When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
There is a YouTube video that discusses doing just that. It says that with the right settings you can enter launch control by pressing the Z-Mode button two times. I have a 2022 C8 Z51 with mag ride and I can't get this to work. So my question is: Am I doing something wrong or does it only work for certain model years or options that I don't have. The video link is below. Is the way he has PTM set in Z-Mode the key? That's the only setting I didn't mess with.
You must select a PTM mode (such as Race) with your Z-Mode button or it doesn't go into a valid mode for launch control. LC required Track, Sport, or a PTM mode. Z-mode doesn't quality, UNLESS you specify a PTM mode.
I also remember from Ron Fellows that the 2020 didn't have the two-tap option, it was added in the 2021 (or maybe 2022) models. It might have been a software update though, I'm not positive. But if the double tap goes into a PTM mode you've configured, then you're all set.
You must select a PTM mode (such as Race) with your Z-Mode button or it doesn't go into a valid mode for launch control. LC required Track, Sport, or a PTM mode. Z-mode doesn't quality, UNLESS you specify a PTM mode.
I also remember from Ron Fellows that the 2020 didn't have the two-tap option, it was added in the 2021 (or maybe 2022) models. It might have been a software update though, I'm not positive. But if the double tap goes into a PTM mode you've configured, then you're all set.
Thanks, that's the part I didn't do. I'll give it a try as soon as the rain goes away,
My question is why can’t I simply pull both paddle shifters rev the car to 3000-4000 rpm the let go of the paddle shifters?
Originally Posted by /Bear/
You could do that, but I don't believe it would be the same as Launch Control, where the computer(s) adjust power output for your traction conditions.
So one can do that but it's just not as effective as the real LC I guess? But it's usable when vs a car that you know you can beat and you want to take it easy.
Youtbe I see people pull both paddles , rev all the way to rev limiter and let go to do a burnout, is that very harmful for the DCT or no? (I suppose just revving it to 3k,4k isn't bad at all?)
So one can do that but it's just not as effective as the real LC I guess? But it's usable when vs a car that you know you can beat and you want to take it easy.
Youtbe I see people pull both paddles , rev all the way to rev limiter and let go to do a burnout, is that very harmful for the DCT or no? (I suppose just revving it to 3k,4k isn't bad at all?)
Launch control uses the traction control system to ensure minimal wheel spin, so you get all the usable power the car can put to the ground given the available traction. It also controls RPM at launch to the optimum level. Pulling in the paddles, revving the engine and letting go is likely to result in wheelspin and lost performance.
Is that bad for the DCT? I don't know for sure, but given as many problems as there have been with the DCT I wouldn't risk it. Especially if what you want is the best performance, instead of showing off to people.
My question is why can’t I simply pull both paddle shifters rev the car to 3000-4000 rpm the let go of the paddle shifters?
FWIW Launch Control does much more. It actually keeps both clutches engaged when shifting!
This info was provided by GM’s Corvette Chief Engineer Ed Piatek: “We found that during very aggressive launches we can drive torque through both shafts/clutches simultaneously which improves the 0 to 60 times.” (Note Ed's title should not be confused with Tadge Juechter the Executive Chief Corvette Engineer (higher pay grade.) Piatek was moved in 2020 along with ~half the Corvette engineers to work on EVs!)
Road and Track interpretation of that statement was: "With the C8's Performance Launch mode, the car will actually use the inertia of the engine coming down between revs to propel the car forward. Chevy calls these "Boosted Shifts," and they're only used with a Performance Launch."
My question is why can’t I simply pull both paddle shifters rev the car to 3000-4000 rpm the let go of the paddle shifters?
Originally Posted by /Bear/
You could do that, but I don't believe it would be the same as Launch Control, where the computer(s) adjust power output for your traction conditions.
Originally Posted by okaythen
So one can do that but it's just not as effective as the real LC I guess? But it's usable when vs a car that you know you can beat and you want to take it easy.
Youtbe I see people pull both paddles , rev all the way to rev limiter and let go to do a burnout, is that very harmful for the DCT or no? (I suppose just revving it to 3k,4k isn't bad at all?)
Originally Posted by Red Mist Rulz
Launch control uses the traction control system to ensure minimal wheel spin, so you get all the usable power the car can put to the ground given the available traction. It also controls RPM at launch to the optimum level. Pulling in the paddles, revving the engine and letting go is likely to result in wheelspin and lost performance.
Is that bad for the DCT? I don't know for sure, but given as many problems as there have been with the DCT I wouldn't risk it. Especially if what you want is the best performance, instead of showing off to people.
It is called "Rapid Exit" and in the 2023 manual it is described in a section called "Double Paddle Declutch" that starts on page 201 and goes to page 202. It is one of two ways to "exit" from a double paddle declutch condition. So it is a legitimate operation described in the owners manual. I'm not sure what "harmful" means. It obviously puts stress on the car, but so does launch control and other spirited driving activities. But since it is a described method of operating the car in the manual, it would not be considered "abuse". I do not believe it is the optimal way to achieve the best 0-60 times. But... It will very likely allow more wheel spin than launch control - if that is what you want. If you encounter wheel hop, stop doing it, because that will be harmful. In automotive publications, I have seen it called "burnout mode" (search "C8 corvette burnout mode").
