What's a launch controller?

[sexualbanana]

In the new Sport Compact Car, they have an article about a EG Civic witha MSD three-step launch controller. What does that do?

[B18C]

I think it's something similar to the launch rev-limiter...maybe

[2000impreza]

its a device that limits the revs when you are launching. for example if you have the 6000rpm pill in it will limit your max rpm to 6000. unless your car runs under 12's you don't need one.

[kenny]

Originally posted by 2000impreza
Unless your car runs under 12's you don't need one.

Cars that don't run that fast can benefit from a launch control, much more consistent times at the very least.

[sexualbanana]

it had a bunch of controls on it like a couple knobs and 2 switches that said burnout and race

[B18C]

yup then that is what it is

Same as what I have bro, but mines a 2-stage

[sexualbanana]

so ur not as cool

[B18C]

i guess not

[Mikko]

Isn't that a bit like cheating? Taking part of the human skill out of the sport.

I don't want driver aid, at least never for my competition cars. For a road car then sure though that thing wouldn't have a place there. Then we'll get faster automatic transmissions (and what you really only do then is push some button to race when you have that launch control). The drivers will do less and less.

[2000impreza]

using a launch control is considered cheating? so i guess driving a automatic is cheating too?

[Mikko]

There is a price for driving an automatic - powertrain loss is higher, and shifts are often slower than manuals, are they not? That's why it isn't really an advantage to drive auto in most types of drag racing, and why most people don't mind it.

[infamous]

unless your name is kenny then yeah it might be ok to drive an auto!

[2000impreza]

how is using a launch control cheating? i think i'm going to call on that one.

[Mikko]

I mean, handing over driving tasks more and more to computers takes away from the spirit of the sport. Fast reaction times, accurate quick shifting and a well build car.

Might not be technically cheating, but it doesn't make it more exciting I think

[SilverRex]

agree, if you do that mine as well get a automatic.... hmm BMW M3 SMG.. yummm

[nookmumracing]

Alot of turbo guys with big slugs use launch kits to build boost off the line. Mau uses one for his Supra, cool system but you need slicks to hook up right.

[Mikko]

How about getting all-wheel-drive if not skilled enough to launch without help from a computer?

Edit: Wierd - I was replying to someone called "DavidI" but his post is now vanished.

[sexualbanana]

yeah that was my fault. didn't realize that he didnt log off (check ask leo)

i'll post the same thing
i don't thin kit's cheating because a lot of cars have too much power to launch properly. without it, they'd just have a ton of traction problems resulting in crappier e.t.

[B18C]

So why is it cheating? Because it makes it easier to run faster times? Is a short shift kit cheating? How about running better tires?

[Mikko]

Well, anything that detracts from the little driving input required would detract from the sport in my opinion. Just imagine more and more things getting automated. Shifting, revving, steering (direction ctontrol). All you'd need to do in the end is push a button when you see the signal. Then take it even further, a system that gets the car at go - and then even worse, no driver needed at all - you don't even need to sit in the car, computerized system does it all by itself.

As I said, I think it's cheat-like because it removes something that was in the hand of the driver and lets a computer do it instead.