still losing traction with good tyres...maybe lowering will help??

**RhysQ** · 25-01-2008, 07:20 PM

Hey all,

I really struggle with traction from the standstill, all the way through 1st and half of 2nd gear (obviously without traction control on....I HATE IT). I don't think its the tyres cos i have Toyo Proxes T1-R's on (205/40 R17) and they are the best in their range.
Will lowering the car improve traction due to a lower centre of gravity, if so, how low should i go and what is the cost?

any help will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers all

**DaveMack** · 25-01-2008, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by [-Polo GTI-]

Hey all,

I really struggle with traction from the standstill, all the way through 1st and half of 2nd gear (obviously without traction control on....I HATE IT). I don't think its the tyres cos i have Toyo Proxes T1-R's on (205/40 R17) and they are the best in their range.
Will lowering the car improve traction due to a lower centre of gravity, if so, how low should i go and what is the cost?

any help will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers all

Just ... lighten the use of the right foot slightly.

Dave

**RhysQ** · 25-01-2008, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by DaveMack

Just ... lighten the use of the right foot slightly.

Dave

THAT'S IT! ....... why didn't i think of that.... thanks dave. haha

forgot to mention it obviously doesn't happen every time i take off...only when punching it.

**Adam** · 25-01-2008, 08:38 PM

I don't think lowering the car will improve your traction in straight line standstill acceleration, because your weight on each tyre will still be the same. but like dave said, maybe some conservative on your right foot is the way to go.

try different tyre pressure as that will have some effect in the tyre's contact area to the ground. or better yet, get a wide bodykit and fit some 17x8" fat wheels on for more fubber!

**ralphk** · 25-01-2008, 08:50 PM

I have 215/40/17 and LSD......and yep still traction problem. Like Dave said back off = no problem

**VW GTI** · 26-01-2008, 08:54 AM

Yeah, how much better is it to drive with traction control off? I've only had my car 4 days and I've realised that.

I had the same problem (but my car isn't chipped). I spent an entire night driving around trying to stop at every red light to practice. Got it down now, will have to do it again when it's chipped haha.

**REDMKVGTI** · 26-01-2008, 09:04 AM

Stiffer springs might help a bit because the weight will shift less, but yeh, the only way your really going to stop it is by going easy (boring).

**Ben_GTI** · 26-01-2008, 12:11 PM

Why would you complain about loosing traction? It's only annoying when traction control is on and it cuts the power. If you know you're going to give it some stick, just turn off the traction control and let her rip!!

I've been in NZ all week not driving and this topic has given me the urge to take the GTI for a drive........

**mitch_gti** · 26-01-2008, 12:45 PM

I dont like driving the the traction control OFF.

I think the system is calibrated really well.

Most of it has to do with your style of driving, if you drop the clutch at 2,500 rpm yes it will spin and tcs will pretty much completely kill power.
But if your smooth with the clutch on launch then ive found tcs only kicks in very very softly and briefly.

My brother and I have tried traffic light GP with and without tcs. We both agree the car is alot faster with the system on, provided your smooth.

IMO you dont need to try too hard with the GTI Polo, especially once it has been given the APR treatment. Dont have to dump the clutch, dont have to 'snap' gears like you do in other cars. Massive amount of torque will take car of it for you. Just have to concentrate on being smooth.