I have a 2002 automatic coupe. Do I still get competition mode if I hold down the button for 5 seconds? It only lets me turn traction control off no matter how long I hold it down.. Thanks in advance.

 

Think you answered your own question.

 

More Agility
Second-Generation Active Handling
For 2001 a Second-Generation Active Handling system, much enhanced over the original, becomes standard equipment on all Corvettes. Following is a summary of specific changes:

New Pressure Modulator
The original Bosch 5.0 hydraulic pressure modulator is replaced by an improved Bosch 5.3 modulator. It is reduced in size, transmits less noise, and works better at low temperatures. It weighs 3.5 pounds less than the previous modulator and provides better apply response at lower temperatures (-20 degrees Celsius), meaning that the system will become fully functional more quickly after a cold start-up.


Dynamic Rear Proportioning
The enhanced system has dynamic rear brake proportioning capability, electronically balancing rear brake pressure to prevent rear brake bias, or lockup. This new software feature eliminates the need for a rear brake circuit-proportioning valve, resulting in fewer assembly parts and fewer brake pipe connections. In addition, the master cylinder pressure sensor is now integrated into the new Bosch pressure modulator.

Sideslip Angle Rate Control
Another upgrade for 2001 is the addition of sideslip angle rate control to Active Handling's core software algorithm. It senses whether the driver has been too slow (or too fast) to react to changing vehicle dynamics during evasive handling maneuvers, then dials in just the right amount of control to help maintain vehicle balance.

Coefficient of Friction Estimation
Obviously, the rate at which a car tends to slip sideways is magnified on slippery road surfaces, so more sophisticated calibration algorithms have been developed to estimate the friction coefficient of the road surface and modify the second-generation active handling system's response accordingly.

Rear Brake Stability Control
One more software change results in better rear brake stability control. It assists the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high lateral acceleration conditions, such as might be encountered if a driver is caught off-guard by a decreasing radius turn. This new feature more precisely releases brake pressure on the inside rear wheel during high lateral acceleration maneuvers and allows for more predictable vehicle response so the driver doesn't have to work as hard to keep the vehicle on its intended path.

Better Coordination with Traction Control
As noted earlier, Active Handling works in conjunction with the traction control system, and for 2001 that part of the system has been much refined. A new control philosophy of targeting specific rear brake pressures and modulating engine torque around those points has resulted in fewer engine sags and superior vehicle acceleration when compared to the 2000 system. This new calibration allows drivers to enthusiastically experience Corvette's power and handling while still maintaining control over excessive wheelspin. Average drivers may now elect to leave the traction control system on when navigating autocross or gymkhana courses.

Competitive Mode
As alluded to in the previous paragraph, Corvette's Active Handling system has a unique feature called "Competitive Mode", which allows the driver to disengage the car's traction control feature without giving up Active Handling's other benefits. Holding down the Active Handling button on the center console for five seconds enables Competitive Mode. This feature recognizes that at the hands of a highly skilled driver a bit of rear wheelspin may actually be desirable in autocross or other racing events. In previous years it was necessary to bring the vehicle to a full stop to enable Competitive Mode, but for 2001 this requirement has been eliminated.

Taken as a whole, the Corvette's 2001 Second- Generation Active Handling system is smarter, less intrusive, and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what Corvette owners have come to expect from their cars. It makes the car more agile, allows average drivers to perform better during spirited driving, and provides a new margin of safety in emergency situations.

 

Also, from the Corvette Museum website when I Googled "2002 Corvette Competition Mode":

All Corvettes have the second-generation Active Handling system as standard equipment. The system features dynamic rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel lockup; rear brake stability control to assist the driver in maintaining control under light braking and high acceleration conditions; integral traction control calibrated to allow drivers to experience the vehicle’s power and handling while maintaining control over excessive wheelspin. It also has an on/off switch and a “Competitive Mode” which allows the driver to disengage the traction control feature without giving up Active Handling’s other benefits.

This became standard in 2001, so I'd say you either have a problem, or you aren't activating it properly.

 

Looks like I have a problem :/ Thanks for the article, it makes me want to go get a speeding ticket after reading it =)

 

All models had active handling standard so yes, you should be able to get to the comp driving mode by holding down the button for 5+ seconds. If not, you have something wrong with the system.

 

Remember, you must be completely stopped to engage it in a 2000.

 

BUT, he has a 2002.

 

Yes, I know, but I don't and there will be others that read this that have 97-2000 models. Just reminding them as to how to engage C/M. Sorry for the confusion.
Scott

 

and competition mode was an option in 2000 not standard. mine doesnt have active handling, just traction control.

 

You've been here how long?
That's false...

 

Funny thing is if you ever get into HPDE, TT or racing - you turn OFF all that stuff... LOL