Tuner Challenge Championship ~ April McLaren MP4

[BlueShift]

So in the end there are more tunes than drivers? Didn't expect it that way... What about the tuners themself? Aren't they driving? Or would it be "unfair"? I think we should all be old enough to drive the same on every tune...

Obviously, we :
- tuned our car to suit the way we drive
- will take the risk to add tuner bias. Some won't. Some will.

8 drivers is fine anyway ! #7 seem to clearly be the winner !

 

[Riggins]

How about for one of the months we choose between cars that can race modified?

 

[Basilea]

Obviously, we :
- tuned our car to suit the way we drive
- will take the risk to add tuner bias. Some won't. Some will.

8 drivers is fine anyway ! #7 seem to clearly be the winner !

On the other way if all tunes drive it would compensate this...

 

[Adrenaline]

I'd like to update you all on some rule changes that have been made for March in light of the new update.

1: There will only be 1 round from now on, this is how February was run, even if unplanned.
2: The track we run on will be kept unknown to the tuners until all tunes have been submitted.
3: Submission deadlines have been altered, to take into account the single round format we now possess and are as follows:

On the 1st of the month, The chosen Car, Weight, HP & Tires shall be posted publicly. (Decided by vote)
By Midnight PST on the 15th, all tunes for the car need to be submitted. (11:59pm PST on the 14th)
By Midnight PST on the 16th, all tunes are distributed to the test drivers via e-mail in an unidentifiable manner. (11:59pm PST on the 15th)
By Midnight PST on the 29th, all driver lap times must be submitted via e-mail to gtplanet.tgb@gmail.com. (11:59pm PST on the 28th)
By Midnight PST on the 24th, a new poll will begin for the following month's: Car, Weight, HP, Tires & Tracks, will be created. (11:59pm PST on the 23rd)
By Midnight PST on the last day of the month all results will be posted publicly for viewing. (11:59pm PST on the 28th, 30th or 31st)

*These are subject to change as more tunes are submitted, requiring more time for drivers to complete the tasks asked of them.
4: Probably the largest change to the competition. Due to the new update allowing for tire wear/fuel consumption to be turned off in the online lobbies, all lap times are now required to be ran online. Therefor I recommended tuning be done in the same conditions.
5: We will continue to use the HP/Weight limitations, rather than the PP system. Once the PP system sorts out, we can discuss the pros/cons of using that system instead, as I'm currently unaware of what advantages there are or aren't.

The main post has been updated for the time being to reflect the new changes if you seek further details.

In regards to tuners being drivers, the issue I see is this:
Driver bias, will be a disadvantage to the faster tuners.
For example, Paulie is a D1 driver. His tune will suit him best, and let's say he ran a 1:26.6xx on trial mountain. The second and 3rd fastest tunes for him, will only be a few tenths behind.
But on the opposite end of the spectrum, the tuner who prefers his own tune, but is a slower driver, runs a 1:29.6xx and then the 2nd and 3rd fastest tunes for him, will be in the low and mid 27's respectively. The margin between places greatly increases the slower the driver. This creates an advantage to the slower driver tuners.

I think... I'd have to do some math to verify, but off the top of my head, I beleive it disadvantages the better drivers.

 

[Basilea]

Who decides about all the changes? Shouldn't it be discussed or is it and if where? What difference does it make to drive online? I rarely drive online, because I don't have friends playing enough, but aren't there problems with lags and other issues?

I don't know about the tuner/driver thing, as I don't believe that all tuners run there best times with the own tune.

 

[Adrenaline]

I made an executive decision, but offline tunes are rather... pointless. When will you use them? The online world is where GT5 will be migrating I assume, and that's where people are looking to use their cars. Previously offline tunes didn't work very well online.
The event would have been run in the online mode from the start, but due to tire wear, we felt it was too inconsistent for drivers to produce reliable lap times. The new update has taken care of that issue. May I ask why you are opposed to online lobbies?

 

[Riggins]

well the online thing bums me out. I'll try to see how it works out, I might be out though. I find no joy in anything online.

 

[Basilea]

One thing is my bloody internet, it always disconnects and I really don't know why. It could be the router (5 years old) which has already a Giga LAN switch and I have a 50 Mbit/sec connection!
The other is that I don't feel ready as I'm too slow

 

[Paulie]

I probably won't bother either at this stage with online specific tunes.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

I probably won't bother either at this stage with online specific tunes.

I don't mind it...

But I don't quite like the one-car-per-month-for-everyone thing. I mean it's appeared to have worked out reasonably here but I dislike tuning vehicles I don't like in the first place.

I'll participate for March as I don't hate the two cars leading the vote but Roj has told me he won't be around unless the old style makes a return.

I have an idea that would fix the entire "ZOMG CAN'T FIND BASE CAR" thing for drivers in that case as well that should be fairly obvious so...

 

[Adrenaline]

But I don't quite like the one-car-per-month-for-everyone thing.

