TypicalStateGuy

I'm curious as to if all C5s have Competion Mode? I have a 99 FRC and I have no clue as how to turn it on if I do, in fact, have it. I know you're supposed to hold down the T/C button for 5 seconds, but when I do it it the T/C light just turns on and the display reads "T/C Off". How can I tell if/when the car is in that mode? Or if I have it all?

ecudooberhead

Its my understanding that you only have it if you have active handling

JTS97Z28

nope

cmb396

What exactly is "Competition mode"? i know how to turn it on and all, but what's the difference?

GR8-LIFE

thats correct.

TypicalStateGuy

I believe I DO have active handling because when I do press the T/C button the display reads "T/C / AH" (something along those lines).

shurite44

If you have active handling then you have comp mode. To understand comp mode you need to understand the three settings.

Default = AH on TC on
push button one time = AH off TC off
push and hold five seconds = comp mode = AH on TC off

SteveDoten

JL4 is the option code on the build sticker in the glove box for Active Handling(AH),(on the driver's side storage comp cover pre '99)or you will see 'Active Handling' above the AH/TC button on the console; AH became a standard option in 2001 and 2nd gen. AH was also introduced; the 98-00 cars require you to be stopped before engaging "Compitive Driving" while the 2001 and later cars can engage CD on the fly

half of the '99FRC's had the JL4 AH option

ck out www.fixedroofcoupe.com for RPO codes

cmb396

Thanks Shurite44

SteveDoten

no.

DKHIGHPERF

Competition mode turns "off" traction control but keeps active handling "on". So you can light up the tires at will but the electronic nanny will keep you from getting "out of line" so to speak. I have also read that Comp Mode allows the car to hang farther out before the computer reigns you back in but I have no way of proving that.

The best way to find out is a big parking lot

Hope this helps.

DK

TypicalStateGuy

OK, I checked tonight and I definetly have Active Handling (says so above the button ). I tried holding the button for 5 seconds, and nothing let me know if comp mode was on or not. How will I know?

EHS

You need to push the button.

Try seven seconds; five won't do it.

And, you were standing still? Completely? I mean, the car.

Bill Curlee

If you press and hold the button long enough, the DIC will display "Competition mode" in all caps. If you do have AH and get that far, you can press the RESET button the buttons to the right of the console to clear the DIC. Once you press reset, the "Competition mode" will go out but you are still in comp mode.

When your in COMP mode, traction control mode is off. You will be able to do wild burnouts and AH will help you regain control of the car if you get a little out of bounds. Remember, you cant re-write the laws of physics and if you get toooo crazy, all of the AH in the world wont save your butt your going to tear up your car!

There have been toooo many vette owners to count who have turned OFF AH and TC and thought that they could out drive the system. All that will get you is a trip to the body shop or morgue. Dont be like those people

BC

EHS

Yes, there has to be a definite reason to turn it off, and being a better driver than the computer (on the street) isn't one of them.

shurite44

I can personally attest to this statement. :o So can a totaled 03 coupe. Leave it on unless you are on the race track. You really do not even notice it is on 99% of the time. I believe AH/TC on is the best mode for the street.

Automag928

Yep! Completely stopped...at least 5 seconds. Once you do that, you will see "competitive driving" on the DIC

GR8-LIFE

I have run with TC and AH off on certain tracks with lots of runoff room. But When the AH comes on you lose speed like a **** so I'm not crazy about it. But on one track I am in competition mode all the way cuz of too many walls

mdhmi

I've tried running in Competitive Mode a couple of times. Each time was brief as I felt the car was much less safe.

Normally I just turn AH off when I'm racing.

Mark

cmb396

Why do you have to be stopped? I can put it in "comp mode" driving down the interstate. Does it cause any damage doing it while moving?