Does anyone drive their C8 in Track Mode daily? ive seen where some people say that they do and I was wondering if that is hard on the car doing this or not.

thanks

 

Shift points are higher, so minimally "harder" on the engine. A lot more fun for sure.

 

I was told (by selling dealer) that Track Mode should be used only on the track/ tarmac/ etc. because the ride is so stiff that it's not unusual to sustain rim damage as a result of the taut suspension. I've not researched this...so would love to hear from others! Also am unaware whether that's the "only" problem associated with full-time Track Mode.

 

That's the only caveat I've heard too.... that the suspension is so stiff you can bend rims. .. SooooOOoooo It's just fine to set up Z mode with all the max EXCEPT suspension on the street. One could, and many do, also set the dash to be in track mode either all the time or Z mode.

At least as I understand things

My 2¢

 

I drove my 2014 C7 Z51 in Track Mode all the time. It did not have MRC and I gained faster throttle Tip-in and less Nannie intervention! Exactly the same ride as if in Tour. Same for a C8 without MRC.

For my 2020 C8 Z51 and my E-Ray, both with MRC, I often drive in Z-Mode Power/Trans set to Track. But both have Ride set to Sport. If you have MRC Track Ride is very stiff. I thought it was best described by a poster who said you could feel if going over a dime! No MRC, Track Ride = Tour Ride

As far as shift rpm, it's really right foot dependent. I find it shifts just as I was in my 1st month with my 2020 C8 Z51 where I only drove in Manual Mode (getting over EVERY DD for ~63 years being a standard shift.)

In fact, it drove in Manual Mode the way I drove my two C7 standard shifts. I seldom used more that 5th gear. Like now I mosly take back roads the 25/39 miles to town. I dont use the interstate so there was no need for 7th gear. Never found 6th useful. 5Th is an overdrive gear in the C7. Good enough for me.

Some don't understand 8th gear in my C8 and E-Ray is a 0.33:1 Overdrive. 5th, which is typically the max gear Z-Mode Power/Trans set to Track uses is 0.68:1 Overdrive. Some may recall the 1st automatic trans OD rationand those standard shifts with OD were 0.7:1! Yep except for a flat Interstate where 8th gear will provide slightly better mpg, its main purpose is to help GM get a slightly higher mpg in the EPA test that uses little throttle.

I could argue that driving in 8th gear at 50 mph, which is only ~1000 rpm and on a slight incline could be worse on the engine than my riding in 5th gear (which is all Z-Mode Power set to Track or if driving in Track will use!) Probably not significant either way BUT IMO it's getting close to "lugging the engine!"

 

Hmm, that is BS. In fact, Tage addressed that issue in an Ask Tadge Post. Quoting his statement from a long post re wheels braking:

"I have heard from some people that there is a theory that running the car in Sport or Track can contribute to damaging a wheel. That is not true."

 

I attended Corvette Academy this past July in Bowling Green and the trainers stressed track mode for track use only throughout the entire day. They told us a story of a woman with a C8 Z06 that was driving in track mode on a grooved road surface that was being refinished. When she hit the little ridge to get back on the road surface she cracked a carbon fiber wheel and pushed the shock from it's attachment point into the frame.

 

The instructors at Ron Fellows mentioned the same warning about the possibility of wheel damage due to the stiffer suspension in Track mode. The roads in Hawaii are complete trash in several places so I try to avoid that kind of damage. I personally use Z mode almost all the time with everything maxed except suspension and steering. Oftentimes I'll use manual mode as well just to enjoy the shifting more.

 

Kind of sounds like caution should be taken when using track mode in non-track settings.

 

My C8 is a non Z51 without MRC so I get a nice ride in Track mode,
I also like the fact that the engine never goes to V4.

 

2 points!
1-That slightly better gas mileage saves the buyer the $3000.00 guzzler tax!
2-8th gear doesn't engage at less than 58 MPH.

 

Better yet, use TRACK mode only when on the TRACK.

 

Yeah same. That’s why I use Z or manual. Keeps it in V8.

 

I frequently drive mine in Z mode with everything set to track except the suspension. If I'm cruising and want a higher gear, I just use the paddle to upshift.

 

What do you mean by track mode, and do you have MSRC? And what version of the C8? Base, Z51, Z06???

With a Stingray, If you have MSRC and set the mode dial to track, the ride gets pretty stiff. But not outrageously so. It's about as stiff as my brother's Boxster is in it's sport mode. I've used it on the street occasionally, and unless you're on really bad roads it's fine. I think you'd have to hit a really bad pothole at speed to damage the suspension. It's much more compliant than track was on the C7 Stingray. If you don't have MSRC, then Track mode doesn't affect the suspension at all.

If you mean using Track powertrain setting within Z Mode, that's not going to hurt anything. I find it a bit annoying, because it shifts higher than there's any reason to in normal driving, and holds high revs too long, but other than burning a bit more gas there's not going to be any problem with it. The engine can handle the rpm just fine.

That sounds like total BS. An urban myth. The CF wheels are much stronger than the alloy ones. You'd have to have a really large impact to break a CF wheel.

 

I use track mode in the mountains of North Ga, NC and TN. Love it! Everyday driving I use My Mode only. I have used Z mode a few times in the curves.

 

Yep, that quote from Ron Fellows has been around for years. IMO that is why Tadge mentioned it was wrong in his log post re wheel cracks. If anything, he had an incentive to say that was a factor as he was defending their wheel testing! Now Carbon Fiber wheels were not available at that time so can't speak to them.

BUT THE DUDE knows the loads wheels are subjected to! IF a shock could produce those loads, he would have said that.

I recall hitting a large hole with my Grand Sport and was concerned. No question in my observation I hit a bump stop. Now hit a bump stop is a far higher load that Track MRC shock setting! In that case it was in town where the road maintenance folks left a hole unmarked. I stopped in a shop near the hole to ask if that had been reported. Fellow said year several days ago. The law is IF reported you can apply to the City and get reimbursed. Turned out it was fine. In fact, had my Grand Sport for 4 years before I sold it when I got my 2020 C8 Z51. Never had an issue with those wide 335 rear wheels. BUT in NE SC we don't have frost caused potholes as many do. In fact, before Tadge's post I used to quote that BS from Ron Fellows! But understand not smart to drive in Track for "traction reasons" on the street so I have my E-Ray as I did my C8 Z51 set to Sport where Power/Trans is set in Track in Z-Mode!

 

I have driven mine all over town in track mode. I also drive my 911S in sport/sport + mode all the time...the cars were designed and built to be driven hard. The suspension does not "crack" wheels, the driver does that.....ponderous.

 

My Z mode is set to Track for the transmission/throttle, and Sport for everything else. Out on the interstate, everything goes to Tour.

 

Tour for interstates. Z sport plus track exhaust MY tour plus track exhaust. Track? Most roads too bumpy and harsh. Not pleasant in my area.