Automatic launch control
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Bountiful Utah
Automatic launch control
So I know it's there to use, but I've never seen anything come up that says 'launch control'
I assume it would come up like when it will say performance shift active?
Is there something I'm missing?
In an automatic, is there anything that comes up on the dash that says 'launch control' to know it's activated correctly?
I assume it would come up like when it will say performance shift active?
Is there something I'm missing?
In an automatic, is there anything that comes up on the dash that says 'launch control' to know it's activated correctly?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 37
From: Farmington Missouri
On my base 1LT there is nothing that says Launch Control. Just when I have it in track mode with the traction on, hold the brake and mash the gas. The RPM's will hold steady around 1800-2k rpm.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 6
From: Bountiful Utah
Thank you! In the manual I thought it said something about the DIC notifying you about it being in launch control. Just wanted to make sure I didn't have something messed up.
Last edited by mustang00066; Oct 15, 2015 at 10:45 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
I agree On my base model I just hold the brake down and floor the throttle--It will stop the RPM's about 1600 then just release the brake----No spinning--but very slow 60' times --LOL
I've done this in ANY mode not just track
The owner's manual is very confusing on how this works---But what I believe is that on a Z51 car they have the added "Performance Traction Management" This allows you to cater the launches according to track conditions when using launch control --It is supposed to be better as it's more finely defined----
I've done this in ANY mode not just track
The owner's manual is very confusing on how this works---But what I believe is that on a Z51 car they have the added "Performance Traction Management" This allows you to cater the launches according to track conditions when using launch control --It is supposed to be better as it's more finely defined----
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,004
Likes: 392
From: Long Island New York
I have a 15 Z51 non mag ride car. Select track mode, hit the center dial button twice. On the dash it says "competitive mode" this turns off traction control as well as other nannys. Press down on the break as if in a panic stop, then all the way down on the gas with the steering wheel straight. The Rpms will hold at approx. 1800 rpms, release the break and that's it. Note that if the tires are cold the launch won't be very impressive, but if the tire are hot the launch feature works very well.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
I have a 15 Z51 non mag ride car. Select track mode, hit the center dial button twice. On the dash it says "competitive mode" this turns off traction control as well as other nannys. Press down on the break as if in a panic stop, then all the way down on the gas with the steering wheel straight. The Rpms will hold at approx. 1800 rpms, release the break and that's it. Note that if the tires are cold the launch won't be very impressive, but if the tire are hot the launch feature works very well.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 364
From: California
I have been only able to get 1.920 60' with the use of Launch Control, I was still getting a limited amount of spin, maybe some do better. You are much better off getting a set of DR's w/o the use launch control.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
dude, I don't think you have launched using the Launch Control system then.
on the automatic (mine is non-Z51):
* TRack mode
* stopped, in "D"
* press/tap the selector button twice; you will (and need to) see "Competitive Mode" on the screen.
* press brake hard
* press accelerator to the floor quickly, and hold
* once the RPM's hover in the low 2000's, release brake.
* hold on tight !!!
if you skip any of these steps; then you're just power-braking.
This launch is day/night compared to power-braking.
Dazed Confused & Verklemp
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 109
From: Naples, FL & Clear Lake, IA
I have a Z51 A8 with Mag Ride... Thought that only the Mag Ride autos have true launch control where you press hard on the brake and then floor the gas.. It will allow 2500 RPM launches.
That said, my experiences at the strip ( 15+ runs - one evening - 60 deg - Alt 830') found that I needed to do burnouts to warm and clean the tires, with T/C totally off ( 2 lighted traction-off emblems on the dash). Then, I had to actually run the track with full T/C on in Touring. Only then I was able to get 60' times as low as 1.94, and consistently below 2.0. Before this method I was 2.2 - 2.5 on 60's. This car NEEDS DR'S!!! Power and tranny shifts in "T" do not seem off from S or T. Reason for Touring being best seems to be that with Mag Ride, the suspension is the softer in E or T, and the little bit of front lift, rear squat vs S or T, is worth a tenth or 2.
That said, my experiences at the strip ( 15+ runs - one evening - 60 deg - Alt 830') found that I needed to do burnouts to warm and clean the tires, with T/C totally off ( 2 lighted traction-off emblems on the dash). Then, I had to actually run the track with full T/C on in Touring. Only then I was able to get 60' times as low as 1.94, and consistently below 2.0. Before this method I was 2.2 - 2.5 on 60's. This car NEEDS DR'S!!! Power and tranny shifts in "T" do not seem off from S or T. Reason for Touring being best seems to be that with Mag Ride, the suspension is the softer in E or T, and the little bit of front lift, rear squat vs S or T, is worth a tenth or 2.
