DSC on or off?

[diablo900t]

I've read some posts and reviews saying that DSC should be turned off unless you are in rain or snow conditions. Is this true?

One review I read said that it prevents 5800 rpm shifts, faster launch, etc. I tried turning it off briefly, but couldn't tell much of a difference.

Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[sykopat]

Very interesting questions. I'd definitely like to know the answer.

 

[enjoy_]

good question..i too would like to hear some answers

 

[gooniac33]

I turn mine off only when I wanna do a real serious hard launch. It isn't just traction control but actual vehicle stability control. It will notice when the car is getting out of hand and snap it back into shape. By that I mean it will make the car understeer when it senses it is about to oversteer. In the rain it will actually help alot. It does in the dry weather too. I actually leave mine on all the time unless I wanna do something stupid.......LOL. But you need to test if out for yourself to see what it will do on and off.

 

[JaxJeff]

I have been turning mine off from time to time. My ass dyno says it takes off faster !. Actually it seems to boost higher in 1st and second... Although I have boosted the same with DSC on... but not as consistently. I can say just becareful with DSC off.... because the car does have enough power to get you in trouble.
I have found myself..... starting to slide when flooring it while cornering.

 

[Qwik6]

I like to leave it on in the rain. I acted up one evening on a wet road and did a 180. Luckily there was no traffic around

 

[TX Speed 6]

Well... I don't remember where I read it... but if I recall correctly (and I'll look it up later when I'm not so lazy) the TCS is what kicks in during launches and loss of grip. The DSC will deccellarate/accellarate the left or front side tires to correct understeer or oversteer. Like I said, I'll look it up later. However, I did try at the track running with both the DCS on and off and it made no noticable difference in times

 

[FORZDA 1]

I've read some posts and reviews saying that DSC should be turned off unless you are in rain or snow conditions. Is this true?

One review I read said that it prevents 5800 rpm shifts, faster launch, etc. I tried turning it off briefly, but couldn't tell much of a difference.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Yes, leave it ON unless you really want to launch at max velocity from a stop and expect wheelspin. It will shut down the fun right away when it sees any wheel speed difference or "fishtailing", etc. so don't saw the steering back and forth either. DSC monitors 2-axis (vertical and longitudinal) accelerations and combines the result with the speed, steering angle to determine whether to reduce engine torque, brake one or more wheels, or all of the above to keep the car "straight". The traction control really is an integrated function along with the DSC system, so there's really no separating them. Traction control also reduces engine torque and/or applies the brakes on the front or rear wheels as a pair to stop wheelspin. The DSC/TSC will not let you break the rear loose on a low traction surface or during "spirited" cornering manuevers.

 

[gooniac33]

Well... I don't remember where I read it... but if I recall correctly (and I'll look it up later when I'm not so lazy) the TCS is what kicks in during launches and loss of grip. The DSC will deccellarate/accellarate the left or front side tires to correct understeer or oversteer. Like I said, I'll look it up later. However, I did try at the track running with both the DCS on and off and it made no noticable difference in times

They are all integrated. DSC controls all of that. By disabling the DCS you cut it all out. We can't work them independently...

 

[wannabe]

Well... I don't remember where I read it... but if I recall correctly (and I'll look it up later when I'm not so lazy) the TCS is what kicks in during launches and loss of grip. The DSC will deccellarate/accellarate the left or front side tires to correct understeer or oversteer. Like I said, I'll look it up later. However, I did try at the track running with both the DCS on and off and it made no noticable difference in times

yeah. check the sticky at the top of the engine section here and look at the Technical Training Manual, its got some info on it in there.

edit: page 47-48, lots of good TCS/DSC info. basically, if you have the DSC on, and you oversteer, understeer, or spin a wheel, it uses the brakes to help correct it. if you just want to GO, then you want DSC off.

 

[gooniac33]

wow how did I miss that? there is a lot of stuff there! thanx for posting the link!!

