Does anyone else hate the torque managent on these cars or what?!

7117 Views 17 Replies 7 Participants Last post by JasonZ34, Mar 18, 2010

Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · Mar 15, 2010 (Edited)

I know they use it to extend the life of the powertrain, and I'm sure with these 5/100 warranties its gotten even worse. But I hate it. My old G6 GTP was just as bad. I'd like to hear from the I4 guys and find out if it is as bad as the V6's too. Since they make less power it might not be as bad.

Incase you don't know what torque management is I'll give you a quick breakdown. It's not an issue on manual cars, which might be why it bothers me so much, since I am used to them. But on an auto lets say you turn off the TC and ESC and you punch it from a stop and get alot of wheelspin, or if you are making a turn and the wheels break loose. The car will turn back power before it shifts. It is pretty obvious when it kicks in. If the car has traction, even under full throttle it usually isn't an issue thankfully. But sometimes I think it kicks in to much and too soon.

This is one reason I wish my HP Tuners would do more on a 3.6, and I hope Diablo Sport comes out with their handheld tuner. Then maybe we can tune some of this torque management out.

I know in day to day driving it isn't an issue, and it is there to help protect the drivetrain. BUT I just wish is wasn't so intrusive. My old Grand Prix GTP had very, very little of it and would chirp the 1-2 shift sometimes.

Thoughts?

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 16, 2010 (Edited)

engineer25 said:
I have an I4 and it kills me too. It feels like someone pulled a parachute right before shifting. I feel like I can't get out of my own way.

See I was wondering how bad it was on the I4 too....it's a sign of the times I guess. Even my buddies new Mustang GT auto has it. But at least on that car there are a few ways to tune it out. I hope that can be said for us soon too.

Like for example, the other day i was pulling out of a store on to a busy street. So I had to make a hard right. I knew I didn't want the tires to go up in smoke or I'd go nowhere, but when I punched it to merge the TM kicked in a backed off the power before the 1-2 shift, way too much IMO.

But the other day I was on a back road and punched it from a stop, tires spun, but gained traction after about 20 feet or so, enough before the 1-2 shift that the TM didn't feel the need to kick in.

Also, the one time I went to the drag strip and ran it when I broke my Camaro LOL it didn't kick in at all. Because the track was sticky enough that the tires barely spun off the line and no TM had to kick in at all....

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 16, 2010

86lxjunker said:
I haven't really noticed it as much on my Malibu as I dont really 'get into it' very often as I have two other cars to do that in....but in my 02 Silverado HD it was REALLY bad - so I put in a Westers 89/93 tune and it really woke the 6.0l up - I could only imagine a good tuner could make our 3.6 more crisp and not have some much lag between shifts.

I don't get on the Malibu much either, like you I have another toy for that. But when I do there is a 50% chance TM will kick in. Like you said, even a hand held tuner, or mail order tune would make a BIG difference in the 3.6. Some of the DI 3.6 Camaro guys are getting nice power boosts with tuning. My hope is some of the DI 3.6 stuff trickles down soon.

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 16, 2010

Low Saturn said:
Have you looked into EFI Live? All engine combinations of the Malibu, Aura and G6 are supported.

http://www.efilive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=82

I currently have an EFILive tune on my 2001 Suburban with torque management and abuse mode turned off. Plus a few other changes. In the right hands, this tuner can do make some pretty nice changed. Its amazing that an average person can achieve better PCM programming than GM.

Yeah, I know about EFI Live, but I already had HP Tuners. Not gonna buy two programs, especially since the Malibu isn't going to be raced or anything. I'll wait for a handheld or a HP Tuners update....

As for GM's tuning, of course you can tweak it more, but you have to remember they need to meet EPA and CAFE standards, plus they want the best reliability.

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 16, 2010

Low Saturn said:
Its kinda unfortunate you already bought and paid for the HP Tuners.

. Also removing torque management and abuse mode improves transmission life.

I have HP Tuners cause I use it on my Camaro, I didn't by it for the Malibu.

Also, removing torque management hurts, not improves transmission life. They have it to extend transmission life.

As soon as someone makes a handheld, or can really tune these cars I will be first in line so I can get ride of this torque management and fiddle with the timing and A/F.

I will say, it is not as bad since I got the performance tires. They gain traction a little sooner then the LS2's did. But it still kicks in unless you have traction before the 1-2 shift, which is not always the case. At least from a roll it doens't kick in....

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 17, 2010

GTPMALIBU said:
getting rid of TM and making it shift faster( can be done through programming) can reduce ware and tear on your clutch packs.
but will stress the rest of the trans

Exactly. Many of the GM/Ford guys have tranny issues when they remove the TM and race alot. You gotta pay to play.

Diablo Sport still says they have a Predator handheld coming out soon for the 3.6....

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 17, 2010

Low Saturn said:
But if you do and drive like a sane adult, there are no negative effects. I'm talking about doing it then driving to work every day, taking the family on vaction, ect... Heck, I supposedly dont have a speed limiter either. Never tested it. Never care to try. Even with the big brake kit I have, I can't see taking it into the triple digits.

I have over 25,000 miles on my Suburban with 100% torque management and abuse mode turned off. It just hit 100,000 a couple weeks ago. I have 35" tires, 4.56 gears and tow a flat bed car hauler. I have zero issues with my transmission. And the 4L60E is know for its issues.

My brother and I have been talking about purchasing EFILive and splitting the cost. I'll post the results when that time comes. The main thing I want to do it increase MPG. Its not too bad now, but it can always be better. Just have to do some tweaking of the fuel tables.

Of course "normal" driving shouldn't really effect it. You just have to remember MOST who remove TM are doing it for one reason.

I just want it gone....if you get EFI Live keep us posted!

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Silver LTZ

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 17, 2010

Bedbug said:
Silver

So let me understand this, I've been driving with Traction control disabled am I doing harm to the tranny ? I drive with it off because I found that driving with it on the minute i take my foot off the gas pedal the car slows down immediately, like if the brake was pressed. with TC off when I take my foot off the gas pedal I can cruise and maintain speed. I hope im not doing damage. As always thanks !!!!

TM, torque management is totally different then TC, traction control.
You do no harm what so ever having it off. BUT, if you car slows down by itself with it on, something might be wrong with it. Mine doesn't do that....

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