[Z06] Break the back tires loose?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 324
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From: Lake Mary FL
Break the back tires loose?
I'm wondering if my Z06 is underpowered or if it just has really good traction. I had a 99 WS6 TransAm a couple years ago that had a ton of mods and was putting out about 25-30 hp more than a stock 04 Z06. I could hit the gas in first gear between 10 and 15 mph and it would bust the tires loose and take off screeching the entire way.
I just passed break-in on my Z06 and decided to open it up a few times, and while it felt fast as hell and put a huge grin on my face
it didn't even come close to breaking the tires loose. Is this normal? To be fair, its summer in Florida so the roads are warm, the temperature (even at night) is in the 80's, high 90's during the day, and the humidity is above normal.
Just curious about this. I'll know the power output of my Z06 for sure in the next month or so because one of the vette dr's around here is opening a new shop and having a free dyno day
I just passed break-in on my Z06 and decided to open it up a few times, and while it felt fast as hell and put a huge grin on my face
it didn't even come close to breaking the tires loose. Is this normal? To be fair, its summer in Florida so the roads are warm, the temperature (even at night) is in the 80's, high 90's during the day, and the humidity is above normal.Just curious about this. I'll know the power output of my Z06 for sure in the next month or so because one of the vette dr's around here is opening a new shop and having a free dyno day
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 56
From: Escondido CA
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
i'm thinking you have not taken the traction control off..??? push the button on the consol;-and push again for about 5sec- get the competition mode on your DIC screen.. do your roll and hit it hard ,should spin a little...go have fun........actually the point is to "hook and go", right 
[Modified by bud miller, 6:16 AM 6/19/2004]
[Modified by bud miller, 6:16 AM 6/19/2004]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 324
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From: Lake Mary FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (bud miller)
Hah, theres a competition mode on these things!?? So first I hit the traction control button once to turn it off (which I already did), but then I hit it again and hold it for 5 seconds and it should tell me competition mode is on?
So first I hit the traction control button once to turn it off (which I already did), but then I hit it again and hold it for 5 seconds and it should tell me competition mode is on?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
I'm wondering if my Z06 is underpowered or if it just has really good traction. I had a 99 WS6 TransAm a couple years ago that had a ton of mods and was putting out about 25-30 hp more than a stock 04 Z06. I could hit the gas in first gear between 10 and 15 mph and it would bust the tires loose and take off screeching the entire way.
I just passed break-in on my Z06 and decided to open it up a few times, and while it felt fast as hell and put a huge grin on my face it didn't even come close to breaking the tires loose. Is this normal? To be fair, its summer in Florida so the roads are warm, the temperature (even at night) is in the 80's, high 90's during the day, and the humidity is above normal.
Just curious about this. I'll know the power output of my Z06 for sure in the next month or so because one of the vette dr's around here is opening a new shop and having a free dyno day
I just passed break-in on my Z06 and decided to open it up a few times, and while it felt fast as hell and put a huge grin on my face
it didn't even come close to breaking the tires loose. Is this normal? To be fair, its summer in Florida so the roads are warm, the temperature (even at night) is in the 80's, high 90's during the day, and the humidity is above normal.Just curious about this. I'll know the power output of my Z06 for sure in the next month or so because one of the vette dr's around here is opening a new shop and having a free dyno day
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 183
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From: Severna Park MD
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
Just hold the active handling button down until you see competition mode on the DIC. At first it will just say active handling off, which turns off traction control and active handling, then in about five seconds competition mode should appear. Competition mode turns off traction control but maintains active handling.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 175
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From: Orange Park FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
Mike, you need to memorize your owner's manual. This car has too much power to not understand how it works, especially if you are fooling with active handling and traction control. The car is awesome and with a bit of practice you can get some great launches even with everything engaged. On the track, however, I turn TC off staying in competition mode. I don't ever plan to drive anywhere with active handling off. If someone had LOTS of track time, they might feel more comfortable with everything off, but I'm sure for me the computer would already be correcting before I realized something was wrong. My body and car are too valuable to take those chances. I used to fly Navy jets and have jumped out of airplanes in Army jump school, but I got paid to do that!
[Modified by Nestor D. White, 12:09 AM 6/21/2004]
[Modified by Nestor D. White, 12:20 AM 6/21/2004]
[Modified by Nestor D. White, 12:09 AM 6/21/2004]
[Modified by Nestor D. White, 12:20 AM 6/21/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
The fact that T/C is on has nothing to do with this. The tires can still break loose for a second and you would get a "Traction Control Active" message on the DIC along with a serious reduction in power. The driver would certainly be able to detect this.
My guess is that he is getting great traction (and a bit less power) because of the heat. Repeat this test on a 60 degree day and the outcome will be much different.
My guess is that he is getting great traction (and a bit less power) because of the heat. Repeat this test on a 60 degree day and the outcome will be much different.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,695
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From: Long Island NY
Re: Break the back tires loose? (rbartick)
My guess is that he is getting great traction (and a bit less power) because of the heat. Repeat this test on a 60 degree day and the outcome will be much different.
