ZL1 Modes

[tnspd]

Originally Posted by ZL1-V

Why do you really need to know? Sounds like you and your instructor have some reading to do? You have driven with them off before? You do feel the lighter steering with everything switched off? As you stated they regulate engine power and steering feel. The tune is for other parameters other than PTM modes.

Well your post was not any help. I have read the manual and watched the videos. I was looking for how it works info not this is what it does info. So if you know where I can read that then post that up.

Yes I have driven with all the nannies off. Many times. I want to know because I like to know that kind of stuff. I know what a tune is for. I have an 2010 Camaro SS with mods, a engine, and trany tune, my ZL1, and a Stingray that has more modes than the ZL1 so knowing what these modes really do would be very interesting to me.

[jessrayo]

Originally Posted by tnspd

Well your post was not any help. I have read the manual and watched the videos. I was looking for how it works info not this is what it does info. So if you know where I can read that then post that up.

Yes I have driven with all the nannies off. Many times. I want to know because I like to know that kind of stuff. I know what a tune is for. I have an 2010 Camaro SS with mods, a engine, and trany tune, my ZL1, and a Stingray that has more modes than the ZL1 so knowing what these modes really do would be very interesting to me.

I understand your curiosity and I must admit that you and I probably think a lot alike. I have asked the same question and been a little frustrated at the answers I have got. I can tell you this from actual experience on the racetrack and just plain goofing around while smoking tires.

The ZL1 PTM system has yaw sensors related to steering angle and has sensors related to front to rear wheel rotation speed variation. Since the rear is a limited slip the left to right wheel speed is basicially useless so it has to compare front to back. But then again it may compare left to right anyway, I don't know for sure.

Every PTM mode from 1 to 5 has a point where it says things are getting out of control and the PTM system has the ability to intervene and try to stop the problem by reducing power. When it reduces power its first reaction is to pull back the throttle body. Next, if the problem continues unabaited it will cut spark and fuel.

The lower the PTM setting the less variation with wheel speed and steering angle it will tolerate. I can promise you PTM 5 is not the same as all off. If you have the car in PTM 5 and spin the car completely around so the front tires are rolling backward it will cut the throttle and spark. In PTM 5 it is like it knows when you lost it and then says, okay, you lost it bud...start over. It however doesn't do anything until you are gone. Sometimes when I have the track to myself I like to switch between PTM 4 and 5 because in PTM 4 with my power I can run a controlled drift out of every corner by getting a little heavy on the throttle mid corner and then stomping it on the exit and letting the PTM keep it in check while I hold the pedal to the floor. When I do the same throttle mashing in PTM 5 the computer does not intervene until the car is dead sideways or backward and then it shuts it down.

If I run in PTM 3 it is cutting spark to keep the car in line and the guys behind me says it shoots flames 3 feet out the back when it puts the spark back on.

This system is much more complex than anything in the manual lets on and when you boost the horsepower your engine is producing, the PTM adjustments get more dramatic because it is so much easier to get the car really out of line. I'm a pretty fair driver and I do much better with my car in PTM 4 and then I still exercise a some restraint.

[Drm2Reality]

Originally Posted by jessrayo

I understand your curiosity and I must admit that you and I probably think a lot alike. I have asked the same question and been a little frustrated at the answers I have got. I can tell you this from actual experience on the racetrack and just plain goofing around while smoking tires.

The ZL1 PTM system has yaw sensors related to steering angle and has sensors related to front to rear wheel rotation speed variation. Since the rear is a limited slip the left to right wheel speed is basicially useless so it has to compare front to back. But then again it may compare left to right anyway, I don't know for sure.

Every PTM mode from 1 to 5 has a point where it says things are getting out of control and the PTM system has the ability to intervene and try to stop the problem by reducing power. When it reduces power its first reaction is to pull back the throttle body. Next, if the problem continues unabaited it will cut spark and fuel.