There is a YouTube video that discusses doing just that. It says that with the right settings you can enter launch control by pressing the Z-Mode button two times. I have a 2022 C8 Z51 with mag ride and I can't get this to work. So my question is: Am I doing something wrong or does it only work for certain model years or options that I don't have. The video link is below. Is the way he has PTM set in Z-Mode the key? That's the only setting I didn't mess with.
The video is by Squirrel Cage Garage, streamed about 2 weeks ago, and the title is "Simple Launch Control using one button for Corvette C8.
So I did this in my 2023 HTC and it worked perfectly. In your Z mode setup you have to have the suspension FULLY maxed out then you press the 2nd dot on the PTM (which is DRY ESC). If you press Z mode button once it just goes to your Z settings. If you press it again it turns off the ESC and Traction control and it launches like a beast. My best is 2.7 and that was with a full tank.
See post #7. I don't think it matters how you set the suspension in Z-Mode. I have mine set to Tour suspension settings. The part I was missing was setting the PTM to something other than all off. With any PTM mode set in Z-mode you can do launch control with a double press of the Z button.
My question is why can’t I simply pull both paddle shifters rev the car to 3000-4000 rpm the let go of the paddle shifters?
When you pull both paddles in and rev the engine to 3000-4000 rpm the throttle blade is only partially open which changes the air flow pattern in the intake manifold from wide open and will only be making very little HP.
When you release the paddles and floor the throttle it takes time for the flow pattern in the intake manifold to stabilize and build HP. When you go into launch control and floor the throttle and hold at 3500 rpm the air flow in the intake manifold will stabilizes and make more HP at launch for a quicker ET.
^^^^
True, BUT it still takes time for the engine to reach an rpm where more throttle opening is needed.
This is the key reason. Only in Launch or Boost Shift Mode does it send power to both clutches, quoting GM Chief Corvette Engineer at the time:
This info was provided by GM’s Corvette Chief Engineer Ed Piatek: “We found that during very aggressive launches we can drive torque through both shafts/clutches simultaneously which improves the 0 to 60 times.”
Road and Track interpretation of that statement was: "With the C8's Performance Launch mode, the car will actually use the inertia of the engine coming down between revs to propel the car forward. Chevy calls these "Boosted Shifts," and they're only used with a Performance Launch."
The two types of launches are described differently. The big difference is how they are accessed, and how the computer will control the launch. Rapid exit will not provide optimal 0-60 times, nor is it intended to do so. Launch control is specifically intended to provide a high degree of acceleration in a straight line and it will manage thing so minimize tire spin (and also does what JerryU said above). They both have their place, depending on what you want - the rapid exit has been described in automotive reviews as a burnout mode if that provides a clue as to it use.
Rapid Exit [from double paddle declutch].......
Engine power is reapplied to the
wheels quickly to support spirited driving.
The rate of launch is dependent on how
much the accelerator pedal is pressed when
the paddles are released. The further the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the greater the
rate of launch. Tire spin may occur if the
Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off
while performing a Rapid Exit.
A Launch Control feature is available, within
Competitive Driving Mode or PTM, on all
vehicles to allow the driver to achieve high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of TCS that
manages tire spin, and transmissions clutch,
while launching the vehicle.
Found a nice long straight road with minimal traffic near me, did a few launch controls the other day and man it launches so hard and pulls hard even after that! Few times when I let go the brake pedal my thigh touched the steering wheel and it pushed the steering wheel to the sides a tiny bit, and off the launch it's a little squirrly, I need to work on that lol.
The DCT is pretty strong right I am going to do more launches here and there, any reports of DCT failure after a few or a lot of launch controls? ( I have Z51 I believe it's warrantied even if I track it at the drag strip, but still prefer not to mess up the DCT) Did a quick search I don't think I saw any but I think most people baby their C8s.
No need for the 2 extra quart of DCT fluid if one just goes to the drag strip once a month, and a few launches every weekends?
No need for the 2 extra quart of DCT fluid if one just goes to the drag strip once a month, and a few launches every weekends?[/QUOT
The two extra quarts not needed and will do nothing for a hard launch. The only unofficial statement made by a GM Rep (not top exec) was at Carlisle PA Seminar. He is quoted as saying: "The two quarts are needed IF Tracking and going downhill while making a sharp turn. Then the fluid will go to the top of the case." Assume he means the DCT fluid could move from the bottom of the DCT case sump and allow air to enter under the pick-up.
So if an aggressive Tracker going through the Laguna Seca Corkscrew where you crest a hill before making a shape down hill turn it's useful. Although he did not say it, that would include "jumping" your C8.
Saw my friend Tom many times drive his light weight, many million $ Maserati Birdcage crest that hill just prior to the Corkscrew with a wheel slightly off the ground. Great guy, had ~40 vintage race cars that his son produced a photo book. Signature is from one he gave me. Tom was born the same year as I. Unfortunately died unexpectedly ~13 years ago. Have this pic I took on my man cave wall.
Launch Control using just the Z-Mode button?