 

[wannabe]

no prob

 

[Speed6gurl]

Posted on behalf of Charlie Perez:

Mazda Speed6 Enthusiasts,

Chimp Daddy LLC is currently looking for Mazda Speed 6 owners to partake in a Research and Development effort. Chimp Daddy LLC currently makes a product call the "Traction Control Chimp" for the late model Pontiac GTO's. This device reverses the default setting of the traction control feature. With the GTO by default the traction control is enabled every time you start the car. This forces the driver to push the traction control button every time they start the car to disable the traction control. To switch the default functionality of the traction control to disabled we have developed the Traction Control Chimp. This device automatically actuates the traction control circuit when you start the car, so the driver does not have to push the button any more. Another advantage to the Traction Control Chimp is that it also does not interfere with the traction control button function. So you can still enable or disable the traction control at any time by pushing the traction control button like normal.

It has come to our attention that Mazda Speed 6 owners would also like having the traction control defaulted to disabled when starting their vehicle. We would like to expand our product line to support the Mazda Speed 6 line of vehicles but we need some help with R&D. We are looking for a few Mazda Speed 6 owners in the Denver Colorado area that would be willing to let us test our Traction Control Chimp on their vehicle. The ideal testers would be ones that have a good mechanical understanding of their vehicle and the ability to disassembly/reassemble the dash/console area where the traction control button resides. Testers that assist us with the deployment of the Traction Control Chimp on the Mazda Speed 6 will receive a free Traction Control Chimp. If you are interested in participating in this R&D effort feel free to e-mail us at chimp@chimpdaddyllc.com. If you would like to learn more about our product visit our website at www.chimpdaddyllc.com. Thank you for your time!!!

Charlie Perez

Chimp Daddy LLC
17704 Junegrass PL
Parker, CO 80134
chimp@chimpdaddyllc.com
www.chimpdaddyllc.com

 

[Bluestrick]

alright well today i had it on and i was doing a sharp as turn during the race.. ive noticed that you should keep it off for a launch and then a bit after it turn it on so you can maintain traction and you dont slip and hit some curve like i almost did x(

 

[coyfish]

Only time it makes a difference for me is from hard launches where I get some wheel spin. Other then that mine is always on. Never know when you will need it to save ur ass.

 

[Super Shredder]

the only time i use DSC is in the snow or when i'm driving my mother around. DSC takes away power from shifts it considers too rough. you can even grind gears because of refusal to shift at top rpms. i also will go ahead and make the statement that transfer cases are being torn to shreds from people trying to drive fast with DSC, funny you also mention the newer GTOs, which is one car i have had plenty experience in, you cant drive with traction control on, unless in rain, the rear axle with develop a change purse jingle from abuse with TCS on. 1500$ repair each time.

 

[tunersteve]

I'm one to drive with it on. Most of the time, it's not intrusive on my driving. If I know that I'm going to get silly with the car, then I'll disable it.

You can wire up a latching relay, similar to the Chimp Daddy system, and have it disabled when the car is started. I personally think its a waste of time and money, unless your MS6 is a strict track car.

I think instead of disabling this, get someone to retune the TCS and AWD system to be more forgiving, and a little more aggressive. I would rather put my money there.

 

[BoostedSpd6]

the only time i use DSC is in the snow or when i'm driving my mother around. DSC takes away power from shifts it considers too rough. you can even grind gears because of refusal to shift at top rpms. i also will go ahead and make the statement that transfer cases are being torn to shreds from people trying to drive fast with DSC, funny you also mention the newer GTOs, which is one car i have had plenty experience in, you cant drive with traction control on, unless in rain, the rear axle with develop a change purse jingle from abuse with TCS on. 1500$ repair each time.

i only drive with it on in the rain or snow too.. turning it off in the snow can be fun (lol2)

 

[Marauder.45]

I pretty much leave it off until I hit the Expressway/Parkway/Interstate. Once over 60mph I wouldn't mind a little help keeping me going straight in case I spin out. I've spun 3 times and hit a rail in a car doing 80 with no DSC, don't really want to do that again.(smash)

 

[kendon]

off until it snows (doubtfull) or there's ice on the road (once, maybe a twice a year).