The F1 Supercars are very temperature sensitive. I've found that 70 degrees and above, they stick like glue and its much harder to light the tires up. Below 70 and colder they lose a lot of their traction, and they can be lit up so easily its almost ridiculous. Plus, the LS6 definitely likes colder, drier air - it makes a big power difference. Combine the additional cold air power with substantially less cold weather grip from the tires, and the car can feel entirely different in 50 degree weather than 80-90 degree weather, especially in terms of traction. In cooler weather, the car will go sideways from a roll in 1st, and in 2nd, especially above 4,000 RPMs. It'll also step out a bit going into 3rd. It won't do that nearly as much in hot weather.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 1
From: Pensacola FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (MaverickC5)
Mav- I think you will notice more power the more miles you out on it also. By the time it hits 5000 miles you will notice it's running stronger. This was even true in my 2001 HD pickup. When i hit 3000 miles it seemed to be getting stronger. By 5000 it was running even better. Mileage, combined with the other factors discussed above all play a role. Scott
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 203
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From: Orlando FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (99 The Hard Way)
I totaly ! I hsimply haven't tried. Although my '01 coup and 98 coupe had great power, this 0'4 Z06 car is really something and I have not even "put my foot " in it yet. I am sure it will be a great time. I'll let you know
! I hsimply haven't tried. Although my '01 coup and 98 coupe had great power, this 0'4 Z06 car is really something and I have not even "put my foot " in it yet. I am sure it will be a great time. I'll let you know
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 203
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From: Orlando FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (MaverickC5)
Car runs GREAT! These tires just hook up a lot better. ( Just as well, no need to burn the rubber off anyway ) I just stopped into Corvette masters. I am going to have them install a new throttle bode and intake package. I will have them dyno tune it too. Probably week after next. The parts will be there Wednesday but I do not have time to run it in. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 324
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From: Lake Mary FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (MaverickC5)
Awesome. I actually got on it again today down a side road and thought again "why can't this thing break loose?" Then suddenly I felt the back end of the car moving to the left, then to the right, then back to the left again It fooled me at first because it didn't screech or make any noise at all, and the limited slip works really well apparently because it corrected itself very well. Can't wait to Dyno this thing in a couple weeks and see what it pulls
It fooled me at first because it didn't screech or make any noise at all, and the limited slip works really well apparently because it corrected itself very well. Can't wait to Dyno this thing in a couple weeks and see what it pulls
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
Hi Mike04Z06 -
I have no trouble spinning the rears on my Z - regardless of the temps...
There is little fanfare associated with breaking traction with the F1SC's - they do not screech, squeal, bark or otherwise audibly inform you of your rubber-abusing activities. That little squirming you felt was what should tell you you are spinning.
And As rbartic said - even with the tc on, you will see some tire spin - a surprising amount really, before the tc steps in to save the day.
best regards-
mqqn
[Modified by mqqn, 2:04 AM 6/27/2004]
I have no trouble spinning the rears on my Z - regardless of the temps...
There is little fanfare associated with breaking traction with the F1SC's - they do not screech, squeal, bark or otherwise audibly inform you of your rubber-abusing activities. That little squirming you felt was what should tell you you are spinning.
And As rbartic said - even with the tc on, you will see some tire spin - a surprising amount really, before the tc steps in to save the day.
best regards-
mqqn
[Modified by mqqn, 2:04 AM 6/27/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
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From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
Mike... I am just past 450 miles on mine... Took it for a spin last night and punched it in first from a rolling start... The tires are silent and hook up very well.. I do feel the rear squirm as it digs for traction... The power delivery is smooth and seamless.... which makes it feel less quick... but its not...
My 4th gen Z28 did everything with more drama and was fun... but the vette is so much more refined and buttoned down... It has poise and balance... Once you master it, you will realize just how fast it is....
Beside, it not broken in yet and some cool air will really awaken the power.
mike
My 4th gen Z28 did everything with more drama and was fun... but the vette is so much more refined and buttoned down... It has poise and balance... Once you master it, you will realize just how fast it is....
Beside, it not broken in yet and some cool air will really awaken the power.
mike
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Fountain Valley CA
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Mike04Z06)
At 10 to 15 MPH, you don't yet have enough torque to the rear wheels to spin the tires. The Z06 tires don't make lots of noise when they spin. Watch for the traction control to come on and off. My Z06 tends to spin the rear in the top third of first gear. The extra power won't help as much in first as in higher gears, as HP to the rear wheels is less important than HP to the ground. If drag racing is what you want to do, throw on some drag radials, and adjust out some of the negitave camber on the rear. It's all about HP to the ground. The tires need to be warmed up to stick well. The drag guys do burnouts, and us road race types run a few laps if we can. If we can't, we are cautious for the first lap or two. [IMG][/IMG]
[Modified by Z06JAX, 9:39 PM 6/20/2004]
[Modified by Z06JAX, 9:39 PM 6/20/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
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From: Allentown PA
Re: Break the back tires loose? (Z06JAX)
Last week I accidently made my first 2 passes down the track with the TC on, I have drag radials. I noticed that the traction control came on during the whole pass at least 6 ot 7 times, even at 90mph I saw it light up on my DIC. Its kinda scary to know that you can lose control at those speeds. NEVER turn it off completly, use Competative Driving. Temp was about 68.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Lake Mary FL
Re: Break the back tires loose? (C5~Missle)
I agree, I had a 99 T/A that was fun and loud and wild and everything. The Z06 is definitely more subtle about everything, but in all is a way faster beast and makes the T/A look like a hummer when it comes to handling.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Break the back tires loose? (rbartick)
You do not always get a reduction in power when T/C activates. T/C first applies the brakes to control wheel spin. As long as the spin stays within reasonable limits the power will not reduce. As for spinning tires I can spin the tires from a roll on my Z with T/C on in either first or second gear. I have also done it a couple of friends Zs.
Bill
Bill