Last edited by EcoBrick Bob; Oct 19, 2015 at 08:43 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
If you're needing to warm up tires first, try Launch Control launching with everything in default (in the TRack mode... with Competitive mode activated). The system does an excellent job in monitoring everything; traction control is finally performance based; allowing just the right amount of wheel slip. With past Corvettes, TC was nothing more than a foul-weather type system.
this vid shows what you'll see on the dash display:
though I believe this specific video is the M7, but it holds true for the automatic; Z51 or base (they all have LControl).
Must be in TRack mode (not Touring), must invoke Competitive Driving system, brake pressure needs be firm; then accelerator quickly mashed all the way to the floor (while still holding the brake firm)... wait -at least- a few seconds before releasing the brake.
This procedure allows the torque converter to slip to a higher RPM while still not moving. On my automatic... it's around 2500; while with simple powerbraking - I can't get the RPM's over 1800.
For those not yet experiencing this, if you get it fully in the mode and then launch... you will know it
Dazed Confused & Verklemp
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 109
From: Naples, FL & Clear Lake, IA
All C7's have Launch Control... up the current production year at least.
If you're needing to warm up tires first, try Launch Control launching with everything in default (in the TRack mode... with Competitive mode activated). The system does an excellent job in monitoring everything; traction control is finally performance based; allowing just the right amount of wheel slip. With past Corvettes, TC was nothing more than a foul-weather type system.
this vid shows what you'll see on the dash display:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z7U5qNhwAc
though I believe this specific video is the M7, but it holds true for the automatic; Z51 or base (they all have LControl).
Must be in TRack mode (not Touring), must invoke Competitive Driving system, brake pressure needs be firm; then accelerator quickly mashed all the way to the floor (while still holding the brake firm)... wait -at least- a few seconds before releasing the brake.
This procedure allows the torque converter to slip to a higher RPM while still not moving. On my automatic... it's around 2500; while with simple powerbraking - I can't get the RPM's over 1800.
For those not yet experiencing this, if you get it fully in the mode and then launch... you will know it
If you're needing to warm up tires first, try Launch Control launching with everything in default (in the TRack mode... with Competitive mode activated). The system does an excellent job in monitoring everything; traction control is finally performance based; allowing just the right amount of wheel slip. With past Corvettes, TC was nothing more than a foul-weather type system.
this vid shows what you'll see on the dash display:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z7U5qNhwAc
though I believe this specific video is the M7, but it holds true for the automatic; Z51 or base (they all have LControl).
Must be in TRack mode (not Touring), must invoke Competitive Driving system, brake pressure needs be firm; then accelerator quickly mashed all the way to the floor (while still holding the brake firm)... wait -at least- a few seconds before releasing the brake.
This procedure allows the torque converter to slip to a higher RPM while still not moving. On my automatic... it's around 2500; while with simple powerbraking - I can't get the RPM's over 1800.
For those not yet experiencing this, if you get it fully in the mode and then launch... you will know it
You are correct on "launch control". I was confusing it with "Performance Traction Management" which is a part of the Z-51 Mag Ride option. Not exactly sure if it would affect my hook up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 1,198
From: Ft. Myers FL
For some reason Mike when I tried it (launch control) all I did was spin. I've had better (but not great) results by staging and on the second stage light, brake hard & quickly floor the throttle and then let off. This "flashes" the trans (A6-A8) and then wait until halfway thru the third yellow and stomp the pedal. Now, I have yet to be able to hook with 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and had to let off. 
I believe this is due to poorly prepped tracks and tracks that allow people to go thru the water box with street tires or FWD cars. It's scary. One day I'll go up to Bradenton and try again. I've hearded they do a better job. Just my experiences. I do all my runs in "Competitive Mode".
I believe this is due to poorly prepped tracks and tracks that allow people to go thru the water box with street tires or FWD cars. It's scary. One day I'll go up to Bradenton and try again. I've hearded they do a better job. Just my experiences. I do all my runs in "Competitive Mode".
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Mike, I wonder if all the "tables" accessed during Launch Control... expect a certain type of road surface. When I've used it on my '15 on -ahem- "public streets"... it's been the most perfect launch each time.
With such a new car though, I decided to not go to the dragstrip this year.... going to give it plenty of break-in before attempting multiple 1/4 mile runs. Please let us know what you find during your next dragstrip runs.