The lower the PTM setting the less variation with wheel speed and steering angle it will tolerate. I can promise you PTM 5 is not the same as all off. If you have the car in PTM 5 and spin the car completely around so the front tires are rolling backward it will cut the throttle and spark. In PTM 5 it is like it knows when you lost it and then says, okay, you lost it bud...start over. It however doesn't do anything until you are gone. Sometimes when I have the track to myself I like to switch between PTM 4 and 5 because in PTM 4 with my power I can run a controlled drift out of every corner by getting a little heavy on the throttle mid corner and then stomping it on the exit and letting the PTM keep it in check while I hold the pedal to the floor. When I do the same throttle mashing in PTM 5 the computer does not intervene until the car is dead sideways or backward and then it shuts it down.

If I run in PTM 3 it is cutting spark to keep the car in line and the guys behind me says it shoots flames 3 feet out the back when it puts the spark back on.

This system is much more complex than anything in the manual lets on and when you boost the horsepower your engine is producing, the PTM adjustments get more dramatic because it is so much easier to get the car really out of line. I'm a pretty fair driver and I do much better with my car in PTM 4 and then I still exercise a some restraint.

Now that was some good feedback. About to hit my first autocross with the ZL1 because I just hit 1200 miles. Only 300 to go. Then in another month or two I will be going to the Auto Club Speedway to rip her up on the track. Can't wait to get it in PTM 4 or 5...it's gonna be soooo much fun!

[blessedhellride]

what is the default setting

[sberk1012]

Originally Posted by blessedhellride

what is the default setting

PTM 2

[BigBoyBlue]

Originally Posted by tnspd

Well your post was not any help. I have read the manual and watched the videos. I was looking for how it works info not this is what it does info. So if you know where I can read that then post that up.

Yes I have driven with all the nannies off. Many times. I want to know because I like to know that kind of stuff. I know what a tune is for. I have an 2010 Camaro SS with mods, a engine, and trany tune, my ZL1, and a Stingray that has more modes than the ZL1 so knowing what these modes really do would be very interesting to me.

I'm with you. I'd prefer an in depth description of what is happening. I find it disconcerting that I must turn traction control off to get into the PTM settings. Which setting is calmer, when you turn the car on in the tour mode or PTM mode 2?

[joes407]

I prefer mode 5 for most of my driving. Havent done any road courses just drag strip. Mode 4 and 5 are the most stiff suspension settings and mode 5 also has less power steering assist giving it a tighter feel. If you drive on the highway and goto mode 5 on the fly you can feel the magnetic ride suspension tighten up seriously.

[Stephen12ZL1]

Jessrayo knows his stuff. The thing I like about our PTM system is that you can switch between modes on the fly so if you want less intervention go to PTM 4 or 5 and if you want more intervention go to PTM3.

[tnspd]

Thanks for all the feed back everyone. I usually turn everything off on the drag strip and run in PTM 3 on the road coarse. Maybe when I get better on a road coarse I'll move to PTM 4 or 5. Heck I just got blessed off on to run without a teacher/coach on a road coarse.

[EvilZL1]

I've always had the problem of not knowing how to switch modes, anyone care to enlighten me please?

[kaamacat]

Originally Posted by SSSylentZL1

I've always had the problem of not knowing how to switch modes, anyone care to enlighten me please?

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220554

Then scoot down to the video on Magnetic Ride Control....

[joes407]

Originally Posted by SSSylentZL1

I've always had the problem of not knowing how to switch modes, anyone care to enlighten me please?

Simplest way to say it would be use the tc button(right button) twice to put it in ptm then use the middle button for modes 3 thru 5 and the left button for modes 1 and 2. It will tell you which mode youre in in the dic

[NightmareZL1]

Originally Posted by tnspd

I was at a track day driving with my instructor, after the first 20 minute run he asked what all the different modes were and what did they do. I tried to explain what the different modes were and what they felt like to me it changed on the car. I dont think I did a very good job of it. So, is there a document that spells out what each mode does when you select it (steering, suspension, shifting, timing, etc....). That way I can be better prepaired when the question comes up again, and it will come up again.

Here is an old analysis that I had posted before. Best description I could come up with. An edit though, I like driving in PTM5 most of the time now, unless in the wet.

