Competitive Driving
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Aberdeen NC
Competitive Driving
For the 1st time I pressed and hold the traction control boutton for 5 seconds and activated the competitive driving mode yesterday. I saw a difference in wheel spin at greater speeds, any of you drive with this activated all the time? 2001 C5 Vert.
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Competitive mode turns the traction Control OFF but leaves the Active Handling ON.
That is the only difference between that mode and the T/C off.
The first hit of the button turns it ALL off, the Competitive mode turns the Active Handling back on while leaving T/C off.
That is the only difference between that mode and the T/C off.
The first hit of the button turns it ALL off, the Competitive mode turns the Active Handling back on while leaving T/C off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Memphis Tennessee
Probably not thebest idea to have it in this mode all the time
Even with just 350 to 400 hp there is a real danger of wheel-spin and subsiquent collision. Especialy in wet weather it would be smart to use the algorhythms that GM intended for our cars.
NOW...that said, it is a lot more fun in this mode or just to turn it ALL off!
Even with just 350 to 400 hp there is a real danger of wheel-spin and subsiquent collision. Especialy in wet weather it would be smart to use the algorhythms that GM intended for our cars.
NOW...that said, it is a lot more fun in this mode or just to turn it ALL off!
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One of my buddies turns his off every time he gets in the car. Personally, at about $300 per rear tire, I leave mine on. I guess I'm an old f@rt, huh? 
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Ocean Springs MS
I drive my vette, rain or shine, and it's pretty useless when it's wet unless TC is on. I can spin the tires anytime I want, only I don't go anywhere but sideways. If you're racing (at the track of course) Comp Driving is the ticket.
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No, I happen to like the security the active handling give me. It has saved my butt many times.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Fountain hills AZ
Originally Posted by jeromeunderwood
For the 1st time I pressed and hold the traction control boutton for 5 seconds and activated the competitive driving mode yesterday. I saw a difference in wheel spin at greater speeds, any of you drive with this activated all the time? 2001 C5 Vert.
When traction is bad - wet roads, snow, whatever - I push the button and turn TC on. I have used TC several times on mountain drives because of weather and cannot tell if the system worke. Cautious driving is what I believe worked in those slippery conditions.
So, IMHO, TC is a nice thing for poor conditions and a possible performance detriment for flat out driving.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Alamo CA
Interesting mix of views, I for one use Comp Mode on the track and getting the TC off really helps put down the power, especially if uneven pavement out of a corner.
Now with stock 350hp engine, spinning the tires in the dry is not a problem, not into popping the clutch, but I got in the habit of with an auto '95 coupe of some times spinning the wheels in the rain, fun. So, I go to Comp Mode when the weather is bad, Active Handling doesn't often help when you get past the problem of stabbing the throttle and learn to roll onto it and maintain spin while keeping the steering pointed in the right direction, good exercise in car control. If I'm more interested in getting from pt. A to pt. B safely I don't bother turning it off.
Now with stock 350hp engine, spinning the tires in the dry is not a problem, not into popping the clutch, but I got in the habit of with an auto '95 coupe of some times spinning the wheels in the rain, fun. So, I go to Comp Mode when the weather is bad, Active Handling doesn't often help when you get past the problem of stabbing the throttle and learn to roll onto it and maintain spin while keeping the steering pointed in the right direction, good exercise in car control. If I'm more interested in getting from pt. A to pt. B safely I don't bother turning it off.
