Adjusting to C7 throttle response
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 5
Adjusting to C7 throttle response
It seems pretty clear that the torque management system of the C7 means that the throttle, even in sport or track mode, is not the most linear, i.e. that 25% opening up of the throttle doesn't equate to 25% of the available performance of the engine.
I noticed this in my one test drive of a C7, in that the car didn't feel all that powerful or fast at moderate throttle inputs, only when I really layed into the throttle was the beast that the C7 is unleashed.
For those coming from very linear throttle response cars, how long did it take to adjust to the non-linear throttle response of the C7 such that it became a non-issue? Or is it something that still detracts from your enjoyment of the car?
I noticed this in my one test drive of a C7, in that the car didn't feel all that powerful or fast at moderate throttle inputs, only when I really layed into the throttle was the beast that the C7 is unleashed.
For those coming from very linear throttle response cars, how long did it take to adjust to the non-linear throttle response of the C7 such that it became a non-issue? Or is it something that still detracts from your enjoyment of the car?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 126
Likes: 3
From: Albuquerque NM
I don't know that it's not linear, just that HP and torque take some getting used to. I've never had a vehicle break rear traction as easily, and I had C5 and C6. That's not a complaint (far from it), and I'm sure the cold temps make it more noticeable. It takes a little time to adjust to the power, but it's not at all difficult to drive smoothly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 114
From: Prosper, TX
I know exactly what you're talking about. You can get in some vehicles (especially 4 cylinders) where just touching the accelerator jumps you off the line. Usually, larger engines have more heft to the accelerator to keep that from happening (before computer controlled). When someone else drives the C7, I have to explain to them that the last 10% of the accelerator pedal represents something like 30% of the power. The car doesn't get "mean" and bark at you until you really push it down, basically telling the computer to unleash the fury.
Last edited by alienranch; Feb 18, 2015 at 11:40 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Nah...the wider (and lower revs) power band (than the LS series motors) has nothing to do with the perception of non-linear throttle response....
Team Owner
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From: Rochester, NY
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Fulshear, TX
It's all in the programming, this is common with drive-by-wire cars. Weather/Eco/Tour are numbed down, while Sport is boosted and Track even more so. You can adjust them to your liking with tuning.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
It has been common for several decades now. Lower power cars are programmed (either mechanically or electronically) to give you quicker throttle response at low rpms which makes people feel great about the street performance of their grocery getters. You may also notice that higher rpm response is dead with those vehicles.
However, if you provide the same tip in response on a vehicle that has a lot more low end torque those same people would be running the cars into trees and other cars since they couldn't handle the sudden acceleration.
Bill
However, if you provide the same tip in response on a vehicle that has a lot more low end torque those same people would be running the cars into trees and other cars since they couldn't handle the sudden acceleration.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 114
From: Prosper, TX
It has been common for several decades now. Lower power cars are programmed (either mechanically or electronically) to give you quicker throttle response at low rpms which makes people feel great about the street performance of their grocery getters. You may also notice that higher rpm response is dead with those vehicles.
However, if you provide the same tip in response on a vehicle that has a lot more low end torque those same people would be running the cars into trees and other cars since they couldn't handle the sudden acceleration.
Bill
However, if you provide the same tip in response on a vehicle that has a lot more low end torque those same people would be running the cars into trees and other cars since they couldn't handle the sudden acceleration.
Bill
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,045
Likes: 12,411
From: NE South Carolina
It seems pretty clear that the torque management system of the C7 means that the throttle, even in sport or track mode, is not the most linear, i.e. that 25% opening up of the throttle doesn't equate to 25% of the available performance of the engine.
I noticed this in my one test drive of a C7, in that the car didn't feel all that powerful or fast at moderate throttle inputs, only when I really layed into the throttle was the beast that the C7 is unleashed.
For those coming from very linear throttle response cars, how long did it take to adjust to the non-linear throttle response of the C7 such that it became a non-issue? Or is it something that still detracts from your enjoyment of the car?
I noticed this in my one test drive of a C7, in that the car didn't feel all that powerful or fast at moderate throttle inputs, only when I really layed into the throttle was the beast that the C7 is unleashed.
