Best way to launch ZL1

[Tennis_pro]

So I have read all about the launch control on the ZL1 and know how it works, but have yet to try it. A few questions I have about it...

1. Is it the fastest way to launch the car? It seems people are saying it's the most consistent, as the computer is basically doing all the work for you. The mode you select depends on the tires you have, road you're on and conditions outside. So anything less than perfect in the mode you choose seems like it would be more of a hindrance then an advantage. Seems like there are a lot of variables that could make the launch control not perform at it's best. I would imagine an experienced driver would be able to feel out the conditions and get a better launch just turning the traction control off and using skill and feel.

2. Is it abusive to the drive train? Would repeated uses of launch control cause too much stress on the drive train and other components of the car?

When Motortrend tested the ZL1, Carlos Lugo got a much better 0-60 and 1/4 mile run without using launch control.

I was just wondering what most of you guys do when launching your cars. Do most of you use launch control, or just do it the old fashioned way by turning traction control off and going by feel?

Last question is about the no lift shift. Seems like this is definitely an advantage of the car I would like to use. Does it yield better 0-60 and 1/4 mile time by using the no lift feature? Also, does this put any significant stress on the car where things could be more prone to failing with repeated use of this feature?

I would love to hear feedback about how you guys are launching your cars. Are you using launch control? Are you using the no lift shift when launching or racing?

[ZL1Kid_AL]

I learned slipping the clutch is the best way from keeping the stock goodYears from losing traction and basically doing a second burnout off the line. I can imagine this is horrid for the clutch. I have yet to test launching on a radial but I hope it will allow me to let off the clutch quicker and still be able to hook up... I would never side step, cause i think it's much easier to replace a clutch, rather than a drivetrain piece..

I had one bad experience when in PTM (forgot mode) where I went to use launch control. Mashed the gas and the revs never stabilized at around 3500-4k like it is supposed too. I had to let off right before redline and have not tried it since

[ZO6 Bryan]

I think it is somewhat abusive. It made mine wheel hop terribly. I had to let off. It might do better with sticky tires.

[SSTAT]

1. Nope, experience consistently beats launch control. But then you have to have experience.
2. Nope, I forget how many launches chevy did testing the drivetrain out but they couldn't break it. Not any more abusive than a launch without it anyway (IMHO)
3.No lift shift - I dont know if anyone has done consistent with/without tests to see, but it would be hard to be consistent enough with a manual to really tell. Either way it sure isnt slowing you down. And if anything I would think it would be easier on mechanicals because boost isnt bouncing up and down with shifts.

Bottom line - get out there find an empty lot and launch the crap out of that car ASAP and often. Its just plain awesome, you arent going to hurt it, and if you do, there was something wrong with it in the first place, and... no you wont hurt it. Never launching your ZL1 in anger is like not letting your daughter go to prom. Let her dance!!!!

[dtwolcot2]

For me using the launch control was slower. It took a lot of practice and trial and error and a clutch to find the right amount of slip. With launch control and street tires I was consistent 12.6 1/4 mile. Without launch control 12.4. Drag radials and launch control 12.1 slipping the clutch netted me several 11.6's and a bunch of 11.8's.

I just replaced the clutch in my car for $340 for the OEM unit. Going to do a write up of how to do it because I figured out a really easy way to do it.

[mikepconline]

I have tried several times with no success. I just gave up.


"I have one speed, I have one gear: Go!"

[ZL W0N]

Originally Posted by Tennis_pro

So I have read all about the launch control on the ZL1 and know how it works, but have yet to try it. A few questions I have about it...

1. Is it the fastest way to launch the car? It seems people are saying it's the most consistent, as the computer is basically doing all the work for you. The mode you select depends on the tires you have, road you're on and conditions outside. So anything less than perfect in the mode you choose seems like it would be more of a hindrance then an advantage. Seems like there are a lot of variables that could make the launch control not perform at it's best. I would imagine an experienced driver would be able to feel out the conditions and get a better launch just turning the traction control off and using skill and feel.

2. Is it abusive to the drive train? Would repeated uses of launch control cause too much stress on the drive train and other components of the car?