I'm listening? I was trying to find a way for more cars to be tuned per month, like splitting the 10 tuners in half, where one half did the top voted car, the second half did the second voted car, but haven't come up with a way to make it work. So if there's a way, by all means, I'm interested.

I'm not sure I understand the interest in offline tunes, as I don't know what or where people are racing offline?

 

[Riggins]

I'm listening? I was trying to find a way for more cars to be tuned per month, like splitting the 10 tuners in half, where one half did the top voted car, the second half did the second voted car, but haven't come up with a way to make it work. So if there's a way, by all means, I'm interested.

I'm not sure I understand the interest in offline tunes, as I don't know what or where people are racing offline?

Well, the point is to have a finely tuned car that you can control and enjoy driving. I have absolutely no interest in online driving, testing, whatever.

Most cars just flat out suck right out of the box. The point of this tuner competition is that based on the result I'll go to the winning tuner to use their tunes.

 

[Motor City Hami]

Adrenaline, you are doing a good job. If a tuner or two sit out a month because they don't like the choice of car, then so be it. You are never going to please everyone. Just be logical and make the majority happy.

I'm fine with one car a month. Sorry I was late with my Feb tunes. I think if you try to tune a different type of vehicle each month, you'll cover most car types in the game. We did 4WD, now FR 500hp race car, next vote??? MR, FF, Ferrari, etc.

I wouldn't mind seeing a difficult car challenge put up for a vote. Yellow Bird and the Viper ACR are up there. I fear when yellow bird get's it's turn, if it does.

 

[Adrenaline]

Well, the point is to have a finely tuned car that you can control and enjoy driving. I have absolutely no interest in online driving, testing, whatever.

Most cars just flat out suck right out of the box. The point of this tuner competition is that based on the result I'll go to the winning tuner to use their tunes.

I simply don't see a future in offline racing.
Also, I find the ability to use online tunes offline, is far more successful than using offline tunes, online.

 

[drivehard]

Just turned in my times. They were pretty close to the current leader board. I hate that car but I learned a few things about tuning which is why I entered as a driver.

The fastest car isn't always the funnest to drive.

Also the tune with high transmission setting was interesting. I didn't know what the tuner was thinking but with the setting being so high it forced me to take turns in a lower gear which I swear helped turn the car.

Also I think that 15 laps on Trial Mountain doesn't do each individual tune justice. The first sector of the course is half off road half race course. A good chunk of time could be made or lost there. Also the blind right hander coming out of the first tunnel is tough to nail consistently. Exit speed out of that turn is another good chunk. The next uphill right has a mind of it's own. You think you've nailed it and then your kissing the wall.

Anyway, thanks for the tunes and I hate that car.

 

[Adrenaline]

Updated. Format is a bit different as I just copy/pasted from the spreadsheet rather than doing it by hand like I had previously. P.S. RJ your name screws up the alignment!
I'm expecting 1 more driver to submit times, but the only possible swaps would be 6/4 and 11/2 for 6th and 8th respectively.

 

[Paulie]

It must be rigged, I didn't win!

 

[BlueShift]

Also the tune with high transmission setting was interesting. I didn't know what the tuner was thinking but with the setting being so high it forced me to take turns in a lower gear which I swear helped turn the car.

If you speak about the 250km/h box, that would be me.
Lesson is understood for tuning challenge #2 but...

We just don't know which track it is, so tranny results will be randomish.
If it's Le Mans track, large gear ratio will win, if it's Automn Ring mini, closer gear setups will win.
Random.

Like I said, we need :
- To tune the car and submit the setups
- Then know the choosen track
- Then setup and submit the tranny, including tranny parts and initial of the LSD.

For challenge #2, I'd also like tuners' names to be displayed after 2 drivers have submited their times.

 

[Damocell]

should hopefully complete the final few tunes tonight, sorry for the hold up!!

Damo

 

[pHLo]

For challenge #2, I'd also like tuners' names to be displayed after 2 drivers have submited their times.

or instead of posting the Tune #s, just post the name without a tune #

that way drivers won't be biased and people know whose tunes are leading the pack ;D

 

[budious]

Adrenaline,

I'll try not to sound too bitchy, but if I wanted my names to start with capitalization... I would have made my forum handle that way. Please refer to me as budious in the future when posting leaderboards, etc.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Updated. Format is a bit different as I just copy/pasted from the spreadsheet rather than doing it by hand like I had previously. P.S. RJ your name screws up the alignment!
I'm expecting 1 more driver to submit times, but the only possible swaps would be 6/4 and 11/2 for 6th and 8th respectively.

At least my name isn't Rameses Niblick III Kerplunk Kerplunk Whoops Where's My Thribble.

It must be rigged, I didn't win!

It's not rigged, you just drive through your tune to go fast rather than tune the car to go fast.