"First, I ALWAYS drive in PTM modes. I wish it was an option to have ptm auto on.
The wet mode is very, very excellent in the wet. Seriously. When you are in a turn, tip toeing through, use PTM1 and then, mid corner, mash the gas - the car will stay in line and you will hear the exhaust sputter as the car manages torque to the ground. If you use PTM1 during dry driving and try the same thing, the car will stumble over itself midcorner and be embarrassingly sloppy.
I normally drive in PTM 2 when on on rough, poorly maintained road or highway. The suspension is nice and soft and if I get too stupid in a high G corner, the car will, again, make the sputtering sound out of the exhaust and stay in the cornering line.
PTM 3 is rarely used for me.
PTM 4 is fun mode. Unlike PTM1,2,3 which will cut your power if you try to abuse the tires with abrupt steering changes or trying to drift the rear, the PTM4 mode will almost let you do anything, while the PTM4 suspension settings are great at controlling body roll.
PTM5 is great fun as well. But, it will let the car go much more sideways, scary when you didn't mean to do it. It does let loose, but it also saves you if you get too crossed up. and suspension is HARD. Wife dislikes the ride in PTM 3 and 4 and hates the ride in PTM 5.

As far was dragging or launching:
PTM 1 Not really useful. Cuts the power big time if wheels spin and won't give it back right away. Launch control does work in the rain and actually is the fastest that you will ever "take off" on a wet road.
PTM 2 Will suck for launching if you didn't use the launch control (without launch controll, too much wheel spin will cause complete cut off of power for a second or two - embarrassing).
PTM 3 - No really use for me
PTM 4 - Launches are good without launch control and great with launch control.
PTM 5 - You are free to launch however you want, but launch control usage on the street is not very efficient (lots of wheel spin)
PTM and ALL traction modes off - You will die! just kidding. But, it will take a bit of work to keep the tires from spinning and the car in a straight line through first and second gear. Fish tails like crazy.

Last thing I have noticed is the when you change between modes that change the suspension, the change will be drastic at first and then soften up. Especially when changing from any mode to mode 5, the shocks get super hard and then soften a second later. I guess GM wanted us to feel that there was actually a change.

So I mostly drive in PTM 2 and PTM 4. 2 for rough and 4 for smooth or when wanting to rail through a corner at more than 1G. "

[Sprspt]

Originally Posted by jessrayo

I understand your curiosity and I must admit that you and I probably think a lot alike. I have asked the same question and been a little frustrated at the answers I have got. I can tell you this from actual experience on the racetrack and just plain goofing around while smoking tires.

The ZL1 PTM system has yaw sensors related to steering angle and has sensors related to front to rear wheel rotation speed variation. Since the rear is a limited slip the left to right wheel speed is basicially useless so it has to compare front to back. But then again it may compare left to right anyway, I don't know for sure.

Every PTM mode from 1 to 5 has a point where it says things are getting out of control and the PTM system has the ability to intervene and try to stop the problem by reducing power. When it reduces power its first reaction is to pull back the throttle body. Next, if the problem continues unabaited it will cut spark and fuel.

The lower the PTM setting the less variation with wheel speed and steering angle it will tolerate. I can promise you PTM 5 is not the same as all off. If you have the car in PTM 5 and spin the car completely around so the front tires are rolling backward it will cut the throttle and spark. In PTM 5 it is like it knows when you lost it and then says, okay, you lost it bud...start over. It however doesn't do anything until you are gone. Sometimes when I have the track to myself I like to switch between PTM 4 and 5 because in PTM 4 with my power I can run a controlled drift out of every corner by getting a little heavy on the throttle mid corner and then stomping it on the exit and letting the PTM keep it in check while I hold the pedal to the floor. When I do the same throttle mashing in PTM 5 the computer does not intervene until the car is dead sideways or backward and then it shuts it down.

If I run in PTM 3 it is cutting spark to keep the car in line and the guys behind me says it shoots flames 3 feet out the back when it puts the spark back on.

This system is much more complex than anything in the manual lets on and when you boost the horsepower your engine is producing, the PTM adjustments get more dramatic because it is so much easier to get the car really out of line. I'm a pretty fair driver and I do much better with my car in PTM 4 and then I still exercise a some restraint.

Will the car spin completely around in PTM 4 if you get out of shape? Says active handling off? I was just wondering because I am very familiar with the competitive driving mode with my previous cars but not familiar as much with the PTM modes in the ZL1. Thanks for the info