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VTCM Beta Testers Thread

24K views 206 replies 35 participants last post by  Lemniscate_Mike 
#1 ·
This thread is for the discussion of the VTCM made by TRS300 (Tim) of LX Custom Solutions.

Beta testers are encouraged to discuss there experiences both good and not so good with the VTCM. We should also share our suggestions for future product development.

This thread would also be a good place to ask questions regarding the installation and operation of the VTCM and it's associated software.

I know Tim has put in a ton of effort to make this product available. I am very thankful to Tim for doing this.

I will make a new post soon to share my experience with the install and driving performance of the VTCM.

LASoundman
 
#3 ·
In a nutshell



Just have second to reply so this is a very quick summary.

The VTCM is basically a user customizable TCM and shift firmness controller. Using the VTCM Manager software you can create three modes (presets) of shift point and firmness strategies.

When your car is in auto stick mode and set to no auto up-shift via a Predator the VTCM becomes the TCM and takes over shifting. The firmness settings are used by both the VTCM and the stock TCM so you get firmness control at all times.

The VTCM is a very cool product.
 
#8 ·
i dont get it.
is this any different from whats out there already????
 
#9 · (Edited)
There is nothing that I'm aware of that delivers a complete shifting strategy. It's a complex thing to dynamically control upshifts, downshifts, kickdowns, aggression, and the level if firmness under all driving conditions.

The only other device I know that will do this is the MTCM. And it is not configurable, nor does it have modes.

Maybe this will help... First off... Let's be clear that downshifts and kickdowns are not the same... Downshifts occur as the car slows down, kickdowns occur as you accelerate...

The LX stock TCM delivers a shifting strategy that always tries to cause the car to shift to soon... It's goal is to push and keep RPMs as low as possible under normal conditions to deliver a fraction better fuel economy and less emissions. This result's in the car always feeling like it's in a bogged down state... When you do get on it it "Flares" back to life as it tries to downshift from a tall gear to a gear that wil get the car moving. On top of this, the stock TCM will kickdown to far. My car will kickdown into second gear all the way up to 60MPH. In that kickdown my car is so high in the RPM band it barely pulls... Add all this to the fact that the TCM adaptives continually try and make things more dull and you end up with a very "Un-Sporty" driving effect.

Devices that firm up the shift are great, but they do nothing to alter when the car will choose to shift or into what gear you go. The VTCM delivers it's own custom strategy. One not influenced by the TCM logic or the adaptives.

It's a great question. And I know it can be confusing.

I hope this helps.

--
 
#11 ·
My .02

Here is my experience so far with the VTCM.

I went to Tim's house last Sunday to install my beta unit. Tim was gracious enough to do the install so he could have an opportunity to make install notes and take a few pictures of the process. The install went smooth and is really not that bad of a task at all.

After the kit was installed we ran into two bugs. First was my brake pedal use was not being detected by the VTCM. I have the same year 300C as Tim but have a different "brake on" message from my cars computer. Tim fixed that very quickly by enabling the CAN sniffer in the VTCM manager software and determined what was happening then adjusted code and all was well with that. Second was when my car shifted from first to second gear my car would spin the wheels and the VTCM went into a pause mode due to my car making a shift on it's own prior to the VTCM initiating the shift. I have one of the 2005 300's that still upshifts on it's own no matter what mode I set with the Predator in the transmission settings. This issue was to be address at a later time. My car was still very much drivable with the VTCM and I still used it even with that last bug present.

I am happy to say that Tim has already addressed that second bug and now I have zero issues with WOT shifts at redline no matter what initiated the shift.

All I can say is that I am absolutely happy as hell to have this thing in my car. I was starting to consider getting rid of the 300 as I couldn't stand the stock shift strategy. My car was always in too high a gear and had a few other shift issues I hated. After only having this for less than a week and only a couple days without any bugs I would not want to drive without it.

