launching technique

**GTS Jeff** · 12-09-2002, 07:33 PM

how do u like to launch?

i am pretty new to driving manual and my idea of launching is pretty basic and probably pretty hard on the car too. i basically rev up to 5 grand, drop the clutch as fast as i can, and hold the revs at 5 grand til i get traction, then go wot.

im sure thats totally wrong

**Weapon_R** · 12-09-2002, 07:38 PM

I usually feather it in, I rarely raise the rpms higher than 3000, because what you lose in acceleration you usually get in the added traction.

**SilverStreak** · 12-09-2002, 07:42 PM

Rev to 7000, side step the clutch, and you're off

**GTS Jeff** · 12-09-2002, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Weapon_R
I usually feather it in, I rarely raise the rpms higher than 3000, because what you lose in acceleration you usually get in the added traction.

itd be different on a fwd than a rwd tho right?

**Fuji** · 12-09-2002, 09:26 PM

You should feather... RPM wise depends on your car. I do it at about 4600. Keep in mind I am not great at dragging, let alone driving

**OPGForce** · 12-09-2002, 09:33 PM

You have to experiment what RPM is best for your car to launch at. For my Civic, 3000 RPM is perfect. 5000 RPM will create massive wheel spin. For now, I like "slipping the clutch". Less wheel spin, and smoother launch.

**gpomp** · 12-09-2002, 10:37 PM

Launching is bad

**GTS Jeff** · 12-09-2002, 10:43 PM

i was talking to ancient at the 403 meet and he said that i shouldnt let out the clutch completely until its engaged for sure....

if i just drop it as quick as possible, is that worse for the clutch than feathering it?

**SilverStreak** · 12-09-2002, 10:59 PM

If you feather for a high rpm drop/launch you will fry your clutch, not a good smell

**Weapon_R** · 12-09-2002, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by Jeff TYPE R
i was talking to ancient at the 403 meet and he said that i shouldnt let out the clutch completely until its engaged for sure....

if i just drop it as quick as possible, is that worse for the clutch than feathering it?

Dropping a clutch is much easier on the clutch than feathering it.

**T5_X** · 12-09-2002, 11:39 PM

Originally posted by Weapon_R

Dropping a clutch is much easier on the clutch than feathering it.

Its gotta be harder on other components though, like the diff, cv joints, tires etc.

**three.eighteen.** · 12-09-2002, 11:45 PM

yeah, feathering youre basically scraping the clutch around until youre really off the pedal, on a hard launch it just clamps and shocks your driveline from the engine to your drive wheels...if you dunno what works best ask guys that drive ae86s as well

**ancient** · 12-09-2002, 11:46 PM

Dont' feather it, but dont' just let your foot off the clutch , so it goes THWAP..... Let it out quick but dont' drop it.

**ancient** · 12-09-2002, 11:47 PM

In my car i get mad wheel spin in 1st in second if I drop it at high rpms.... And even going into 2nd when im giving it, it spins.

Could be the roads cause they are fairly cold.

**ConVict** · 12-09-2002, 11:48 PM

Nothing takes good to Dropping the clutch.. Like axles and what not... Not quite sure about the tranny but I am sure its not great for it...
Feathering is really bad for your clutch, but as a person with no acualy knowledge i think it would be better for the other parts of your car... plus i found i would always have a way smoother shift to second if i feathered it ?!?!
can anyone get technical on this ?

**cocoabrova** · 12-09-2002, 11:53 PM

I tried feathering my clutch at SS and I wasn't happy with my 60' times.... After taking the advice of some fellow Honda guys, I tried dropping it at 6-7 grand and..... Voila!! Better 60' times/better E.T.

**boi-alien** · 12-09-2002, 11:56 PM

i find that feathering doesn't help for me neither. i seem to get worse 60' times as well

**T5_X** · 12-10-2002, 12:05 AM

Originally posted by ConVict
Nothing takes good to Dropping the clutch.. Like axles and what not... Not quite sure about the tranny but I am sure its not great for it...
Feathering is really bad for your clutch, but as a person with no acualy knowledge i think it would be better for the other parts of your car... plus i found i would always have a way smoother shift to second if i feathered it ?!?!
can anyone get technical on this ?

I don't think dropping the clutch would harm the tranny too much unless the teeth are already ground up. If you're in gear, then your dog teeth are already snug into the holes in that gear, so jolting power won't cause anything to be "struck" unless the holes and teeth are already worn. However, if lots of power is being layed into it, then the layshaft and splined shaft could bend in theory I guess. I think the real harm would be done to thinner driveaxles that are long (easier to bend then, same for single driveshaft) the diff (especially limited slip or locking) any joints, and maybe the bearings, specially if they're not packed in good.

**Weapon_R** · 12-10-2002, 12:11 AM

Actually, dropping the clutch is not good for the tranny. It is good for the clutch, but can result in gear shock. It's a tradeoff.

**T5_X** · 12-10-2002, 12:19 AM

Originally posted by Weapon_R
Actually, dropping the clutch is not good for the tranny. It is good for the clutch, but can result in gear shock. It's a tradeoff.

Unless you have an extreme amount of power going to the gears then jarring won't damage them. Once gears are snug up against each other, they function as one unit, unless they're loose and/or have worn teeth. Of cousre, even for the strongest, most snug system, there's a breaking point

And if you do enough jarring, then things are gonna wear out after a period.

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