs. The car can be easily controlled in these circumstances with some practice and the proper equipment.

jmeirhofer

Best thing you can do is take a car control clinic at your local track. Torrence is a ways from NorCal but if you ever want to make your way up here I have a friend that is an instructor at both Sears Point and Willows. I am sure they have the same courses down there.

Most of those folks in the video were just acting a fool at the wrong time. I always say, "play stupid games; win stupid prizes". The street is not place for those kind of antics.

ESSFO

Leave traction control on.

hrt vlv

performance tires go away quick. Even if you pull the trigger with everything straight!

68/70Vette

Thanks. I'm thinking about going to Spring Hill race track (?) in Nevada. They have two, three day courses.

Many years ago I had a 69 Corvette Coupe with a clone L88 engine and a Doug Nash 5 speed. I could control it during acceleration. It had a tendency to turn to the right during acceleration. I could control it with a little left turn on the steering wheel and sometimes by slipping the clutch a little.

As for my LS3 08 Corvette, with the supercharger, my most exciting moment was on a sunny, but cold January day at Edwards AFB near Palmdale ,CA. Just before entering the freeway, I stopped at a Thai restaurant for lunch. So rolling onto the freeway, the tires were cold. I entered the freeway to be following a truck going maybe 55 mph. I wanted to get back home quickly. I forgot I was driving my Corvette. I did what I would do in my DD 97 Ford Thunderbird, I simultaneously floored the gas pedal and made a sharp left turn to change lanes and get around the truck. An OK maneuver for a Ford Thunderbird.......but not for a supercharged Corvette! I immediately started sliding sideways, my windshield came within inches of hitting the back of the truck...and then a couple of violent fishtails to recover.

Maineah

Wow! That video was hard to watch.

FAUEE

Most of the people in those videos are terrible drivers, and over correct. Don't over correct, and you will be fine. Those are the same people that drive mustangs into the nearest crowd of people from lack of skill.

Welker1

As was already stated, most of the people in the video were terrible drivers who pushed their Corvettes beyond their skill levels. If you want to do some spirited driving, take a class that teaches high performance driving skills. The other thing is don't do stupid stuff in bad weather or in traffic ... you may think you know what you're doing, but you have know clue what other people are doing or going to do.

jmeirhofer

Willow Springs has a couple of companies that teach there as well as Skip Barber. Probably a lot closer too.

Callaway DrDon

Went from a base 04 to a SC 580 Callaway recently. It is scary fast in comparison. I am almost embarrassed to say it is a little intimidating, but it sure is addicting. Thanks for the video showing how not to abuse the power, and thanks to those posting driving tips.

dudev

Rotation is the result of a higher rear "vector" than the front of the car.
In many of the "corvette driver loses control" YouTube videos that I've seen, the driver leaves an intersection and starts hard acceleration before he is in a straight line. Inadequate or slow counter-steering and abrupt accelerator release add to the loss of control.

Squidge

Watching that makes me really glad I spent so much time on sport bikes in all types of weather.

Throttle control is your safety measure. Letting all the way off is a great way to smack a tree.

Durien512

Yikes... ugly vid.. .but like others said.. lots of variables... these machines are very powerful and need to be respected.... got to be super careful..

cv67

nannys can only do so much dont depend on them

TTZ06VETTE

People have a habit of turning off active handling along with traction control during these stunts. Active handling has saved me more than once.

Ahrmike

im pretty sure they're snap-oversteering. Come off throttle too quickly, car will snap back the opposite direction.


edit: nvm, half of these are bad road conditions the other half is no steering.