Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions

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Jan 25, 2003 | 04:04 PM

DRMitchell

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Alpharetta GA

Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions

Folks,
I have a 00 FRC w/Traction Control only. No Active Handling. I want AH/CM. So, is there a physical, mechanical difference between cars w/only TC and cars w/TC/AH? If there is not physical difference, it seems that you ought to be able to enable AH/CM with a tool like Tech2 or Predator, or any other tool. If there is physical dif, what exactly do I need for an upgrade to TC/AH? Any one know the answers to these burning questions?

Thanks,
DRMitchell

Jan 25, 2003 | 10:21 PM

c5chris

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Irvine CA

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (DRMitchell)

Check the GM Corvette.com site and it will give you a brief lesson in Active Handling.

It has 5 sensors, 2 are part of ABS/TC and the other 3 are exclusively for AH : Yaw, lateral accelerometer and master cylinder pressure sensors. It is built in the car and not simply 'awaken' up by aftermarket programmers.

Jan 25, 2003 | 11:57 PM

DRMitchell

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From: Alpharetta GA

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (c5chris)

Jan 27, 2003 | 11:42 AM

TorchRedRaider

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From: DFW Tx

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (DRMitchell)

Quote:

c5chris, thanks for the info. I suspected as much... That said, does any one care to comment on the handling performance increase/margin of HA/CM over straight z51? Huge difference, small dif, etc...

:withstupid: I'd like to know as well.
Like you, looking for a definitive answer if AH could be added or if TC culd be upgraded.
Drove a '01 and TC doesn't kill the engine for one second like my '98 does, could it be a bonus of AH?

Jan 27, 2003 | 12:51 PM

66ImpalaLT1

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Austin TX

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (DogOneTex)

I believe the 01+ TC and AH dont remove as much power to do their job. I have AH on my '99 and its simply a 'save your butt' feature. It normally doesnt affect your driving in any way.

Eric

[Modified by 66ImpalaLT1, 10:52 AM 1/27/2003]

Jan 27, 2003 | 01:07 PM

Killrwheels

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 4,174

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From: Florida

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (DogOneTex)

Quote:

c5chris, thanks for the info. I suspected as much... That said, does any one care to comment on the handling performance increase/margin of HA/CM over straight z51? Huge difference, small dif, etc...

:withstupid: I'd like to know as well.
Like you, looking for a definitive answer if AH could be added or if TC culd be upgraded.
Drove a '01 and TC doesn't kill the engine for one second like my '98 does, could it be a bonus of AH?

Engine kill, even momentarily, sounds like it is more to do with Torque Management. TC regulates the amount of slip the tires see, and reduce throttle to regain composure. AH, also known as Stabilitrak, is the ability for the car to measure loss of adhesion as well as the ablity to deduce a slide, skid, or spin and to TRY and compensate by shutting down power briefly to the affected sensors area until the measurements fall back into a predertermined setting. I find that Stabiltraks demo, one wheel on ice and other on dry road, shows what the system is capable of and one of the greatest benefits on the Vette. I doubt it could be retrofitted, but know that it is also offered in Buick, Cadillac, and Pontiac in some form.

Jan 30, 2003 | 03:32 PM

DRMitchell

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Alpharetta GA

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (Killrwheels)

66ImpalaLT1 and Killrwheels,
Thanks for the feedback. Guess I need to drive one of my buddies' cars and push it a bit, so I can make a decision on how to proceed. Most of these guys say it is "pretty cool." A few say, "no big deal," unless you are on the track.... Considering selling my 00 FRC and buying another w/AH and appropriate gofast mods...

Jan 30, 2003 | 03:58 PM

SFVetteman

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From: San Francisco CA

Re: Competitive Mode, Active Handling, Tech2, and Predator Questions (DRMitchell)

The Tech2, unlike aftermarket programmers, has the ability to turn on or off RPO options on your car. Whether simply turning Active Handling on would work depends on how much of the wiring and sensors are included in your car without the option. Some RPO options, like twilight sentinel need only to be turned on. Others like HUD require additional parts.

You could try having it turned on and see what codes (if any) that are related to A/H set. Then you could either add the needed parts or turn it back off.

[Modified by SFVetteman, 1:04 PM 1/30/2003]