Traction Control

[fastski at mailexcite.com]

Just a few comments on various posts.  Mercedes ICS(stability control)
events will slow the car down, but this is a philosophy issue. GM cars
(Caddilac and Corvette) will still accelerate during ICS events.  Cutting
fuel to cylinder turns the engine into a air pump and since the cutout is
for multiple revolutions the real danger is to the catalytic converter which
can melt if too much spark retard and cylinder cut out are used.  This is
based on experience with production engines, I don't know what will happen
to a 13 to 1 compression engine.  Traction control can be done without
individual rear wheel speeds without or without a limited slip if you are
only controlling engine power and not brake torque.  Even four channel ABS
systems (front drive cars with diagonal split brake systems) link the rear
brake control for stability concerns.  Three wheel speed sensors are used on
most rear drive ABS vehicles exceptions are usually Bosch 4wd ABS and rwd
brake enhanced TCS vehicles.  Throttle by wire or throttle relaxers (both
use electric motors) are being used on quite a few cars now and the throttle
control is probably faster than anyone can move the throttle pedal.  




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