How does the Traction Control System do its job (pull timing, cut fuel, apply brakes, etc)? All of those things happen? Just a few?

Also, what affect would leaving it on have on a 1/4 run w/ a 5-speed? Ran the new car a few times yesterday, forgot to take off the TCS each time. Best was a 14.1@99.6 at a really strange and not at all level track in Salem, OH (Quaker City; see below photo...odd, to say the least. Downhill at the start, uphill through the traps)

I know the tires spun off the line a bit and on the 1-2 shift so is the Mustang TCS not really that invasive?

 

Well, what you listed, is how the system works. You want it turned off, so you have all the power and won't lose anything when you spin. See, the computer can sense a burnout compared to say, an icy road, but if your spinning alot on the track, it will kick on , and reduce the power to the wheels. With it off, you should be around 13.7-14.00 depending on your skill level on the track.

 

I was curious about how much my 1/4 mile times were affected by TCS, so I ran my '03 Mach 1 at the track a couple years ago with and without TCS one day and ran 13.3's and 13.4's without TCS (just my modulating the clutch and gas keeping traction in check), but with TCS on, I could run no better than 13.7's and 13.8's. That's how invasive TCS can be! This was on the factory tires, so traction was a big problem.

I know better than to race with TCS on with my 07 GT, so I haven't even tried after the learning from my Mach 1.