anybody tried PTM or Launch Control on a 2010?

[checklist_34]

The PTM and Launch Control seem to me like really cool features.

And frankly... I am kind of cheap when it comes to cars and couldn't really justify paying over MSRP for one for the most part, and buy used ones about 1/2 of the time if the deal seems to justify it. Penny saved... And not for nothing, but nobody ever gave me any money for free or made it easy to earn. I'm sure you all know what I mean.

But I am thinking that an '09 just isn't where its at with these cool new technologies on the table for '10.

Any hands on experiences to affect my decision?

[itsaz]

While I haven't launched my 2010 Z hard enough to experience the full effect, I do have some observations. First, the procedure according to the owner's manual: Put it in Comp Driving Mode, depress the clutch to the floor, quickly and without hesitating give it full throttle, release the clutch completely and hang on. The manual is very brief in it's description and the use of LC.

My take: If you lift off the throttle at all, launch control is negated and the RPM will follow the throttle all the way to the rev limiter (which can be achieved well before WOT). If you then go back to WOT, launch control is reengaged and RPM will decay to around 4200 (of course, this is with the clutch fully depressed). In order to gain full effect of LC, you're gonna have to keep the throttle on the floor EVEN while shifting. I think it's going to take some practice to get the full benefit since it appears to me that it's an all or nothing thing. No easing into it. In other words, drop the hammer and dump the clutch. No wonder not many people have tried it yet.

[MikesZ06]

Originally Posted by itsaz

My take: If you lift off the throttle at all, launch control is negated and the RPM will follow the throttle all the way to the rev limiter (which can be achieved well before WOT). If you then go back to WOT, launch control is reengaged and RPM will decay to around 4200 (of course, this is with the clutch fully depressed). In order to gain full effect of LC, you're gonna have to keep the throttle on the floor EVEN while shifting. I think it's going to take some practice to get the full benefit since it appears to me that it's an all or nothing thing. No easing into it. In other words, drop the hammer and dump the clutch. No wonder not many people have tried it yet.

Of course you're referring to power shifting and some folks are quite good at it.
I've done it several times at the track but wouldn't say I was totally proficient in it. The biggest fear (at the track at least) when powershifting is missing a gear with your foot to the floor. Not only does it screw up a pass but it feels very weird.

Mike

[itsaz]

Let's say you have accelerated thru 1st gear and are near 7K RPM, by stabing the clutch and not lifting on the accelerator, the RPM should drop back to the neighborhood of 4200 allowing you to complete the shift without worry of over-reving or hitting the rev limiter. A little nerve-racking the first couple of time to say the least!

[dwjZ06]

Tom,

There is a video over on Corvette Blogger. They show you put it in comp mode press the gas to the floor and it stayed somewhere in the 3500 range then dump the clutch. It took off like a scalded dog and you could tell it was fighting for traction for a while. Very neat tool. Now the big question will be for those that screw this up how many clutches/engines is GM willing to pay for???? That's my take. I love the new Grand Sport. Don

I will PM you the link.

[YumaZ06]

I thought launch control was for launching. Once you get off the line and get traction, let your left foot and right foot do the job.

[itsaz]

Originally Posted by dwjZ06

Tom,

There is a video over on Corvette Blogger. They show you put it in comp mode press the gas to the floor and it stayed somewhere in the 3500 range then dump the clutch. It took off like a scalded dog and you could tell it was fighting for traction for a while. Very neat tool. Now the big question will be for those that screw this up how many clutches/engines is GM willing to pay for???? That's my take. I love the new Grand Sport. Don

I will PM you the link.

Thanks, I was looking for that. According to Tadge, GM will stand behind the warranty even if it breaks while using LC. I think the GS uses 3500, but my Z goes to 4200. Not sure about the ZR1.

Originally Posted by YumaZ06

I thought launch control was for launching. Once you get off the line and get traction, let your left foot and right foot do the job.

Tom, this is designed to work until you lift, whether that be an 1/8, a 1/4 or the Texas Mile.

[dwjZ06]

Originally Posted by itsaz

Thanks, I was looking for that. According to Tadge, GM will stand behind the warranty even if it breaks while using LC. I think the GS uses 3500, but my Z goes to 4200. Not sure about the ZR1.

Yes in the video he says it depends on which model as to the RPM. I saw a You Tube on a grand Sport as well.

[checklist_34]

The clutch and tranny shouldn't take much abuse. Its a straight dump of the clutch with this system, so no clutch slipping, etc., and the wheelspin is kept at an ideal level by moderating the power output from the motor. Thats why they make that werid farting noise when using LC. Its pretty sound from that standpoint.

A good driver will use clutch slippage and throttle moderation to get an ideal launch, this system, I believe, just moderates throttle via timing or something like that.

I didn't know it kept working with you through all the shifts until you lifted, thats nifty. So you'd come into the next gear with properly matched RPMs?