i read numerous posts a/b how to launch an auto.....but whats the best way to launch a five speed at the track? im comin up on my first track run and i wanna get the best launch. Thanks

 

You have to abuse the clutch a bit for the "best" launch.

You are looking to release the pedal so that you don't spin the hell out of the tires. You want to gradually apply power from the engine to the rear end just to the point where it's about to spin tires, but not quite. Practice will definitely help.

 

jmd's right on. You've got to slip the clutch out of the hole so that you can get started as fast as possible without wheelspin. Usually once the tires start to spin the run is over, because by the time you get them to hook you've lost a lot of time. It will take a lot of practice. Experiment with launch RPMs and clutch technique until you get it right.

 

It also depends on the tires you are running and how your suspension is setup.

With my 86 Trans Am with stock suspension and worn clutch, I got the best launch from idle.

With my brothers 96 T/A with heads/cam, DR's and 3.73 gears, launching at idle resulted in a major bog.

 

Hey man (I'm heading to OSW Tomorrow, and try to make it Fri too, to hook up with all you guys)

I've been launching from 1800 rpm, clutch dump. Launches hard, not much wheelspin, but massive wheel hop. 2.387 60' is my best. I'm going to try slipping tomorrow, let you know how it works

Btw, I hit 2nd hard enough to toss the *** end sideways down the track.

On the stock 2.8.

With the modified 3.1, it should be interesting