competetive driving mode
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: harlan KY
competetive driving mode
what if any is the differance between comp driving mode and just turning the trac off. also i have a vortex rammer cold air kit on the way,but most of u guys prefer the varam. how much of a hp. gain can i expect. thanks for any and all replies
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
From: Allentown PA
Traction control doesn't let you spin the tires at all.
Competative driving will allow you to spin the tires forever, provided you are headed in a straight line, once you go off course, the active handling will kick in. Turning it off completly is a bad idea unless you're in an empty field and cannot hit anything. You can have plenty of fun with competative driving.
Competative driving will allow you to spin the tires forever, provided you are headed in a straight line, once you go off course, the active handling will kick in. Turning it off completly is a bad idea unless you're in an empty field and cannot hit anything. You can have plenty of fun with competative driving.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
I'm paraphrasing someone elses post from earlier; 4 modes.
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by haljensen
I'm paraphrasing someone elses post from earlier; 4 modes.
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 126
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by CYA-Vett
Traction control doesn't let you spin the tires at all.
Competative driving will allow you to spin the tires forever, provided you are headed in a straight line, once you go off course, the active handling will kick in. Turning it off completly is a bad idea unless you're in an empty field and cannot hit anything. You can have plenty of fun with competative driving.
Competative driving will allow you to spin the tires forever, provided you are headed in a straight line, once you go off course, the active handling will kick in. Turning it off completly is a bad idea unless you're in an empty field and cannot hit anything. You can have plenty of fun with competative driving.
I don't find that the TC or AH kick in as quick on the C6 as they do on my BMW Z4. I know the Z4 has lots less horsepower, but it can get the car sideways in a hurry if TC and AH are turned off, especially in the rain. Seems like the C6 computer does not sample the inputs (wheel spin, sliding, etc.) or react as fast as the BMW.
With the BMW you can hit the gas hard in second gear at the apex of the turn and you are good to go. Mind you the BMW has Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires as well (best tire I have ever had on any car), and the C6 has the base car GY runflats.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
There have been TOOOOOOO many C5 and C6 drivers that thought that they didnt need the help of "ACTIVE HANDLING" and just turned the entire traction control system to OFF!
Then you read the post "TOTALED MY CAR LAST NIGHT" I was a dumb *** and turned my TRACTION CONTROM/AH to OFF
I wish i would have left it on or in COMP MODE!!
Unless you have hit to LOTO and have lots of cash and 9 lives, select COMP MODE or leave it in TC/AH ON. You may think your a good driver but when the rear end starts to swap ends with the front end, it's way too late and far too expensive and then sometimes DEADLY!:
I agree with CYA-Vett
Get some empty parking lot or driving course expierence before you go in un-protected! AH isnt fail safe (you can't out smart the laws of physics ) but it will help keep you out of the ditch or away from a tree!
Have you read you owners manual or watched the owners video or CD tape that comes with the car. That explains everything you ever wanted to know about the way the car handles using various traction control system modes!
Bill C
Then you read the post "TOTALED MY CAR LAST NIGHT" I was a dumb *** and turned my TRACTION CONTROM/AH to OFF
I wish i would have left it on or in COMP MODE!! Unless you have hit to LOTO and have lots of cash and 9 lives, select COMP MODE or leave it in TC/AH ON. You may think your a good driver but when the rear end starts to swap ends with the front end, it's way too late and far too expensive and then sometimes DEADLY!:
I agree with CYA-Vett
Get some empty parking lot or driving course expierence before you go in un-protected! AH isnt fail safe (you can't out smart the laws of physics ) but it will help keep you out of the ditch or away from a tree!Have you read you owners manual or watched the owners video or CD tape that comes with the car. That explains everything you ever wanted to know about the way the car handles using various traction control system modes!
Bill C
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by haljensen
I'm paraphrasing someone elses post from earlier; 4 modes.
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
1. Default when you start the car; T/C and A/H on
2. First press and release--------; T/C off, A/H on
3. Second press and release-----; Competitive mode;T/C off, A/H reduced interference but still on.
4. Third press and HOLD (10 sec.); T/C and A/H both off. you can also get this mode by press and hold from the Default position.
T/C on does not mean you cannot spin the tires!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I usually drag race in comp mode. It has saved my but twice, keeping my rear end from coming around. Was driving with everything off but saw an 04 Z06 hit the wall with it all off and decided which was more important 
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Originally Posted by Driver_WT
I rarely touch the button, and I can spin the tires lots, especially in the colder weather or on wet pavement (less than 40 degrees F). No problem to get the car sideways in the colder weather or in the rain either with TC on.
I don't find that the TC or AH kick in as quick on the C6 as they do on my BMW Z4. I know the Z4 has lots less horsepower, but it can get the car sideways in a hurry if TC and AH are turned off, especially in the rain. Seems like the C6 computer does not sample the inputs (wheel spin, sliding, etc.) or react as fast as the BMW.
With the BMW you can hit the gas hard in second gear at the apex of the turn and you are good to go. Mind you the BMW has Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires as well (best tire I have ever had on any car), and the C6 has the base car GY runflats.
I don't find that the TC or AH kick in as quick on the C6 as they do on my BMW Z4. I know the Z4 has lots less horsepower, but it can get the car sideways in a hurry if TC and AH are turned off, especially in the rain. Seems like the C6 computer does not sample the inputs (wheel spin, sliding, etc.) or react as fast as the BMW.
