Denali AWD stabilitrak learning request

NautiNick · February 19, 2007

Am experiencing some strange issues w/ stabilitrak on 2003 Denali.

Denali was upgraded by Lingenfelter w/ 500 HP performance package which includes super charger, 2800 Yank coverter, Rossler transmission, 20" wheels w/ 305/45R Pirelli Scorpion tires. I bought it 3 months ago...just had the transmission refreshed and when the ECM recalibrated the ride characteristics it changed.

My understanding of how the computer does it's magic on ride control is limited. I've ordered the GM Service manuals to help w/ my education but won't get 'em 'til next week. I've searched forums and other links I've collected and haven't found the detailed info I want/need to figure out why it is misbehaving.

When starting from a stop w/ full throttle it bucks like horse...honest. AWD grabs like a SOB initially, then some slipping of the tires (not much...there is lots of rubber on the road), when it feels the slippage it tries to compensate the way stabilitrak was meant...I presume...

I question why it may or may not be correct because it didn't do this before the transmission replacement nor when it first came off the jacks. Now 3 weeks later it won't give me smooth (very fast!!! ) start.

Any ideas? Any links you care to share?

Yes, this bad boy is fun. Mustangs should fear me!! I'll embarrass 'em at every opportunity.

Nauti Nick

redvett · February 19, 2007

Stabilitrak does only one thing it only keeps the vehicle under control when the steering wheel is turned on direction and the vehicle is going another. In straight line acceleration it does nothing. You may have traction control and its controlling the slippage. Corvettes have had it since 1997 and my 01 has 425 rwh and suffers no acceleration problems. If i leave the traction control on at the drags it just slows it down until traction is achieved. Leaving the activehandling/Stabilitrak on which i do has no effect on 1/4 mile times.

NHolds · February 20, 2007

With 500 horsepower, and your traction control on, your computer is trying everything it can to drop cylinders from firing to keep it from spinning. It's not designed for that. Even with your stablitrak off, which should disable your traction control, 500 horsepower at full throttle, your drivetrain isn't designed for that.

NautiNick · February 20, 2007

With 500 horsepower, and your traction control on, your computer is trying everything it can to drop cylinders from firing to keep it from spinning. It's not designed for that. Even with your stablitrak off, which should disable your traction control, 500 horsepower at full throttle, your drivetrain isn't designed for that.

Ahhh, come on, surely you know my setup it is a light weight version of LPE. I'm needin' can do help...bye...

Soon I'll have the right six numbers then I'll upgrade...dreamin'...

Lingenfelter 427 Twin-Turbo Escalade EXT

Lingenfelter retained the standard full-time four-wheel-drive system. The transmission was upgraded with stronger clutches and higher shift pressure for $2795, and a $1495 high-performance torque converter was added. Other goodies included Alcon brakes for $5375, a suspension stiffening for $1695, and 20-inch wheels wearing Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires for $6550. In addition, the steering system's idler arm was stiffened with a series of gussets for $600. Okay, you'd better sit down. This Escalade—including the cost of a new 2002 stock $50,015 vehicle—came to a heart-fluttering base price of $124,500.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, 1557 Winchester Road, Decatur, Indiana 46733; 260-724-2552; www.lingenfelter.com.

Vehicle type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door truck

Price as tested: $126,620 (base price*: $124,500)

Engine type: twin-turbocharged and intercooled pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, GM/LPE engine-control system with port fuel injection

Displacement: 428 cu in, 7008cc

Power (SAE net): 700 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Torque (SAE net): 740 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed automatic with lockup torque converter

Wheelbase: 130.0 in

Length: 221.4 in

Curb weight: 5709 lb

Zero to 60 mph 4.0 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 11.1 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 21.2 sec

Street start, 5-60 mph: 4.5 sec

Standing 1/4-mile: 12.7 sec @ 106 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 182 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g

EPA fuel economy, city driving: 11 mpg

*Base price includes all performance-enhancing options.

Dans Denali · February 20, 2007

Traction control is part of the stabilitrac, I have had my 2003 YDXL off road and couldn't clinb the smallest sand dune until I turned it off. Push the off button when you think it will interfere with your driving, it limits the drive by wire throttle and applies the abs.

Dan