Hey folks... I've had my GS for a couple years now and haven't tried launch control. Yep, I'm a bit afraid of it, mostly from watching this video: https://youtube.com/shorts/Wqtl7fXDKu4?feature=share
soooo... what's the secret to turning on PTM, using launch control, and NOT ending up like that guy???

 

There is no secret. Have to know how to drive and not oversteer. Just remember even professionals get bit sometimes. Best to do it where you won’t run into trees that are close to the road.

 

So PTM doesn't use any traction control / elsd to keep it straight?

 

PTM uses all the electronics at its disposal to keep the car pointed in its intended direction. If you’re worried about fishtailing/getting sideways, leave your PTM in Dry or Sport 1. Sport 2 and Race will allow probably a bit more yaw than you might be comfortable with.

 

Also, it's pretty clear from that video that he didn't lose the car until he shifted to second gear. The launch control did what it was supposed to do, the driver lost it when he grabbed second and lost traction.

 

Had a 2016 & 2019 Z06 & the’16 would absolutely cause me to lose it sideways till I finally got my dealer/technician to understand how to dial in the REAR caster & how to obtain the proper equipment (on loan from GM). This was a M7 & doing a NLS with WOT became S-o-o much fun 🤩 I know some will argue but look up what rear caster does to thrust under WOT. I won’t get into any argument because immediately after the alignment I took it to my favorite SAFE (same as previous WOT runs) spot which was a 1/2 mile DEAD straight run on very new smooth asphalt. 😎

 

Add a DSC and it automatically changes the shocks for more weight transfer. Back shocks stiffen and the front loosens giving the front a lot more lift.

 

Did you install yours? I have one of these awaiting install, so I'm curious how much of a PITA it is...? Are you happy with it?

 

It does.
However, I think the assistance ends once you shift out of 1st or let off from WOT. I have an A8 and my first time launching with launch control led to a similar incident in your original post. Though my car made it out with just a bent wheel.

The grandsports have a bit less torque so it shouldn't be as violent when it lets go. Changing to better tires helped immensely for me as well.

 

Launch control uses all of the PTM capabilities. To engage it turn the console **** until Track is displayed on the DIC, then push the center button twice. Once you have pushed the center button twice the DIC should read Wet. Turn the console **** through Wet, Dry Sport 1, Sport 2 and Race. Choose which one you want to use (Sport 1 has no traction control but still has some stability control). Push the clutch in, mash the throttle to the floor, and when the engine stops revving higher, quickly release the clutch and keep the front wheels pointed where you want to go (if the car starts to yaw keeping the front wheels pointed where you want to go is the same as steering into the skid). When it comes time to shift (which can be damned fast), leave the throttle on the floor and pull the shifter to 2nd as you push the clutch in and let it out very quickly. As long as the throttle stays on the floor the car stays in Launch Control Mode.

Do this where you have plenty of room and won't hit anything if you spin the car. The biggest problem with using Launch Control with a manual transmission is you don't have enough feet to push the clutch in, mash the throttle, and hold the brake. If you are on uneven ground the car will start to roll forward or backward. The parking brake might work to hold the car in place for a few runs as it is designed to release with a hard start but the OM says not to do this too often.

Bill

 

Thanks everyone! I'm looking forward to giving this a try!

 

The Gs is more tame than the Zo6 but you still need to be careful.

 

It was very easy. Turn the left front tire in, take a few inner fender well screws out and pull the back of the fender well out a few inches. I think it is a 10mm bolt holding the factory magnetic ride control. Remove, lift it off and pull out. Unplug, plug the DSC in and replace. Has a micro USB slot that is plugged. You can add a 6 foot micro USB and run into the car if you want to tune the suspension using their software on a laptop. I just used the std setting. OMG, what a difference. The factory just stiffens the suspension as you switch settings from Touring to Track. The DSC takes account all the sensors, speed,brake functions, g's for acceleration and makes micro second adjustments to the suspension on the fly. The car rides very soft in Sport or Track mode then automatically stiffens when needed. For launch, track mode at a stop, stab the throttle once then launch it. Reminds me of the old 90/10 shocks that drag cars used for weight transfer. I don't work for them but highly recommend the DSC. I have seen a few used ones around for $8-900. Make sure its the latest version 4 for C7s.

 

See reply. Thanks

 

Launch control only works in 1st. Auto or 7 speed. in my experience.

m7 you dump clutch and it does its thing and then you shift and then its just traction control and active handling

A8, you launch it, its does its thing, it shifts to 2nd, and it boils the tires hahah.