Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Car gets sideways

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 12:36 AM
  #1  
cbhood's Avatar
cbhood
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 3
From: Lompoc Ca
Default Car gets sideways

I have an automatic. If you punch it from a dead stop does your car kick sideways and the active handling come on when you hit second gear? or am I just special. My son calls it "the ax murderer" Is there a handling fix recommended to help keep the car in straight line? (Ya I know...learn to drive)
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 12:49 AM
  #2  
Kreeess's Avatar
Kreeess
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: Hercules CA
Default

Originally Posted by cbhood
I have an automatic. If you punch it from a dead stop does your car kick sideways and the active handling come on when you hit second gear? or am I just special. My son calls it "the ax murderer" Is there a handling fix recommended to help keep the car in straight line? (Ya I know...learn to drive)
Some of the guys here have their cars kick sideways all the way to 4th... Corvettes are torque monsters, only fix I can come up with to keep the car straight is "driver mod" ... More seat time! Enjoy gettin sideways
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 12:54 AM
  #3  
zagger's Avatar
zagger
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 4
Default

AH will come on every time your tires brake free and spin, that is what it is suppose to do. You can disable AH and TC via the little button by the shifter. As for the car going sideways there can be many things causing it. Bad alignment, high crown in road surface to name few.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:11 AM
  #4  
cbhood's Avatar
cbhood
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 3
From: Lompoc Ca
Default

Originally Posted by Kreeess
Some of the guys here have their cars kick sideways all the way to 4th... Corvettes are torque monsters, only fix I can come up with to keep the car straight is "driver mod" ... More seat time! Enjoy gettin sideways
Mine does too, but 2nd is a bit unnerving. I'll work on my skills.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:21 AM
  #5  
damilleniumboy's Avatar
damilleniumboy
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 6
From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
Default

noob question right?
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:42 AM
  #6  
cbhood's Avatar
cbhood
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 3
From: Lompoc Ca
Default

Originally Posted by damilleniumboy
noob question right?
Obviously. I've had the car for a year or so, but having never owned one before, just not sure what I should expect from the car and what is normal. I've spent allot of time on the forum and never seen anyone mention this before. I take it this was a stupid question.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 02:09 AM
  #7  
calivette805's Avatar
calivette805
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 31
From: oxnard california
Default

Buy better tires
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 03:53 AM
  #8  
LS1 Goat 91's Avatar
LS1 Goat 91
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 2
From: VA
Default

You need to roll into it. Of course it's going to spin if you just mash it from a dead stop on street tires. But it's also more fun
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 07:54 AM
  #9  
DevilDog II's Avatar
DevilDog II
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Default

Sideways? I've never heard of such a thing.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 08:16 AM
  #10  
Toque's Avatar
Toque
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Default

Originally Posted by DevilDog II
Sideways? I've never heard of such a thing.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 08:59 AM
  #11  
Fcar 98's Avatar
Fcar 98
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,279
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Default

Don't turn TC off you will get more then sideways.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 10:38 AM
  #12  
DevilDog II's Avatar
DevilDog II
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Default

Originally Posted by Toque
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 10:41 AM
  #13  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,661
Likes: 24,663
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by FRANK J CARCIA
Don't turn TC off you will get more then sideways.
Traction control is designed to limit wheel spin. AH helps control the car when sideways movement is detected.

From the Owner' Manual:

ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM

The Active handling system is a computer controlled system that helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is accomplished by selectively applying any one of the vehicles brakes.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)

Your vehicle has a traction control system called TCS that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine power (by closing the throttle and managing engine spark) to limit wheel spin.

To the OP - your car is doing just what it is designed to do with AH active. It senses the sideways movement and engages the AH system to straighten the car back out. Mine does the same thing.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 10:56 AM
  #14  
Fcar 98's Avatar
Fcar 98
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,279
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Default

Sorry i stand corrected. My does not have AH so if I turn TC of it will do loops if I won't. thanks.

Last edited by Fcar 98; Jan 10, 2014 at 11:13 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 12:24 PM
  #15  
Kreeess's Avatar
Kreeess
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: Hercules CA
Default

Originally Posted by FRANK J CARCIA
Sorry i stand corrected. My does not have AH so if I turn TC of it will do loops if I won't. thanks.
our 98s are just built to have MORE fun!
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 12:42 PM
  #16  
Corvette_Ed's Avatar
Corvette_Ed
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,744
Likes: 3,265
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Default

If my car wasn't getting sideways when I punched it while at a dead stop I'd be wondering what was wrong with it.

OP just needs to find a large, empty parking lot and get in some launch practice. Getting sideways is part of the fun of owning a muscle car. Then comes the fun of Competition Mode.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:27 PM
  #17  
66dts-v's Avatar
66dts-v
Drifting
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
Default

Originally Posted by Corvette_Ed
If my car wasn't getting sideways when I punched it while at a dead stop I'd be wondering what was wrong with it.

OP just needs to find a large, empty parking lot and get in some launch practice. Getting sideways is part of the fun of owning a muscle car. Then comes the fun of Competition Mode.
I still haven't put Comp Mode to the test, yet. Hell, I haven't done a donut yet.

I've had it 6 weeks, still getting used to the added power and handling compared to my old C4.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Car gets sideways

Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:38 PM
  #18  
Corvette_Ed's Avatar
Corvette_Ed
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,744
Likes: 3,265
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by 66dts-v
I still haven't put Comp Mode to the test, yet. Hell, I haven't done a donut yet.

I've had it 6 weeks, still getting used to the added power and handling compared to my old C4.
Comp mode is a lot of fun and the car handles differently, but the driver needs sufficient skill to use it safely. TC isn't on in this mode, only AH, so if the car starts to slide it's all on the driver to control it.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:40 PM
  #19  
Kreeess's Avatar
Kreeess
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: Hercules CA
Default

Originally Posted by Corvette_Ed
Comp mode is a lot of fun and the car handles differently, but the driver needs sufficient skill to use it safely. TC isn't on in this mode, only AH, so if the car starts to slide it's all on the driver to control it.
since my car is a 98 I havent experience AH yet,
only TC OFF
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 01:46 PM
  #20  
66dts-v's Avatar
66dts-v
Drifting
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
Default

Originally Posted by Corvette_Ed
Comp mode is a lot of fun and the car handles differently, but the driver needs sufficient skill to use it safely. TC isn't on in this mode, only AH, so if the car starts to slide it's all on the driver to control it.
I have skillz, but I drive within the limits of my ride and I haven't pushed Ester hard yet. But I really like the idea of what it does.

My little brothers C6 has a few different settings I've played with a little. But there is a lot of gravel on the roads right now and I haven't played in the parking lot at work yet. But I will.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:58 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE