How do you properly launch?

[LOS-323]

Hi people... I used to post a lot on the other, now dead, forum. But I think I only posted here a few times. Anyway...

I was wondering if you all knew how to properly launch a car. I have seen people rev the car really hard (like 5000 rpm or so), and then just suddenly let go of the clutch completely... I have seen other people rev it to 2500 or so and take off different.

I usually do the "conservative" kind of take off, where I rev it a bit, but I don't just let go of the clutch completely (I just do sort of a speedier version of the normal everyday driving take off).

But, I still don't know how to take off right... I mean, I could try, but I'm afraid that if I let go of the clutch I will either stall (or worse, break something in the car). Any info on this from those of you who launch your car on a regular basis?

I have a 1.6L 3rd gen, and no real mods other than having removed the second cat. But, I am getting an intake, and straight thru exhaust soon. My tires are 195s El Cheapo Hankook.

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[luwe]

I own a 1.6L 3rd gen as well. When I do autocross I found out that with my tires the best launch is at 5,000 rpm. The key is to know how to let go of the clutch quickly enough but smoothly enough so that you won't bog down. What happens is my foot on the accelerator goes down while my foot on the clutch goes up. I can't describe my timing but that's sort of how I do it.

How do you guys do it? I've never done drag racing so I want to know the proper launch as well.

 

[t3ase]

I wish I could launch at 5k. Anything over 2.5k for me reults in mad wheel spin, but I'm also pushing 13psi. I'm trying not to launch hard anymore since I can't afford new tires at the moment, and these MSP tires are incredibly soft.

 

[LOS-323]

Thanks guys.

I will try a few launches... I just have to find a secluded road so noone can watch me in case I stall (don't want to look stupid) (crazy)

 

[twilightprotege]

i launch at about 4k and let the clutch slip a little and when i feel i'm getting very close to where the gearbox and engine are the same speeds, the clutch comes fully out. i have no idea if that's the best way, but it works for me

 

[Pheonix]

i don't have a tachomete, yet, but i'm at about 3-4k and then with a mild pause press the accelerator hard as i'm dumping the cluctch.

i have a q? while we're on the tire burning topic, What does it mean to peel-out in third gear? like what is the situation for the burn.