I am still tweaking my modes (presets) and it gets better every day. I have a setting that mimics the stock feel of the car with better shift points for third, fourth and fifth gear. Basically just fixing my complaints with the stock setup. I am now working on my sport and race modes. I love it.

I think Tim is off to a great start.

I am not much of a writer so I am sure I left some details out.

LASoundman
 
#22 ·
I have my VTCM on it's way to me - I can't wait!

Guys if anything, tim is excellent to deal with. I've got an old unit calle SFC in my car now that increases shift firmness drastically and I love it. It was used as a way to test the functionality of the VTCM in my v6 car to ensure it'll work. With this test, it seems it will. Every little question I've had tim has answered immediately. He answers the phone when you call (as long as you don't forget 9am EST = 6am pst lol). He's sent dozens of emails about testing progress to those of us in the group. And, he meets or beats deadlines!

All in all, read up on what tim has posted, and decide for yourself if it's right for you. If you want a generally more exciting driving experience, this is it!
 
#25 ·
NP John... Now to get these install instructions put together... Your situation with how XP has a setting for blocking unsigned drivers was news to me.. I'm really glad we got this resolved... I feel much more secure on what needs to be done to get the driver installed without issue now. Thanks for your help.
 
#27 ·
How would your device enhance road course driving performance?
 
#28 · (Edited)
Hi Hemissary, The device shifts your car for you in auto-stick based on the settings you provide. Upshifts, Downshifts, Kickdowns, and firmness are all controlled. The VTCM delivery keeps the car in it's power band much better then the stock TCM does... Average gear is held lower, average RPM higher, under the same conditions...

Here is some test data that was taken on a very curvy canyon road by my home... For the sake of the test I ran the same course trying to hold the same speed. The intent was to show that under the same conditions the car is held in a much more agressive state...

BTW: Just as a side note... When running this canyon at any agressive speed you can pretty much forget about paddles... The steering wheel is flying around far tomuch for them to be of any use...

 
#30 ·
Seems JUST like the Tranzformer I have.......
 
#32 ·
Will this address when the car down shifts in drive? I have a transformer but it does nothing for this...the down shifting at near 1k rpm is killing me...would love to downshift at higher rpm in drive.
 
#35 ·
Tim can give more detailed answers but I will give a quick answer as I have been running the VTCM for a bit now.

Not in Drive. Yes for in auto-stick mode, that's when the VTCM is active and performing shifts for you.

The VTCM is very customizable for upshifts, downshifts, kick downs and shift firmness. You can save three presets (modes) and switch between them at will. You can even set how the car downshifts coasting and with brakes applied. You can also disable the VTCM or pause it and take manual control over auto-stick shifting.

This product is very cool and I would not want to drive without it.
 
#33 ·
I would be open to see what else this will do.
 
#34 ·
This could be the answer for my daily driving. I have always complained about letting the car shift on it's own...it has always shifted way to early for my liking and seems like the car is just bogged down when shifting normally. For this reason, I have always manually shifted to get up to the rpm's where I feel she needs to be before then shifting into gear. That goes the same when it auto downshifts normally, so I am always manually downshifting similar to that of a manual tranny.
What about driving in the mountains or roads with a lot of elevation changes. Would you have to change modes from normal day to day city driving? Or does it adapt for you. I am assuming you can over ride the program on the fly manually as well?
This could be exactly what I am looking for.
-Ron
 
#36 ·
You have the same complaint as me about the stock shift strategy. The VTCM is perfect for improving daily driving. The VTCM doesn't adapt but it is highly customizable and you can make three different presets (modes) that can be switched between on the fly. I have one for smooth daily driving that keeps my car feeling pretty stock but without shifting into 4th and 5th gear too early. I also have a sport mode type setting that gives increase shift point and firmness throughout the shift strategy. Then I have an even more aggressive mode that has much more shift firmness and even higher shift point strategy.

You can override the VTCM at any time. If you make a manual shift the VTCM pauses until you reactivate it.