 

[NingDynasty]

I would very much like to be a part of this in the driving aspect. Online track days are my favorite part of this game :-D

 

[BlueShift]

Maybe tuners should have their PSN, just to set online servers and eventually race vs the others. Or not.

The problem is no tires wears/no off orad servers are (very) rare. Could be fun

 

[budious]

So are the physics really that different between online mode with tire wear and fuel burn off and offline mode? Would it be better to tune with tire wear and fuel consumption on in offline mode? I don't understand the purpose of your tire/fuel off but in an online lobby mandate...

 

[Adrenaline]

Thanks for the email Bri-Y, I've added you to the contact list, you will be included in next months competition.

As for the leader board, how about I just save you all the complaints and instead of a live leader board, I'll just post the final results at the end of the month =)

BlueShift, you just create your own 'Lounge' through the community tab, of your GT home. No one will bug you, you determine all your own settings and it works fine.

Damocell, if you need more time just let me know, since the cancellation of rounds 2&3 there's no reason I can't extend the deadline to the 27th if need be.

 

[Adrenaline]

So are the physics really that different between online mode with tire wear and fuel burn off and offline mode? Would it be better to tune with tire wear and fuel consumption on in offline mode? I don't understand the purpose of your tire/fuel off but in an online lobby mandate...

I recommended tuners test with wear and fuel consumption ON.
But in an attempt to allow drivers the most consistent and reliable lap times for each tune, they will be driven with tire wear OFF.
Hell, if tuners want, they can tune their entire car offline for all I care. I'm just letting you know, they will be tested online. The choice is the tuners where and how they tune them.

Obviously, all tunes would be forced to produce their fastest lap times by laps 3&4, while drives usually won't get their fastest laps with each specific tune, until 8-12. Tire wear on for the test drivers, means we may as well only run 5 laps, because there's a very low chance you'll have a faster lap after lap 5.

As for the physics... if there wasn't any difference, then their shouldn't be any complaints about where you tune it.

 

[budious]

I personally don't play online much is why I ask... you say it's moving that direction. OK, I'll do it... but for those in the know who don't mind answering... what is the deal with fuel tank capacity and fuel weight?

I assume in offline, tire/fuel disabled, or the same in online there is a constant extra 100kg (for 100l fuel) weight added to the car always? Is that weight always towards the rear half of the car, or does the game distribute rather unrealistically and evenly? It has been a while since I even played A-spec endurance but I faintly remember having difficulty even with new tires on my cars getting traction and having wheelspin if I didn't keep my tank at least part way filled.

Therefore, I'm figuring you really need to have three tunes. The first optimized for 100% fuel load for offline, the second optimized for 90% fuel load for short online races, and a third optimized somewhere around 55% fuel load for endurance or long online race events.

 

[Paulie]

It's not rigged, you just drive through your tune to go fast rather than tune the car to go fast.

Quite the opposite, I'm the only one who knows how to get speed out of a car so therefore I must always tune the fastest car.

 

[Adrenaline]

I personally don't play online much is why I ask... you say it's moving that direction. OK, I'll do it... but for those in the know who don't mind answering... what is the deal with fuel tank capacity and fuel weight?

I assume in offline, tire/fuel disabled, or the same in online there is a constant extra 100kg (for 100l fuel) weight added to the car always? Is that weight always towards the rear half of the car, or does the game distribute rather unrealistically and evenly? It has been a while since I even played A-spec endurance but I faintly remember having difficulty even with new tires on my cars getting traction and having wheelspin if I didn't keep my tank at least part way filled.

Therefore, I'm figuring you really need to have three tunes. The first optimized for 100% fuel load for offline, the second optimized for 90% fuel load for short online races, and a third optimized somewhere around 55% fuel load for endurance or long online race events.

I feel people will either move into the online world, or they'll stop playing GT5. There's only so much offline content is all I'm saying. If people enjoy repeating the same A-Spec races, against computer AI, then hats off to PD, they've created a great game. I assume that applies to a minimal amount of people though. In an attempt to please the masses, this is the direction I feel the competition needed to go. If enough people disagree, then by all means it's not a final descision. Just one I assumed would be welcomed by most.

I wasn't avoiding your question, the issue is, no one can say for sure how the fuel/tires are effecting the car, but many, many people have taken notice that there seems to be some difference. The weight of fuel seems the most logical, but there's also the fact that you can't flip a car online, which leads some people to believe that there's an entire separate set of physics for online vs offline. Some have made claims that, when the tank is empty, and on fresh tires, everything feels the same as offline mode. So it's hard to say for certain.

As for the 3 tunes... The quickest tune will be the one that ignores tire wear completely. They may win the monthly title, but the tune people will use and praise, will be the one that starts quick, and remains quick and reliable over the following laps. If your end goal, is just to see your name in the #1 spot at the end of the month, I don't hold that against anyone, but if your goal is to have your tune be the most widely applied to peoples car, then I'd focus more on how well the car does for 10 laps straight.