AWD question

T

trainerKEN

iS VIP
iS VIP
Location
Vancouver BC for now
is it bad to use AWD on... say... high speeds? or ummmmm "fast acceleration"? I've had my FX for 4 months now (exactly 4 months tomorrow), and have never had the need to use it. But was curious...

Okay, I'll admit it.... my real question is: AWD better or worst 0-60? Will it do damage?
 
The AWD is automatic, so you've always been using it. You have no control to switch it on or off, & as far as damage, this is the way the system is designed . . . answer: NO

&, I think if the 45 were RWD only, you would deff. be faster in the dry.
 
Actually, lemme correct, You may get a better launch with AWD, so may not be any slower, although I'm pretty sure you lose some power in the drivetrain with the AWD.
There's a snow button that will reduce power if you start to slip.
 
gto-dave said:
Actually, lemme correct, You may get a better launch with AWD, so may not be any slower, although I'm pretty sure you lose some power in the drivetrain with the AWD.
There's a snow button that will reduce power if you start to slip.
Click to expand...
Correct, and the AWD tranny normally switches back to RWD after xx mph (nobody's given a definite answer, some say 16, some swear 19, etc)

You still have losses because of the mechanical linkage, but to add to the answers to your question(s), you do get a better launch being AWD since you probably won't come close to spinning your tires with NA power, but don't exactly know if the launch makes up for the losses.

You're not being any harder on the tranny going with the AWD button ('03) or Snow-mode (I believe '04+) since it was designed to be a part-time AWD system anyways.
 
thanks guys...

I picked up one of them gtech thingys from eBay for like $30... and only did ONE run (0-60) and it was a disappointing 7.3 sec. But I (obviously) had a bad launch...

I know those gtech-type devices may not be all that accurate but I got it so I have some way of telling if I get any gains on mods... not to mention that it was only around $30
 
Try doing a crude measure with a stopwatch. If you're still in the 7's, somethings wrong with your ride & I would deff. race you for pinks any day of the week.
 
yeah, it was just ONE run... and maybe I shifted too early... There aren't many places around here with a nice straight-away... only that one spot... and this time of the day... there's a lot of cars maybe later/late I'll go back again... but then again... by night fall... the air/barometer will change :confused:
 
My 2 cents.

If you are trying to get the most out of your Launch, there are a couple of things you might want to do....

Since you have an '03 you do have the option to have the AWD LOCK setting on your car. Then take the VDC OFF and you will see a great difference in your Launch and your overall shifting and acceleration.

In my case, having the AWD LOCK or in my case SNOW and the VDC OFF, gives me better gas millage and a quicker off the line response. If you apply these you can really feel the FX45 Power.

Pierce (DR2K) can better elaborate on the overall advantages... He has more 1/4 mile experience than I do.
 
The g-tech is good for a feel of how you are running but you should definitely think about going down to Cal. Speedway and try a few runs at the actual 1/4 track. It is a rush and you will get real numbers of how your fx is running. Will probably be going down there again come this sept/oct. Maybe you can make it out there with the gang.

Learning to launch correctly and trying to beat your times is a blast. Still getting the hang of it but improving with every run.
 
^^^YES! I'm soooooo down for the meet at the track!!!

the gtech thing was cheap and more or less another gadget to mess around with...

what sucks is... my mpg is gonna go down having this around
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top