All I can say is the VTCM does a great job of making my car a much more enjoyable driving experience. I actually thought my car was broken and was regretting buying it until now.
 
#45 ·
install

My VTCM is installed and working . Took the car around the block for a test drive happy to say all is well and I am happy .So far I drove car in mode 1 only can't wait to see what mode 2 and 3 are like. Hope to data log Sunday .

Install time was 5.5 -6 hours way to long . This was partly me and party instructions . Also wiring in my car did not match wiring in other test cars . This caused more time to find wires that weren't were they should be according instruction. Which in turn made the harness short .So I had to extend part of the harness by 2 ft. Once these bugs are worked out install time should be 2.5-3 hours . This install is not hard but it does require you to disassemble and or remove console, loosen front seat, carpet DS front ,trim panels and instrument cluster.

I purchased this as a beta tester so the above problems are not that bad really . Tim and I are one state CA/ARIZ apart but Tim was right there with in on the phone . :thumbs_u:

Hope to up date as I learn more about shifting points , firmness , downshifts and kickdowns. If I have any problems I well post those as well ...
 
#46 · (Edited)
.....Install time was 5.5 -6 hours way to long . This was partly me and party instructions . Also wiring in my car did not match wiring in other test cars ....
I'm not sure why the 2005's have a C-Bus running along the lower door rail but that the 2006 does not? Go figure... On all kits going forward I'll target the C-Bus taps to be at the TCM plug... Down under the carpet was a clean place for those taps though, it's too bad that simply work out for all the years...

I agree with your assessment too... 2.5 - 3 hours for this install seems about right if you take your time, check things twice and do it right... I'll be sure to update the instructions with the points you made... This is actually the first system installed by someone other then me, and doing so from a set of instructions... So Good job! :beerchug:

Thanks for your paintence... This is why we call it Beta testing... I do not have every year car in my pocket so we will learn as we go along... Glad you got through the install phase and can now start to enjoy your VTCM! Drive it around in mode2 for awhile and see how you like it... I'll be getting some operating instructions out as soon as I can... Cheers!

--
 
#47 · (Edited)
Tim if there is a spot behind the TCM that would make for a clean install as well ? or up by the cluster being it is removed anyway. You know how I feel about out of site out of mind .

I would still like to know what those other 2 twisted pairs are under the carpet .....?
 
#48 ·
Tim you are correct about mode 2 . This put the fun back in driving my car in town . I had to experience this to be leave it . Good news bad news thing the more fun I have the gas mileage well I guess you know where I am going with that . But on the other hand I did not buy this car for gas mileage .
The other thing is cornering when you come out of the corner the car is ready without hesitation. The throttle response is there and waiting on you not the other way around .
 
#49 ·
Tim you are correct about mode 2 . This put the fun back in driving my car in town . I had to experience this to be leave it . Good news bad news thing the more fun I have the gas mileage well I guess you know where I am going with that . But on the other hand I did not buy this car for gas mileage .
The other thing is cornering when you come out of the corner the car is ready without hesitation. The throttle response is there and waiting on you not the other way around .
Cool... :banana: I thought you would like that. I know those settings make my 5.7 seem like I have a few more ponies just due to difference in response... I could only imagine what it would be like for an SRT... That is exactly what I meant when I said the system makes "Normal Driving" much more fun... I'll even go so far as to say it helps a lot when driving your car fast and hard too... Anyway, You can back up your mode files and start to mess around with settings if you like (if soemthing goes bad you can just re-install your backed-up files). Ask questions as you go along and make small changes and you will be fine... One thing you could do is lower down a notch the 1>2 & 2>3 upshift targets... This keeps the low throttle effect more stock but when you get into the gas (>= 30%) the car will still be more agressive as it is now... Your car has more torque to so you need to find the best setting for your personal taste...
 
#55 ·
Yes, this is correct... That is exactly how it works now... It actually places the VTCM in "Pause" which is indicated by the indicator slowly fading in and out (like a slow pulse) When you want to re-engage it you do so by button presses on the steering wheel... Then the indicator goes solid again...