When Motortrend tested the ZL1, Carlos Lugo got a much better 0-60 and 1/4 mile run without using launch control.

I was just wondering what most of you guys do when launching your cars. Do most of you use launch control, or just do it the old fashioned way by turning traction control off and going by feel?

Last question is about the no lift shift. Seems like this is definitely an advantage of the car I would like to use. Does it yield better 0-60 and 1/4 mile time by using the no lift feature? Also, does this put any significant stress on the car where things could be more prone to failing with repeated use of this feature?

I would love to hear feedback about how you guys are launching your cars. Are you using launch control? Are you using the no lift shift when launching or racing?

I have an automatic, so I don't have any personal experience with this. However, I can tell you a few things I've learned from other manual owners. If you are running the stock F1 tires, launch control should give you the best 0-60 and ¼ mile times with no burnout. If you are taking it on the drag strip and plan to install drag radials or slicks, then launch control may not be the best option. As far as the PTM modes go, you can be in any PTM mode as long as it's 2 or above. Some people say to go to PTM 5 "Race," but if you are still new at launching the car it's not a good choice, because that mode turns of Active Handling and Stability Control. PTM 5 is meant for users experienced with the track. As far as this "hurting" the car, I agree with the other guys on here, it won't as long as you use it correctly. GM did a lot of R&D before putting this feature on the car.

Here is a video explaining Launch Control and the steps to execute it: http://youtu.be/sr6e4hPAtK0

Hope this helps!

[himmy33]

Originally Posted by dtwolcot2

For me using the launch control was slower. It took a lot of practice and trial and error and a clutch to find the right amount of slip. With launch control and street tires I was consistent 12.6 1/4 mile. Without launch control 12.4. Drag radials and launch control 12.1 slipping the clutch netted me several 11.6's and a bunch of 11.8's.

I just replaced the clutch in my car for $340 for the OEM unit. Going to do a write up of how to do it because I figured out a really easy way to do it.

I would love to see this write up! Please do

[Tennis_pro]

Some great replies here. So yeah I would imagine launch control would only work it's best with stock tires and in very warm conditions when tires can really heat up and perform at their best.

I don't have stock tires ( I swithed to the Mickey Thompson street comps) and temps here in philly are rarely perfect for a good launch. So I would imagine in most cases, using my judgment and doing the launch just with traction control off and feeling it out would get me the best results. Like others have said, PTM modes are designed for very grippy tires and aside from mode 1, near perfect conditions. I don't have the stock tires and rarely see perfect conditions.

Would you guys agree that for the experienced driver, turning traction control off, just slipping the clutch yourself and feeling it out and also using the no lift shift would result in the best 0-60 and 1/4 mile times?

[KaBoom1701]

Originally Posted by dtwolcot2

For me using the launch control was slower. It took a lot of practice and trial and error and a clutch to find the right amount of slip. With launch control and street tires I was consistent 12.6 1/4 mile. Without launch control 12.4. Drag radials and launch control 12.1 slipping the clutch netted me several 11.6's and a bunch of 11.8's.

I just replaced the clutch in my car for $340 for the OEM unit. Going to do a write up of how to do it because I figured out a really easy way to do it.

I would like to see this write up to!

My best LC have been in PTM4....I hear PTM5 was designed for the drag radials during LC mode.

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

I would like to see this write up to!

My best LC have been in PTM4....I hear PTM5 was designed for the drag radials during LC mode.

+2 just got a quote for $500 labor, from a very good performance Camaro dealer..

[Tennis_pro]

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

+2 just got a quote for $500 labor, from a very good performance Camaro dealer..

A clutch DIY write up would be awesome

[Tennis_pro]

Also, can you no lift shift just as log as you are WOT? Like what if you're not near the redline but still WOT, can you still do it or do you have to be near redline?

[KLR ZL1]

Originally Posted by Tennis_pro

Also, can you no lift shift just as log as you are WOT? Like what if you're not near the redline but still WOT, can you still do it or do you have to be near redline?

Yes you can. Also to the OP, GM did 600 clutch dumps to try and break the drivetrain so we couldn't. Car and Driver had a complete write up on the r&d on the ZL1. They only thing is we will wear out the clutch much sooner than normal wear and tear.