droideka

i have an M7, Z51 with MSRC and just over 1500 miles on the clock. how many switches do i need to flip to let the car get tail happy through corners and what RPMs do i need to be holding to really take advantage of the power band? i've dyno'd the car and it put down 405/395 in TX in 92-degree heat on a dynojet so I know it's making appropriate power, but it just doesn't feel as responsive as i think it should, meaning no low-end torque. i will claim complete ignorance as to understanding the power band of this engine and perhaps i need to down shift more, but can someone help me understand where to find the meat in the power band? i haven't driven the car much in the three months i've owned it and seem to never have an opp to really flog it due to traffic or LEO threats.

if i punch it at 2500 rpm in 5th on the highway it moves, but it doesn't MOVE. i just thought the LT1 would be torquey at low RPMs, but i'm not "feeling" that. should i be downshifting to 4th to try and get it into the 3Ks for more torque? i came from a modded subaru STI and the LT1 is not blowing me away like I thought it would considering it's putting down 100HP more to the wheels than my STI was and weighs practically the same.

i will say that the car FLYS past 4500 rpm and picks up speed at an alarming rate, but where's the grunt down low? is this a matter of me not downshifting when it really calls for it?

thanks in advance.

Higgs Boson

these cars are really neutered with the stock tune.

W88fixer

It’s my understanding that the C7 has a smaller diameter torque converter than the C6. So, you need to let the engine make use of it at higher than off idle rpm.

Turn off traction control and stability control and leave the driving mode in Track for getting sideways. Not my thing. Better be prepared for an outcome you might not expect. Don

eboggs_jkvl

Remember to wave goodbye to your A$$ as it passes you if you're not ready for the spin.

Elmer

W88fixer

SORRY, SORRY, SORRY. Was thinking of the A6 when the OP is asking about a manual. Engaged my internet mouth before the brain. My bad. Don

eboggs_jkvl

You were correct on what nannies to turn off, so lighten up on yourself. You gave enough info to put some excitement into his driving!

Elmer

kp

I wouldnt think flooring a stock manual trans C7 at 2500rpm in 5th would provide much excitement no matter what nanny was on or off - unless in the snow.

Downshift.

4GS7

This. 5th gear is an overdrive gear. It is, at best, a lazy passing gear. Go for 4th to pass effectively, 3rd to have fun.

Higgs Boson

i somehow missed the part that you are punching it in 5th at 2500....yeah, what these guys said....

hammer the throttle in 2nd at 4000 RPMs without traction control on.

Kracka

Not related to your question, but where did you dyno and would you mind posting the chart?

droideka

thanks for the replies! so many things i didn't know. sounds like I should treat this a four-speed with three OD gears and you all are indeed confirming that i need to be above 4K to enjoy the power.

i'm a bit disappointed that an engine making around 350 lb-ft of torque ATW at 2500 rpm is not more of a stump puller. i guess this is why people are jumping on the SCs so quickly.

eboggs_jkvl

1-4 are your play and get crazy gears.

5th is .71
6th is .57
7th is .48

None of which is meant to get you all excited except for top end speed and then it's probably in 5th.

Elmer

Higgs Boson

every manual transmission out there has 5th plus as overdrives....

the muncies and older 4 speeds were all 1:1 in 4th. 5 speeds came out and it was an overdrive, which means instead of multiplying the engine power, it divides it....

then the 6 speeds had two overdrives and now we have 7 speeds with three overdrives. so yes, you should treat it as a 4 speed with three overdrive gears because that is what it is and what 5+ speed transmissions have always been.

so your 350 lb ft of torque in 5th gear is X.71 = 248....

4GS7

Not entirely true. Plenty of cars, my Mustang included, have a single overdrive 6 speed with 5th being 1:1.

eboggs_jkvl

I've got a feeling that "every" was in reference to GM and/or the Corvette in question.

Elmer

Magister Ludi

" how many nannies do I have to turn off to get the car sideways and tail-happy?"

When I want to steer with the throttle, I put it track mode and select Sport 2 or Race. Advice: go gentle until you're used to it and it's not really a good idea on the street.

(Sport 1 turns off Traction Control but leaves the Stabilitrac on;
Sport 2 turns them both off and makes more power available.
Race, as far as I can tell, is max power and no nannies.)

Higgs Boson

yes I agree, my motorcycles have 6 gears and never even get to 1:1

correct. I was vague, sorry. I better clarify since we are in a mustang/corvette forum.

I jus kiddin.

WKMCD

Fixed it for you.

tkbigsky

The true fun of this car is definitely Track Mode and pressing down to turn off all of the computer controlled limiters. You then can dump a set of tires in know time and get that thing as sideways as you want. These motors are meant to rev and when out for fun I rarely shift before the HUD starts getting to those pretty red lights on the shift display.

Mike Mercury

be careful what you wish for.