why do people turn off the tcs when launch and racing

[pixma]

i got my first manual car and its a 04 350z a few weeks ago..im new at driving manuals, so my friend said when i want to launch the car for racing purposes it best to turn off the tcs why is that can any help me out.. sorry im a manual newbie, never had a manual before

[carbon z]

The traction control system actually backs the throttle off when engaged. With it on I can do a hard u-turn at full throttle and not spin a tire. With it off, doing the same thing results in complete tire spin with tire burn out. TCS off allows full power to the rear wheels. Sorry, I originally missed using the word "off" in the preceding sentence.
Modified by carbon z at 8:37 PM 7/26/2008

[Watermelonwarrior]

TCS allows full power to the rear wheels.

I thought thats only when its turned off.

[Beancooker]

I ran my car and pulled off a 14.4 @97.4 MPH. When I tried it with the VDC turned on, I ran a 15.39 @90.2 MPH

Every time that I would start to spin, it would apply the brakes to the slipping tires, and back off the throttle.

[Beancooker]

The traction control system actually backs the throttle off when engaged. With it on I can do a hard u-turn at full throttle and not spin a tire. With it off, doing the same thing results in complete tire spin with tire burn out. TCS allows full power to the rear wheels.

I thought thats only when its turned off.

Correct. When you turn it off, and get the light on the dash, then you have unrestricted power to the tires.

When it is on (TCS) every time you start the car, and don't turn it off, it will still allow full power to the rear tires. However it will restrict the throttle when your wheels starts to slip.

TCS = traction control system - Cuts throttle, but doesn't apply braking to spinning tires.

VDC = Vehicle dynamic control - Cuts throttle, and applies brakes only to the wheel that is slipping. It will brake any one or all or whatever wheels are necessary to regain control of the car.

[dasoupdude]

I believe the TCS and VDC are considered to be the "nanny" settings of the car.

[R350Zz33]

where are the switches?

[bmike818]

its above the fuel door release button on your left.

...you just a got a brand new 08 Z and you haven't read your manual? kids...reading is good for you!

[Watermelonwarrior]

where are the switches?

To the left under the steering wheel. If you have an enth all you will have is a button for the tcs. Not 100% sure tho

[bmike818]

^ you are right

[BlackSmoke]

When you litft the hood next to the a/c compressor and fan belt.

[rmezz13]

I know the 04 enthusiast has it, but i think thats the main diff between the enthu, and the performance (what i have)... KBB lists the performance as traction control, but the only traction control i seem to have is LSD..... which is what makes the performance better than the base

performance models were only offered in 03, 04.....

[R350Zz33]

...you just a got a brand new 08 Z and you haven't read your manual? kids...reading is good for you!

It was suppose to been in the 23rd my birthday. I took off work to get it the dealer called me at 9:30 said it should be in on the 24th said happy birthday and thats the last i herd. when i get it im sure i will be sleeping with that manual.

[dasoupdude]

where are the switches?

Just look around your left knee cap.

[cattledrftr9]

my 04 touring does not have tcs as well just vdc

[s13gebala]

i have a 99 maxima and i have to turn off the tcs to floor it from 1st all the time

[R350Zz33]

pixma is ur car a 04 or 03 cause here u say o4 and here u said 03 zerothread/353155also we should chill u live close maybe arrange a z meet on long island.

[SRTtoZ]

the only time TCS shoudl be on is in the rain.

[bmike818]

my 04 touring does not have tcs as well just vdc

The TCS is part of your VDC. I have been having fun with my Z lately. I have been turing the VDC off more often. I notice that the enigine is more livelier especially during shifts. I can feel more pull with each upshift the only bad thing is I have to pay more attention, because if I loose it, I won't have VDC to save my butt.

I like driving with the VDC for practice and safety, I know when the system does not kick it, that means I took the corner near the optimal speed and trajectory. But then I again I have never Auto X'd so my optimal speed might be somebody's warm up speed