For those coming from very linear throttle response cars, how long did it take to adjust to the non-linear throttle response of the C7 such that it became a non-issue? Or is it something that still detracts from your enjoyment of the car?
Last edited by JerryU; Feb 19, 2015 at 07:53 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Texas Hill Country
Keep in mind a dyno graph (like LSx vs LTx) will not show what this thread is referring to. The dyno is full throttle only.
The OP is correct. Part throttle mapping is conservative until you get up around 75%.
Also, the stock tune doesn't allow 100% throttle under 3000 RPMs.
Trust me, recalibrating the Driver Demand (pedal) tables to "linear" values will result in way too much power when you do not want it. I jacked with my Driver Demand table for weeks and ended up very close to stock values (except for WOT).
The OP is correct. Part throttle mapping is conservative until you get up around 75%.
Also, the stock tune doesn't allow 100% throttle under 3000 RPMs.
Trust me, recalibrating the Driver Demand (pedal) tables to "linear" values will result in way too much power when you do not want it. I jacked with my Driver Demand table for weeks and ended up very close to stock values (except for WOT).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Glad to hear it. I'm still breaking mine in and haven't applied more than about half throttle nor exceeded 3000 rpms, so I know I have something to look forward to.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 118
Likes: 5
Keep in mind a dyno graph (like LSx vs LTx) will not show what this thread is referring to. The dyno is full throttle only.
The OP is correct. Part throttle mapping is conservative until you get up around 75%.
Also, the stock tune doesn't allow 100% throttle under 3000 RPMs.
Trust me, recalibrating the Driver Demand (pedal) tables to "linear" values will result in way too much power when you do not want it. I jacked with my Driver Demand table for weeks and ended up very close to stock values (except for WOT).
The OP is correct. Part throttle mapping is conservative until you get up around 75%.
Also, the stock tune doesn't allow 100% throttle under 3000 RPMs.
Trust me, recalibrating the Driver Demand (pedal) tables to "linear" values will result in way too much power when you do not want it. I jacked with my Driver Demand table for weeks and ended up very close to stock values (except for WOT).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
I don't know that it's not linear, just that HP and torque take some getting used to. I've never had a vehicle break rear traction as easily, and I had C5 and C6. That's not a complaint (far from it), and I'm sure the cold temps make it more noticeable. It takes a little time to adjust to the power, but it's not at all difficult to drive smoothly.
I was doing 30-35 mph, when I decided to accel to avoid someone. The rear end just took off from under me and wipped me to the center divide. It will take some time to get use the way it accel or get new tires.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,743
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From: Saint Clair Shores Mi
[QUOTE=baege;1588997177]
I think it's a very positive feature and a safety feature. This happened to me and after I thought about it I was glad the T-response - nannies were there:
In middle lane of three lane busy freeway. I was coming up slowly on a car in front of me, I glanced in left side mirror and started to change to the left lane to pass. As I overtook the car in front of me and was half way into the left lane (too late to not change lanes) I was startled by a car going probably 10/15 Mph faster than me. Guess I just didn't see him coming. He flashed his brights as I was pretty much cutting him off and it probably pi***ed him off. I stabbed the throttle probably half way down (going about 65mph). The tires broke a little (damp cool) and nannies came on allowing me to maintain control and not get sideways. With a strictly linear throttle I don't think it would have been a good outcome.
I think it's a very positive feature and a safety feature. This happened to me and after I thought about it I was glad the T-response - nannies were there:
In middle lane of three lane busy freeway. I was coming up slowly on a car in front of me, I glanced in left side mirror and started to change to the left lane to pass. As I overtook the car in front of me and was half way into the left lane (too late to not change lanes) I was startled by a car going probably 10/15 Mph faster than me. Guess I just didn't see him coming. He flashed his brights as I was pretty much cutting him off and it probably pi***ed him off. I stabbed the throttle probably half way down (going about 65mph). The tires broke a little (damp cool) and nannies came on allowing me to maintain control and not get sideways. With a strictly linear throttle I don't think it would have been a good outcome.