Please explain the Z button to me and what can be done with it!
#21
My only fault with Z-mode is the very noticeable drop in MPG. The price of more fun...
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JerryU (08-23-2021)
#23
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: NE South Carolina
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So I have a record for 1 year. Was driving only in Z Mode for several months. Then set up My Mode as well. The only two modes I use (has not been cold so no need for Weather Mode I use when it's below ~40F.) Decided to drive ONLY in My Mode (which is set in Sport) for a tankful. Know it's not scientific but got ~2 mpg better than the months were I was driving only in Z Mode!
In my rural area I drive pretty aggressively regardless of Drive Mode. So still accelerating fairly quickly and often braking hard as I come to a stop sign where I turn. Lots of stops and turns in the 20 miles of only back roads into town, my most often trips. But in MY Mode once I reach 55 to 65 mph it will go into V4 Mode and use all gears. In Z Mode Power set to Track it only goes into 6th past ~73 mph. Never is in V4. Most time it's in 5th or lower. However it's also not downshifting to accelerate as the throttle response is always quick.
As you say 2 mpg is on average the difference and for me cheap for the extra fun! Now if I were looking to improve mpg I would use Touring Mode and an old Mobil Economy Run trick of driving as if I had a raw egg between my foot and the throttle (Mobil Economy Run rules did not allow a vacuum gauge!)
SIDEBAR
With the many folks trying to "Save the World" would think it would be smart to start another Economy Run!
The Mobil Economy Run (run between 1936 and 1968) determined the gas mileage potentials of passenger cars under typical driving conditions encountered by average motorists. To prevent special preparation or modifications to the participating automobiles for the run, the United States Auto Club purchased the cars at dealerships and checked to certify as "stock." Their hoods and chassis were sealed. The factory gas tank was disconnected so fuel use could be accurate! measured using a special tank mounted in the trunk. Automakers used factory-supplied drivers who were highly trained and experienced to drive in a manner that conserved fuel.
Over the years, the Mobil Oil Corporation sponsored many Mobil Economy Run events across the country for various car classes and automobile associations for short distances. In 1963, a test between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon eventually evolved into a "six-day" endurance test between Los Angeles and New York by the U.S. Auto Club.
Last edited by JerryU; 08-23-2021 at 12:14 PM.
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Lead Foot 66 (08-25-2021),
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JerryU (08-23-2021)
#26
Le Mans Master
#28
Safety Car
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Grey (08-24-2021)
#29
I have attached a chart showing how I intend to program my Z Mode and My Mode and the other settings that are available.
#496 on MM list.
#496 on MM list.
Last edited by psollitto; 08-24-2021 at 09:06 AM.
#30
Burning Brakes
Last edited by mazurekd; 08-24-2021 at 11:57 AM.
#31
Amen.
Not to be a jerk, but if you lack ambition to at least read the owners manual and at least grasp the basic workings of the car. You probably shouldn't even be driving this car. Yeah I said it
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FlyinLow (08-24-2021)
#32
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
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Location: NE South Carolina
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So when it goes into Tour Mode, without looking down I just turn the Mode **** CCW one hard twist. I tried something today. Did one more hard twist CCW and it went to Weather. That is the only other Mode I use when raining or when it's below 40F. BTW in NE SC I seldom have to drive below ~40F BUT have driven when car has been parked at 32 F. All is fine IF in Weather Mode and you manager the throttle carefully. I have tested when 32 F and with no traffic applied brakes aggressively at a few red lights. Stopped faster than the SV's and Pick-ups mostly around here! Now if often driving below 40 F might as well get all season tires.
Last edited by JerryU; 08-24-2021 at 09:20 PM.
#33
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2005
Location: Las Vegas Nevada
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2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I often use Z Mode! It's like driving another more aggressive car.
See below and video a member made on why he only drives in Z Mode. Drive a "different more aggressive car" by setting Z MODE with Power set to Track. Note, unlike driving in Track Mode you can set Ride to Touring (assuming you have MRC.) Here is why I have Z MODE set with Power in Track. At the end is a link to a video by a forum member showing how it's a different car WITH POWER SET TO TRACK:
Good video describing what I said in words by a forum member:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9M...annel=jrock702
See below and video a member made on why he only drives in Z Mode. Drive a "different more aggressive car" by setting Z MODE with Power set to Track. Note, unlike driving in Track Mode you can set Ride to Touring (assuming you have MRC.) Here is why I have Z MODE set with Power in Track. At the end is a link to a video by a forum member showing how it's a different car WITH POWER SET TO TRACK:
- The car will upshift at much higher rpm than when in TOURING, SPORT or MY MODE.
- It will seldom shift past 5th gear (or 6th if going >70 mph.) Note 4th and 5th are OD ratios, like 6th,7th and 8th) providing engine torque with modest throttle increases WITHOUT downshifting.
- It will not go into V4 mode.
- When braking, it will downshift at higher rpm and rev match makes it perfectly smooth in each gear.
- Note, if desired you can still use the shift paddles. So if it's in 5th and your just cruising, pull the upshift paddle and you can shift to 6th, 7th ot 8th. If making an aggrieve turn you can downshift at whatever rpm you'd like as you brake. But you'll probably find when in Z MODE with Power set to Track it will downshift at high enough rpm with aggressive braking.
- You also get Track more aggressive Throttle control compared to a slower Tip-In in other modes.
Good video describing what I said in words by a forum member:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9M...annel=jrock702
#34
Normal, unspent fuel and a combination of exhaust system. It's fine
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rm50 (08-25-2021)
#35
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: NE South Carolina
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Hmm, never heard a backfire. Even when braking aggressively where it downshifts two gears in the blink of an eye. I have a 3/4 mile road near my home with only farm fields on both sides, no homes or people and seldom traffic. When I turn into that rural road often accelerate to triple digits (then back off) for fun. Never heard anything but high rpm.
Last edited by JerryU; 08-25-2021 at 09:14 AM.
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rm50 (08-25-2021)
#36
Instructor
I loooove Z Mode and My Mode. I think the mode selector is the most magical thing about this car. So many customization options. After playing with different settings I've so far settled on completely maxing out Z mode, and for My Mode, I set things more in the middle except for the exhaust/engine sound to max.
That, in combination with the traction control settings and there are endless combinations.
But Z mode maxed out in all settings is so awesome. I usually flip right (clockwise) to sport after Z mode, as I find going from maxed out Z to touring a bit too much of a difference.
That, in combination with the traction control settings and there are endless combinations.
But Z mode maxed out in all settings is so awesome. I usually flip right (clockwise) to sport after Z mode, as I find going from maxed out Z to touring a bit too much of a difference.
#37
Instructor
I get this too!! in normal Z mode. When it shifts!! I edit Z mode shift points down one notch on the screen and it quits, but then V4 comes into play (that sucks!).
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rm50 (08-25-2021)
#38
Short Lived
Z mode maxed out always. Love pressing Z mode twice (Mag ride) for preselected PTM or selecting what I like based on conditions. Does it so quick.
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djkianoosh (08-26-2021)