Also... only the shifing code is paused... The firmness settings are still active in a pause state...
 
#58 ·
The steering wheel control is a very cool feature . Also keep in mind YOUR 3 pre programed mode setting are controlled thru steering wheel buttons . You could have different set ups for different tracks or whatever . You will have complete control of the how ,what and when . If you plug it into your laptop you can see this all in real time . You can program the VTCM in our out of car . I'm sure there is more I am leaving out .

The one thing I do know is Tim will give you all the support you need . Sunday Tim and I ran down 3 phone batterys talking about the settings and setup.
 
#59 ·
I use Autostick most of the time.

What I would be interested in is if it would do everything you said it would do. . . in Drive.

I like to "shift" for myself in autostick. When I put the car in Drive is when the trans acts like a Granny car.
 
#60 · (Edited)
I use Autostick most of the time.

What I would be interested in is if it would do everything you said it would do. . . in Drive.

I like to "shift" for myself in autostick. When I put the car in Drive is when the trans acts like a Granny car.
I think you would find out like the others have you wouldn't use drive without VTCM .Once you set up the modes (3) for your driving habits you won't miss Autostick. I drove my car most of the time in autostick loved it . The VTCM has replaced autostick . Don't forget this is all being controlled by you from your steering wheel buttons.You won't be leave what all you can adjust during set up. It works in stop and go traffic and in the mountains . Matter of fact you could have mode 1 for town and mode 2 for mountains or what ever.
I am starting to sound like a salesman that's not my intentions. Sorry

Tim (VTCM) can explain this much better than I. Hope he does ?
 
#63 ·
Tim

I used the Laptop in my car tonight, it worked as it should on reading the VCTM. I am amazed how much data it shows. The real time feature, it is a must. The only problem I have is I can't watch the screen while driving . Next time I will bring someone to drive. That way I can watch and learn. It's a great learning tool. You know what they say about a picture is worth a thousand words.

The logging feature is very handy. The fact is saves it to the desktop is very helpful.
To view the VTCM in real time will help me understand the operations and settings. I think you said I can make changes in real time? Can't wait to try that in the future.

I still feel the VTCM is a little complex and difficult to learn, but then it's only been 6 days . You know how I hate change .
 
#64 · (Edited)
Tim

I used the Laptop in my car tonight, it worked as it should on reading the VCTM. I am amazed how much data it shows. The real time feature, it is a must. The only problem I have is I can't watch the screen while driving . Next time I will bring someone to drive. That way I can watch and learn. It's a great learning tool. You know what they say about a picture is worth a thousand words.

The logging feature is very handy. The fact is saves it to the desktop is very helpful.
To view the VTCM in real time will help me understand the operations and settings. I think you said I can make changes in real time? Can't wait to try that in the future.

I still feel the VTCM is a little complex and difficult to learn, but then it's only been 6 days . You know how I hate change .
It is pretty amazing the amount of information flowing from the controller to the Manager application... When you see the graphical display in action you really can "See" the VTCM program in action...

If you do have the manager running while in the car, please do keep your eyes on the road... If you want to see your run, simply make an output log while driving the car... Later, when not driving, you can read the log file back into the Manager and observe the run in replay mode... Much safer...

The settings and terms can be a bit confusing... To emulate all the actions of a TCM is not an easy thing to do... Some of it is intuitive... Some of it is not... I'm going to try and simplify things where I can... The good news is, once you understand what's going on, it's not that hard to understand how you would make an adjustment... It's getting the basic understanding at first that takes a little effort. The graphical display helps a lot here...

Yes.... Most ALL settings can be adjusted on the fly without having to commit the changes... In other words... You can manipulate your settings while someone else is driving the car and you will sense the changes in the car immediately... Even before you commit a save. If you do not like the changes, click cancel and it all goes back to the way it was prior to making the changes...
 
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