just wondering,

I was test-driving the LS430 at the dealers this morning.

When i floored the car, how come the car feels like it doesnt launch with enough 'grunt'....
like the power delivery is too smooth, and u dont feel 'pushed'.

Is there any way to make the LS feels more gutsy during acceleration ?
I felt quite a big comparison because I was driving a friend's CLS 500 to the dealership (and also a S430 the previously)...
and by some brochure and specs info, both cars have a 5.9 second 0.60, as well as similar power ...but why does the merc feels like more power, and the LS less?

 

what you could do is to use the aftermarket torque converter. I had that on my GS430 and the acceleration is day and night. I know PI has one for 02 LS430. Perhaps they have it for the newer LS. Even if they don't, you could always go customize with them assuming money is no issue.

 

they will not fit for sure coz' the 04+ ls430 has a 6 speed tranny, totally different.

 

Click on the transmission setting to "sport." Whoever had it drove it very tame in normal mode. Sport setting makes it more aggressive. I click it on when there is someone tailgating
They usually have these " " reactions on there face.

 

I see.... But they could always custom build one yeah? Give them a call and see what they could offer ya.

 

Was it from a start? The traction control is very agressive and will cut engine power for a few seconds if it detects any slippage.

 

yea ... it was from a stop..

if i put on a TC, will the everyday ride be much worse ? like any 'stalls-issues' at certain RPMs?
I read about these issues in the GS forums ... dont want to give up too much smoothness of the LS too.

 

It will take some time to get used to the TC. I can drive my GS smoothly no problem. But when my family drove the GS, they went crazy. As for stall-issues, you may need to worry about the engine check light problem. The ECU is sometimes confused because there are too many slippages.

 

there is no stall issue with the tc on the gs i think? it's mostly about changing your stall speed, at idle or so everything is the same. and yes, like RAristo said, initially you need some getting used to. when i first put on the tc on my gs4, i got on the freeway and i almost hit the car in front of me.

 

hahaa, just to be sure, you meant the "PWR" mode right? making sure other people don't push on the suspension mode button

 

The LS has a drive-by-wire throttle that is programmed for a smoother power ramp when you slam it to the floor. Also- keep in mind the tranny is sitting in 2nd gear while stopped. It only downshifts into first if it needs to- and that takes just a split second. I suppose you could use the S mode and do it yourself. Give it a try and let us know.

I leave it in normal mode and my wife's head hits the headrest hard if I don't warn her before "dropping the hammer".

 

The transmission has a memory and will memorize and reflect the previous driver's driving style. If you drive the car aggressively for a short time period, it will memorize your style and react accordingly. Pushing the "Power" button on the center console will change the shift points, and result in a much more aggressive acceleration immediately..

 

RJM - are you sure about the LS transmission being able to adapt to different driving styles? I have not seen any written info about that. I asked two of the mechanics at the dealer and they confirmed that it is not "adaptive". That has been one of the few criticisms I have had going from my E500 to the LS. The trans in the LS is about as lazy as they come and I always have it in Power mode. The E500 was very responsive in this regard. (but had problems in lots of other areas!)

If indeed our LS's have this feature, it doesn't have much effect! The shift pattern upgrade/update made a small difference.

Bruce

 

mm....thanks for the suggestions .. i'll definitely try that out when the car arrives.

By the way, how can i find stuff like torque charts for the LS ? any ideas? just curious to see how it is ...

 

well i can't say for sure on the ls430, but on the gs the ecu is definitely "learning" the driving habits of the driver. reseting the ecu and the car drives so much faster and much more responsive than before