Two things I cant understand:
I have heard that SS is slower than leaving it in D5. Is this true??
Also, if VSA is turned off, will SS be affected in any way?

 

I have found that the car shifts plenty fast in D5 and the car "learns" how you drive after a while and the trans adjusts to your driving style. In D5 the trans will up and down shift. In SS, you have to up and down shift yourself, except when you slow or stop, then the trans shifts down for you. In SS mode the trans shifts from 1st to 2nd rather quickly. However, if you switch off the VSA, the car will stay in first until the redline and then shift into 2nd. Works well.

 

The only way you'll redline in 1st gear is if you disable VSA ***AND*** floor it at theh same time -- otherwise disabling VSA doesn't prolong the time in the 1st gear at all.

 

THIS MAY SOUND STUPID BUT WHAT IS VSA?

 

VSA = Vehicle Stability Assist

The electronic program includes traction control and it also monitors "fishtailing" and "yaw" to compensate for unsafe conditions by using the integrated 4-channel ABS system. I've tested it in the snow, since I drove the new TL-S home in the snow, and it works "ok." As they always say, nothing can completely defy the simple laws of physics.

 

What the hell is wrong with acura. why doesnt it redline in first gear, like every other car out there. Anyways PeterUbers, what do you mean exactly by disabling VSA and flooring it at the same time. From a standstill, I prefer to gas just enough not to skid the tires and then push it to the end, it gets alot better pickup that way. Would my way work to redline it in 1st gear?

 

Power,

If you disable VSA and gas it like you said (good theory, but you'll have to take another approach w/ the TL-S).. then you'll no doubt get a good launch, but you'll have already shifted to 2nd gear cuz you didn't "floor it." And, if you're driving more than 25 mph by the time you decide to punch it in 1st gear (after you've eased her in and locked the tires to the pavement) you won't be able to drop back down to 1st gear -- you'll be in second gear and won't get the most outta that gear due to your slower start. The way to effectively do what you wanna do is this:

Drop into D1 --> get a good launch using your method, then punch it once you hear the wheels lock up.

You'll be locked into 1st gear so you'll be able to redline in it -- now shift to D3 (the car will automatically redline for you in 2nd gear so long as you're at full throttle).

With a little practice, you'll be able to get fairly good launches, but until you get better tires, like Toyos, the michelines ain't gunna be sticky enough to get those 6.28 second 0-60 times.

Best of luck.