With the BMW you can hit the gas hard in second gear at the apex of the turn and you are good to go. Mind you the BMW has Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires as well (best tire I have ever had on any car), and the C6 has the base car GY runflats.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
If both wheels are slipping/spinning at the same rate then traction control won't do anything. It is only when one wheel is spinning faster than the other. With the limited slip the power is transfered to the non slipping wheel and it is easy with all the low end torque a vette has to get both wheels spinning.
One of my beefs with BMW is they don't include a limited slip anymore in most of the Non M cars and use electronic traction control as a band aid. It is a crime against nature IMHO for any sport sedan not to have a limited slip.
One of my beefs with BMW is they don't include a limited slip anymore in most of the Non M cars and use electronic traction control as a band aid. It is a crime against nature IMHO for any sport sedan not to have a limited slip.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I dunno. When I nail mine from dead stop in a straight line, I get traction active every time. Same thing shifting. While I can't prove that there is no lateral movement, it doesn't seem so. Maybe the C6 TC/AH is different. I HOPE so. I generally turn off my TC when I want to goof around.
I agree with you on the Bimmer. The only thing I dislike about my e39 540 Sport is that it is a peg leg. Getting an LSD for it is a major pitt.
I agree with you on the Bimmer. The only thing I dislike about my e39 540 Sport is that it is a peg leg. Getting an LSD for it is a major pitt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by jmess
If both wheels are slipping/spinning at the same rate then traction control won't do anything. It is only when one wheel is spinning faster than the other.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
When I took my first C6 to the drag strip, I made a run in Competitive mode (as I always did in my C5's). The car did some wierd things, that others have also reported on (traction control did kick in on one of the shifts, and the rev limiter kicked in too early once).
Ever since then, I run with everything off - but only when I am running hard in a straight line and in known conditions (lets be honest - I have driven many fast cars before there ever was active handling or traction control). Understand, I'm not saying I'll never make a mistake, but when I turn them off, its knowing when and why I am doing it and being prepared for the results. I've know people who programmed it so that every time they started the car it reverted to having everything turned of (on C5's you could do that with a programmer). I don't recommend that.
Ever since then, I run with everything off - but only when I am running hard in a straight line and in known conditions (lets be honest - I have driven many fast cars before there ever was active handling or traction control). Understand, I'm not saying I'll never make a mistake, but when I turn them off, its knowing when and why I am doing it and being prepared for the results. I've know people who programmed it so that every time they started the car it reverted to having everything turned of (on C5's you could do that with a programmer). I don't recommend that.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: El Paso TX
The C6 Z51 is one of the very few cars today that are set up from the factory for ultimate handling. Most vehicles are set up to understeer a little (or a lot) because it's safer for the average driver. The C6 is set up to oversteer easily with just a little power application. Not as safe on the street but makes for a hell of a nimble car on the track. The C6 will just about rotate around its nose with a little trail braking. To make the car safer on the street and for non-competetive drivers, the T/C and A/H were developed.
Believe it or not, the corvette's electronic controls are the best in the world. They only cut in when you really need them, especially when you're in competetive mood. I had a BMW Z3 I sold after a few months because the electronic nanny was driving me crazy and there was no way to turn it completely off. In a recent magazine article, Rod Millen ran laps with and without the competitive mode set and with everything turned off. This highly experienced race driver actually turned his best lap times with the car set in competetive mode! He said that it felt slower to him but that it actually turned out to be faster. Chevy has done a masterful job with the electronics on the C6.
Believe it or not, the corvette's electronic controls are the best in the world. They only cut in when you really need them, especially when you're in competetive mood. I had a BMW Z3 I sold after a few months because the electronic nanny was driving me crazy and there was no way to turn it completely off. In a recent magazine article, Rod Millen ran laps with and without the competitive mode set and with everything turned off. This highly experienced race driver actually turned his best lap times with the car set in competetive mode! He said that it felt slower to him but that it actually turned out to be faster. Chevy has done a masterful job with the electronics on the C6.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Pretty soon, the electronics/sensors, etc will be SO GOOD....we won't even have to DRIVE THE CAR!!! An ECM will be able to lap a track FASTER THAN A HUMAN!! Won't THAT be fun! 
And what in thw WORLD did people do before this stuff came along?? It's a wonder people lived just driving to the grocery store 15 years ago!!
I'm spreading it on pretty thick above just to illustrate a point: Apparently some people benefit from safety nets like these, but not everyone is an "idiot" for turning that crap off, and some of us have a long, safe driving (and racing) record to prove it.
-Tom
And what in thw WORLD did people do before this stuff came along?? It's a wonder people lived just driving to the grocery store 15 years ago!!
I'm spreading it on pretty thick above just to illustrate a point: Apparently some people benefit from safety nets like these, but not everyone is an "idiot" for turning that crap off, and some of us have a long, safe driving (and racing) record to prove it.
-Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
Pretty soon, the electronics/sensors, etc will be SO GOOD....we won't even have to DRIVE THE CAR!!! An ECM will be able to lap a track FASTER THAN A HUMAN!! Won't THAT be fun!
And what in thw WORLD did people do before this stuff came along?? It's a wonder people lived just driving to the grocery store 15 years ago!!
I'm spreading it on pretty thick above just to illustrate a point: Apparently some people benefit from safety nets like these, but not everyone is an "idiot" for turning that crap off, and some of us have a long, safe driving (and racing) record to prove it.
-Tom
And what in thw WORLD did people do before this stuff came along?? It's a wonder people lived just driving to the grocery store 15 years ago!!
I'm spreading it on pretty thick above just to illustrate a point: Apparently some people benefit from safety nets like these, but not everyone is an "idiot" for turning that crap off, and some of us have a long, safe driving (and racing) record to prove it.
-Tom