With such a new car though, I decided to not go to the dragstrip this year.... going to give it plenty of break-in before attempting multiple 1/4 mile runs. Please let us know what you find during your next dragstrip runs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 1,111
From: Pasadena Texas
I have a 15 Z51 non mag ride car. Select track mode, hit the center dial button twice. On the dash it says "competitive mode" this turns off traction control as well as other nannys. Press down on the break as if in a panic stop, then all the way down on the gas with the steering wheel straight. The Rpms will hold at approx. 1800 rpms, release the break and that's it. Note that if the tires are cold the launch won't be very impressive, but if the tire are hot the launch feature works very well.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Note that LC only works in track mode.
Last edited by OLD_GOAT; Oct 21, 2015 at 07:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
[QUOTE=Mike Mercury;1590724395]dude, I don't think you have launched using the Launch Control system then.
on the automatic (mine is non-Z51):
* TRack mode
* stopped, in "D"
* press/tap the selector button twice; you will (and need to) see "Competitive Mode" on the screen.
* press brake hard
* press accelerator to the floor quickly, and hold
* once the RPM's hover in the low 2000's, release brake.
* hold on tight !!!
if you skip any of these steps; then you're just power-braking.
This launch is day/night compared to power-braking.[/QU
When I press the TC button twice in track mode-- it will show the TC is off and that the stabilitrac is off--- It never says it is in "competitive mode" on the screen--- So I am confused why yours says something different
on the automatic (mine is non-Z51):
* TRack mode
* stopped, in "D"
* press/tap the selector button twice; you will (and need to) see "Competitive Mode" on the screen.
* press brake hard
* press accelerator to the floor quickly, and hold
* once the RPM's hover in the low 2000's, release brake.
* hold on tight !!!
if you skip any of these steps; then you're just power-braking.
This launch is day/night compared to power-braking.[/QU
When I press the TC button twice in track mode-- it will show the TC is off and that the stabilitrac is off--- It never says it is in "competitive mode" on the screen--- So I am confused why yours says something different
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Originally Posted by tblu92
When I press the TC button twice in track mode-- it will show the TC is off and that the stabilitrac is off--- It never says it is in "competitive mode" on the screen--- So I am confused why yours says something different
2015 A8 coupe 2LT
Non-MagRide
Non-Z51
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Running with the TC ON was the only way I could get it to launch without any spinning- I would need some practice on how to launch it with the TC OFF by feathering the throttle---However It's bracket racing anyways so really the key to winning rounds or winning a race it not the timing slip or ET---It's your reaction time and how consistent and how close you get to your dial in-----
Racing with the TC OFF is a crap shoot and can never be the same every time-
The best 60' times I could get were lazy 2.20's However my reaction times were never higher than .200 --all in the .100 range and a couple 00's
I made it to the final 4 at Corvette Magic in Sacramento out of 44 cars in that class
PS: I was happy that my car was making great HP according to the MPH at the end on the runs--all were from 119-121 MPH ----Trap speed MPH is a true indication of HP and ET is an indication of many variables---Traction being the greatest
Sure you can get better ET's ( with practice) without TC---But in bracket racing it should not be that important other than bragging rights---
Racing with the TC OFF is a crap shoot and can never be the same every time-
The best 60' times I could get were lazy 2.20's However my reaction times were never higher than .200 --all in the .100 range and a couple 00's
I made it to the final 4 at Corvette Magic in Sacramento out of 44 cars in that class
PS: I was happy that my car was making great HP according to the MPH at the end on the runs--all were from 119-121 MPH ----Trap speed MPH is a true indication of HP and ET is an indication of many variables---Traction being the greatest
Sure you can get better ET's ( with practice) without TC---But in bracket racing it should not be that important other than bragging rights---
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
BTW, if your C7 is a Z51 with Mag ride... there is a slightly different procedure to get Launch Control to activate.
I know on the non-Z51 non-mag ride you have to tap th eselector switch twice. I don't now if this is required for the Z51 w/mag ride models.
Launch Control (TrackMode Only)
A Launch Control feature is available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control), on all vehicles...
Launch Control is only available when the following criteria are met:
Competitive Driving Mode is selected (except Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control),
or
any of the Performance Traction Management modes are selected (Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control).
A Launch Control feature is available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (except Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control) or
Performance Traction Management
(Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride
Control), on all vehicles...
Launch Control is only available when the following criteria are met:
Competitive Driving Mode is selected (except Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control),
or
any of the Performance Traction Management modes are selected (Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control).