Guys,

thanks for being patient with me as i lear about this new toy of mine. I have tried to search before posting, but Vbulletin searches are not the best out there so i apologize if this has been rehashed to death.

'95 SC300 bone stock.

There is a Switch on the console next to the Shifter labeled "ECT" with a NORMAL and a POWER setting.

Now Im assuming this is some sort of traction control, but wanted to ask you guys, What does this do exactly?

On my Dodge we have a Traction control switch that is similar and it just alters the transmission shifting slightly.

Does this do anything with timing, fuel delivery, etc to increase power?

Thanks,

Dane

 

it has nothing to do with traction control on either car, but you are right about it altering how the transmission shifts slightly.
in power it will hold gears till a higher rpm, and you don't have to push the pedal as far down to get it to downshift.
in normal it will drive like a camry, meaning it will shift early to save gas and you have to push the pedal all the way down to get it to downshift, and i do mean all the way down.

I don't believe there are any timing/fuel changes, any "increased performance" you notice is the result of the engine being at a higher rpm where it makes more power.

 

Thats what i figured, but wanted to be certain!

Thanks a million!

 

i was wondering the same thing... Which one do ya think is better to drive in????

 

normal will save you a little gas and is more comfortable but power is more fun to drive and feels sportier

 

yea... I have actually just run back to back gas mileage tests on my brand new 1995 sc300 project...

In Normal mode, I managed 20.7 MPG

In PWR mode, I just checked this am, and I am seeing 22.8 MPG

I live in Mississippi where its slightly hilly and traffic sucks. Mostly 60 mile work commutes.

Normal - shifts smoother, quicker, and doesnt downshift as quick when pedal is pressed. So if you are passing, trying to build up speed, I can see this actually using MORE gas as you are in essence "lugging" the engine in a higher gear

PWR - Because the down shifts happen sooner, and the gear is held slightly longer, my hypothesis is that it keeps the engine in the "Sweet spot" longer, for both power and optimum power range giving slightly better gas mileage depending on the circumstances.

And yes, PWR is more responsive and fun. Only thing I have noticed that i DONT like about PWR is that when the car and tranny is cold, the gears hold out a littel too long before shifting. Usually in about 10 miles or so, it straightens out.

Dane

 

thats cool, i guess it comes down to comfort then, I mean why else would anyone use normal mode.. I almost always had my autos on power.