Launch Control

[bure]

Just looking for a little help on the launch control. Just got my 2012 ZL1 manual and decided to try the launch control before i go to the track. Went to a side road, went to setting 4 for street use, matted the throttle, let the rpm's go up and settle back down and then let off the clutch moderately. I tried this about 4 times with the same results, which was a long controlled burnout. It was nothing like I've seen in videos. A quick question.

-Do you keep the throttle to the floor after letting off of the clutch for the remainder of the run? I tried one time slightly letting off the throttle after releasing the clutch, and traction control kicked in and basically stopped me.

[HDRDTD]

Release the clutch quickly while holding the throttle slammed to the floor.

[Happy_Dan]

I didn't know the 2012 had launch control.

[bure]

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

Release the clutch quickly while holding the throttle slammed to the floor.

That's weird, because a gm video I watched about it said to release the clutch slightly faster than you would with taking off, and that doing it too quickly could damage the drivetrain. It also made mention of not side stepping it. Thanks for the reply.

[HDRDTD]

From the manual....

Launch Control (V8 with Manual Transmission Models Only)
A Launch Control feature is available, within Competitive
Driving Mode on vehicles with a manual transmission to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use during closed course race events
where consistent zero to sixty and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available when the following criteria are met:
1. Competitive Driving Mode is selected.
2. The vehicle is not moving.
3. The steering wheel is pointing straight.
4. The clutch is pressed and the vehicle is in first gear.
5. The accelerator pedal is rapidly applied to wide open throttle.

The Launch Control feature will initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle.
A smooth, quick release of the clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will manage wheel slip. Complete
shifts as described in Manual Transmission on page 8‑30.

After the vehicle is launched, the system continues in Competitive Mode.
Competitive Driving Mode and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with the race track.

[bure]

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

From the manual....

Launch Control (V8 with Manual Transmission Models Only)
A Launch Control feature is available, within Competitive
Driving Mode on vehicles with a manual transmission to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use during closed course race events
where consistent zero to sixty and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available when the following criteria are met:
1. Competitive Driving Mode is selected.
2. The vehicle is not moving.
3. The steering wheel is pointing straight.
4. The clutch is pressed and the vehicle is in first gear.
5. The accelerator pedal is rapidly applied to wide open throttle.

The Launch Control feature will initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle.
A smooth, quick release of the clutch, while maintaining the fully
pressed accelerator pedal, will manage wheel slip. Complete
shifts as described in Manual Transmission on page 8‑30.

After the vehicle is launched, the system continues in Competitive Mode.
Competitive Driving Mode and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with the race track.

I did read the manual.. It doesn't seem to be working when doing it like that though.

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by bure

I did read the manual.. It doesn't seem to be working when doing it like that though.

Most experienced owners will tell you that you can do better than launch ctr. If you are stock try 2600-2800.

[bure]

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

Most experienced owners will tell you that you can do better than launch ctr. If you are stock try 2600-2800.

I'll give it a try. Went out last night and try it again with dumping the clutch and had the same resul which was a nice long controlled burnout.

[acammer]

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

Most experienced owners will tell you that you can do better than launch ctr. If you are stock try 2600-2800.

This ^^^^

The factory launch control works ok inside of a fairly narrow set of parameters - surface temperature, surface type, tires, modifications (non), etc. Once you start to wander outside of those parameters, it becomes fairly useless fairly quickly.

The best thing you can do is learn to launch the car yourself. It will ultimately serve you well to understand what it will take for power, clutch release, etc. If you're looking to get more seriously into drag racing, I recommend learning to use a light preload against the emergency brake, both to improve consistency and to help reduce potential breakage - although the ZL1 is substantially more tolerant of abuse than the SS.

I have a tutorial on launch technique for these cars, if it's something you're interested in. It's a little lengthy, but there is a bunch of good information in there for the stick shift guys looking to drag race these cars.

[bure]

Originally Posted by acammer

This ^^^^

The factory launch control works ok inside of a fairly narrow set of parameters - surface temperature, surface type, tires, modifications (non), etc. Once you start to wander outside of those parameters, it becomes fairly useless fairly quickly.

The best thing you can do is learn to launch the car yourself. It will ultimately serve you well to understand what it will take for power, clutch release, etc. If you're looking to get more seriously into drag racing, I recommend learning to use a light preload against the emergency brake, both to improve consistency and to help reduce potential breakage - although the ZL1 is substantially more tolerant of abuse than the SS.

I have a tutorial on launch technique for these cars, if it's something you're interested in. It's a little lengthy, but there is a bunch of good information in there for the stick shift guys looking to drag race these cars.

Sounds good. Ill check it out. Thanks for the info.

[Kings2010]

I used launch control today for the first time. Worked pretty good. 4.53 0-60 with my 180lb kid riding shotgun.

I think you have to be in PTM 5

[lailerp]

I have a 2014 M6 coupe and have used the launch control a few times noncompetitively to see what it was like and how it worked. I do not recall what PTM mode I was in, but I followed the manuals instructions almost exactly. The car squatted and launched straight but could feel a little wiggle and it did leave black marks on the road, I mean track, but would not say it was a controlled burnout as there was no smoke from the tires. in my opinion If you're not red lining (assuming hitting shifts) or completely smoking the tires id, think it is working or at least at its limit trying its best to hold traction.

[bure]

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

Most experienced owners will tell you that you can do better than launch ctr. If you are stock try 2600-2800.

When you try launching at the track without using launch control, do you have it in any competitive mode, or do you turn it all off?

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by bure

When you try launching at the track without using launch control, do you have it in any competitive mode, or do you turn it all off?

Sport unless you intend to NLS then PTM5.