I have a 6 speed ( with 265 winter tires on the back right now ....pretty sticky), I never turn the traction control off. When I give it all it's got (on dry ground) the TC never comes on....never, I sense no rev drops induced by the TC....no squirm....just 2nd gear scratch (chirp). On slick ground I can sometimes detect the TC clamp down on the rear brakes for a split second.

Are your tires bald?