Launching fwd, best technique?

[HertsBiker]

Yeah I know, best way, get rwd or fwd.. But in the real world, I have sticky tyres, and a low power engine. Yet I get wheelspin when moving off. So is it better to pull off in 2nd and slip the clutch a bit - this allows way faster acceleration with no spin, or 1st and live with spin and axle tramp? Seems to me 2nd is perversely more mechanically sympathetic despite warming the clutch!

[Vladimir]

Backwards. Then it's RWD.

[kambites]

I suggest first gear and less throttle.

[R12HCO]

Hold 3.5k revs, let the clutch out with a smooth fast action, not a on/off style. It will slip the clutch abit but ive found this best.

[Bisonhead]

R12HCO said:

Hold 3.5k revs, let the clutch out with a smooth fast action, not a on/off style. It will slip the clutch abit but ive found this best.

This.

I always pride myself on my starts in FWD cars. For me this seems to be the best option. The more you practice, the better feel you will have for what you clutch can handle.

[Urban Sports]

HertsBiker said:

Yeah I know, best way, get rwd or fwd.. But in the real world, I have sticky tyres, and a low power engine. Yet I get wheelspin when moving off. So is it better to pull off in 2nd and slip the clutch a bit - this allows way faster acceleration with no spin, or 1st and live with spin and axle tramp? Seems to me 2nd is perversely more mechanically sympathetic despite warming the clutch!

Low power engine and a 2nd gear launch

[HertsBiker]

Urban Sports said:

Low power engine and a 2nd gear launch

First does 20MPH or so, second does nearly 40. So a bit like 1st in my mini cooper, with the same amount of power but less revs!

[kambites]

You mean it's a Mini (as in one of the old ones) that you're asking about? I never realised they were so low-geared!

[Welshbeef]

HertsBiker said:

First does 20MPH or so, second does nearly 40. So a bit like 1st in my mini cooper, with the same amount of power but less revs!

Lol 20mph max in 1st!!!!

Think I'd be 40-50mph in 1st if you were in all out launch.


One thing though unless you can power shift average joe would be quicker to 80mph by starting in 2nd and then not having the gear change time waster.
If your talking about 0-40mph then hold revs min 3.5k (is it a turbo or N/a or supercharged)? Then ring it out until you are bouncing in the limiter hold Wide open throttle as you quickly change to 2nd then away you go.

I've not driven like that though since the Fiat Coupe and now its impossible with an Auto it does it all for you press and go .

[Skyedriver]

I was having this problem on the start line at Harewood, losing half a second over the first 50metres due to wheelspin

[Chicane-UK]

Been a long time since I did a flat out launch before, but I'd never red line it and dump the clutch. As others have said - mid way round the revs, and let in the clutch before putting your foot down fully.

[HertsBiker]

kambites said:

You mean it's a Mini (as in one of the old ones) that you're asking about? I never realised they were so low-geared!

Nope, the MINI (bini) does nearly 40 in first and needs thrashing. And clutch slip. My duster does the same speed in second. Is it okay if I use second to pull away in? :-)

[TameRacingDriver]

Diesel? My family vrs would be lucky to get much beyond 45 in 2nd, so I've wondered the same. I think it could be quick, but not very good for the clutch

[Synchromesh]

What car is it?

[HertsBiker]

Synchromesh said:

What car is it?

A dacia duster with a rip snorting 110 bhp and 1200kg.

[MuZiZZle]

HertsBiker said:

A dacia duster with a rip snorting 110 bhp and 1200kg.

I just wouldn't bother

[james_gt3rs]

doogz said:

Welshbeef said:

One thing though unless you can power shift average joe would be quicker to 80mph by starting in 2nd and then not having the gear change time waster.

The fk are you talking about?

Clearly hasn't seen Fast and the Furious...

[MuZiZZle]

doogz said:

The fk are you talking about?

^ this.

Why doesn't the Disaster come with traction control????

Edited by MuZiZZle on Monday 18th November 16:20

[Rawwr]

HertsBiker said:

A dacia duster with a rip snorting 110 bhp and 1200kg.

Why would you even want to attempt to do a full launch in that?

[hman]

buy an automatic- every start is spot on.