SS vs. Auto Mode
09-11-2002, 01:35 PM
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SS vs. Auto Mode
Is there really a difference? Also, by turning off the VSA controls, aren't you just inducing more wheel spin? I currently drive an 2001 CL-S and I am not so sure about these ... "So I popped it into SS and turned off VSA." methods.
Also, are their any mechanics or programmers here that can verify this method?
Thanks.
Also, are their any mechanics or programmers here that can verify this method?
Thanks.
09-11-2002, 02:30 PM
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You're only involking more wheel spin if you FLOOR it. If you can learn how to launch the car properly, you're better off, because...
VSA wants to reduce wheel spin. So, they way it behaves is by reducing power to the wheels to control the traction. The result is a loss of power.
The best way to drag race in a CL-S is VSA off and gateshift. Don't use SS mode or automatic. Put it in D1 and move through the gears manually just before the redline. SS is nice, but it switches for you from 1st to 2nd gear too soon. By doing the D1-D2-D3 yourself, you're gaining a couple more hundred RPM in D1, which is important.
VSA wants to reduce wheel spin. So, they way it behaves is by reducing power to the wheels to control the traction. The result is a loss of power.
The best way to drag race in a CL-S is VSA off and gateshift. Don't use SS mode or automatic. Put it in D1 and move through the gears manually just before the redline. SS is nice, but it switches for you from 1st to 2nd gear too soon. By doing the D1-D2-D3 yourself, you're gaining a couple more hundred RPM in D1, which is important.
09-11-2002, 02:33 PM
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Thanks for the answers! I've never noticed a difference between SS and Auto, however I have never tried gate shifting. That should be interesting! Also, I see what you mean about VSA, I find it much easier to spin my wheels w/ it off.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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09-12-2002, 12:56 PM
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I have to say that my favorite mode is SS also. However, at times I wish Acura didn't program the auto 1->2 shift. Perhaps that there's a fix? Reprogramming the ECU anyone? 
However, at times I think that Acura did this for a purpose. Sometimes when I give it all it's got, the tach needle jumps toward the redline like as if it's supposed to be there yesterday. Perhaps this auto 1->2 is designed as a safety precaution with prolonging the transmission/engine life in mind?
Oh well, won't have to think about it anymore in 6 days.
However, at times I think that Acura did this for a purpose. Sometimes when I give it all it's got, the tach needle jumps toward the redline like as if it's supposed to be there yesterday. Perhaps this auto 1->2 is designed as a safety precaution with prolonging the transmission/engine life in mind?
Oh well, won't have to think about it anymore in 6 days.
09-12-2002, 02:50 PM
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i have tried and g teched every combo, keeping test conditions the same, ss by far the best, i get at least to 6900-7000 shifts and no chance of hitting the rev limiter
09-13-2002, 03:29 PM
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Re: anyone else...
Nah. I am actually going to miss the reliability of the Acura. I have no doubt in mind that my CL-S is more dependable than the M3. However ... a M3 is a M3 ... how can you say no right?Also, I've owned a 3.2 TL and currently my CL-S. Plus, after reading all these race stories which all start with "So I popped it into SS and turned VSA off". I was just wondering if this makes a difference? I've tried SS and Auto so many times, and I really don't see a difference.
Originally posted by cephas
Think Kevin just started this thread to pump his new M3???
Think Kevin just started this thread to pump his new M3???
09-16-2002, 09:51 AM
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The M3 is coming w/ SMGII tranny. It's basicly a manual 6 speed w/ a robotic clutch. It's not as smooth as a auto, but does not have the flywheel->wheels HP loss as an auto. Great for track work, if you are planning on doing any. Also, if stuck in traffic, push it over to auto and the computer does everything for you.
However, this is different from SS. SS is essentially an user-controlled automatic transmission. Very smooth. People who expect the SMGII to operate smoothly in automatic mode usually gets surprised at how twitchy it is.
My 2 cents. Boat's coming 9/17 (most recent update.). I'll post some pictures of my new baby when I get it.
However, this is different from SS. SS is essentially an user-controlled automatic transmission. Very smooth. People who expect the SMGII to operate smoothly in automatic mode usually gets surprised at how twitchy it is.
My 2 cents. Boat's coming 9/17 (most recent update.). I'll post some pictures of my new baby when I get it.
10-01-2002, 09:47 AM
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Sweet looking wheels on that M3. 
10-03-2002, 03:07 PM
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Thank you guys for the compliments. The wheels are stock M parallels 19". 225/40 in the front and 255/35 in the back. I am going to have a heck of a time driving in winter!
10-04-2002, 11:48 AM
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10-07-2002, 09:27 AM
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7200 RPM! I thought that I pushed my CL-S hard ... but that's nothing compared to this! Never mastered gate shifting, sounds like the only way to go!
Originally posted by darrinb
i use gate shifting while racing and shift at like 7200 w/o hittin the rev limiter
i use gate shifting while racing and shift at like 7200 w/o hittin the rev limiter
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