Traction Control Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: IL
Traction Control Question
Hi,
I have just done a FEW
mods to my vette. It puts down over 500 RWHP (closer to 550) and 500 RWTQ. When I am driving around and get on it, my tires (street tires) spin like crazy and then the traction control kicks in. My question is, will it hurt anything in the traction control, brakes, etc... if I dont shut it off? I like getting on it, but I dont want to risk losing control at slower speeds. Should I just take it easier at lower speeds, or can I keep driving it like this? Thanks for any answers in advance.
I have just done a FEW
mods to my vette. It puts down over 500 RWHP (closer to 550) and 500 RWTQ. When I am driving around and get on it, my tires (street tires) spin like crazy and then the traction control kicks in. My question is, will it hurt anything in the traction control, brakes, etc... if I dont shut it off? I like getting on it, but I dont want to risk losing control at slower speeds. Should I just take it easier at lower speeds, or can I keep driving it like this? Thanks for any answers in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Traction Control:
Like every other mechanical/electro-mechanical device, there's always wear and tear to worry about.
The more it's used the sooner it breaks or just plain wears out.
Otherwise engine torque has no direct effect on the system.
More torque means more load and that means for wear and tear on tires, clutch, gears, seals, shafts, bearings and even suspension. Of course that's true even on a non-modified engine is the car is driven hard.
Like every other mechanical/electro-mechanical device, there's always wear and tear to worry about.
The more it's used the sooner it breaks or just plain wears out.
Otherwise engine torque has no direct effect on the system.
More torque means more load and that means for wear and tear on tires, clutch, gears, seals, shafts, bearings and even suspension. Of course that's true even on a non-modified engine is the car is driven hard.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: IL
OK, I was just wondering because a buddy of mine told me that spinning a lot w/ traction on is not good for the brakes and traction system in general. I can see the brakes, but was just making sure that it wasnt bad for anything else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by BBM98C5
OK, I was just wondering because a buddy of mine told me that spinning a lot w/ traction on is not good for the brakes and traction system in general. I can see the brakes, but was just making sure that it wasnt bad for anything else.
Well spinning the tires will cause issues sooner rather than later if you do it often.
The TC is not really designed to be working all the time. So a lot of burn-outs with the TC on will eventually just wear the valves, seals and springs out. The more it's activated the sooner it will need to be replaced.
The TC is designed as a safety net, so the assumption is that it will not be going off that often.
So expect a lower life expectancy for the valve block and pumps.
What I meant by "direct effect" is that unlike say a half-shaft breaking the TC won't just go "pop," the components will wear with time.
Some TC systems work on the brakes only, so here if you keep your foot in the gas you can really beat the crap out of the system.
Corvette TC however will cut engine torque if it has to in order to get traction.
Last edited by Mighty-Mouse; Feb 7, 2005 at 02:59 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Ok the abridged version:
The TC is made up of the following:
Integrated Control Unit (ICU) this is the "brain and heart" of the TC and ABS system. Many people call this the "ABS module".
It has a valve block; an aluminum block with solenoids, valves and seals. A pump and an ECU (electronic control unit).
It's these solenoids and valves that close and open to modulate fluid pressure to activate the brakes.
The pump(s) create the fluid pressure needed.
Typically what an ICU looks like:
Traction control also has a second pump because it needs more pressure. This is because the TC works even if you don't have your foot on the brake.
The Corvette TC can also cut spark and/or fuel to reduce engine power.
It's these parts that do all the work when either ABS or TC is activated.
The TC is made up of the following:
Integrated Control Unit (ICU) this is the "brain and heart" of the TC and ABS system. Many people call this the "ABS module".
It has a valve block; an aluminum block with solenoids, valves and seals. A pump and an ECU (electronic control unit).
It's these solenoids and valves that close and open to modulate fluid pressure to activate the brakes.
The pump(s) create the fluid pressure needed.
Typically what an ICU looks like:
Traction control also has a second pump because it needs more pressure. This is because the TC works even if you don't have your foot on the brake.
The Corvette TC can also cut spark and/or fuel to reduce engine power.
It's these parts that do all the work when either ABS or TC is activated.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: IL
I dont need driving lessons, I could control it w/ the traction off, I was just wondering if it was bad on any parts of the car. TC is insurance against losing control, the car wouldnt be faster with it off, it would just hit the limiter and be more unpredictable. As soon as the blower builds boost, the tires spin instantaneously, there is no controlling this on street tires, keeping your foot out of it is the only way.
