Newbie question C7: engine kick down
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Newbie question C7: engine kick down
I've only driven 185mi on my C7 (Z51, 3LT, NPP) so I have a lot to work out. I have the automatic. Sorry for the explanation but don't really know how to state this..... When driving in town, in sport mode, leaving a complete stop and getting up to town speed (35mph) I notice a serious lag in the engine. My engine wants to kick down to gas saving mode (V4) almost instantly on a normal/slow climb to speed. Exhaust goes silent. Which if I want to quickly make a move and get on the gas a bit....lag (kick back up to V8.....then go. Is there anyway to have more control other than using the paddles? Can I circumvent the gas saving measure (turn off/on)? Anyone else have or notice this issue?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
I've only driven 185mi on my C7 (Z51, 3LT, NPP) so I have a lot to work out. I have the automatic. Sorry for the explanation but don't really know how to state this..... When driving in town, in sport mode, leaving a complete stop and getting up to town speed (35mph) I notice a serious lag in the engine. My engine wants to kick down to gas saving mode (V4) almost instantly on a normal/slow climb to speed. Exhaust goes silent. Which if I want to quickly make a move and get on the gas a bit....lag (kick back up to V8.....then go. Is there anyway to have more control other than using the paddles? Can I circumvent the gas saving measure (turn off/on)? Anyone else have or notice this issue?
I don't notice any lag other than the normal time it would take any automatic to kick down and go.
Two things you can do to keep it in V8 mode....
Buy the Range AFM device for $199 =keeps it in V8 mode all the time, warranty friendly, just plugs in to your OBD port.
Get a tune, but realize it will void you warranty.
I think with only 185 miles you just need more time with the car.
Also, I think the NPP makes you more aware of when the engine is in V4 mode as it goes quiet, in my car I can't even tell.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Select the manual shift mode and use the paddles to select the gear you want. This will keep the engine in V8 mode. With the automatic that is the only setting that keeps all eight cylinders hitting all the time.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: VA
I generally run in Sport mode, in which downshifts are pretty responsive (from a first-time Corvette owner). If I want to downshift faster than the car wants to, I just grab the left shifter paddle to get the gear I want/need, then manually shift up as I see fit. The transmission will go into manual mode for a short time, and then back to automatic if you don't pull the paddles. If I really want to have fun, I just pull it back into manual mode and shift when I want/need to.
What a BLAST this car is to drive!!
What a BLAST this car is to drive!!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 668
From: Kilmarnock Va
Learn something new about the C7 every day.I didn't know in Sport it would go in 4 cyl with the automatic.I have the manual,keep it in Sport.As far as I know it's always running on 8 cylinders.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks all. I like the idea of AFM device and may look into that more. Simple solution is using the paddles which is fine for me and adds a little fun! Just thought if there was an on/off I'd quickly move it to off! Have a great day!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 122
From: No Longer in CA! NV
Need to get it broken in first. Behaviors will change, you will then be able to romp and become more familiar, and you may find you like they way they engineered it.
Totally different car during break-in period as opposed to afterward. Get that thing out on the road and DRIVE!!!
Totally different car during break-in period as opposed to afterward. Get that thing out on the road and DRIVE!!!
Pro
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 580
Likes: 32
From: New York
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 285
From: Ten Mile TN
I only use that mode on straight boring interstate.Nice that it's that way on sticks!