who uses a launch controller?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
who uses a launch controller?
I'm planning to try a launch controller for making boost on the starting line. I've been launching at 5500rpm and there's really no turbo lag, but I assume having boost already in the chambers has got to be an advantage. Anybody here using them? What kind of results have you seen?
I learned from a friend that runs a Subaru, they can flash the ECU and make a custom launch controller. It activates with rear defroster, adjusts with cruise controls, and resets using the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). How cool is that! I wish we could do that with HPTuners...
I learned from a friend that runs a Subaru, they can flash the ECU and make a custom launch controller. It activates with rear defroster, adjusts with cruise controls, and resets using the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). How cool is that! I wish we could do that with HPTuners...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,210
Likes: 1
EVO's have basically the same thing as the subaru as far as launch controll goes. Its all off the stock ECU too, no add-ons or anything like that. The whole ECU on those cars is basically open source, pretty cool stuff what you can do with them...
I got used to launching the car before launch aids were available, so I prefer my technique to the launch controller but one thing I do like about LC is the consistancy. THe only real variables in your 60' will be how much pressure you run in the tires and how fast you come off the clutch so its a lot less to think about at the line.
If you have a means to log things like TPS, boost & RPM you can 'dial it in' much better.
As far as the difference between using them and not, depends a lot on how the one you have actually works. which one do you plan on using and how are you going to set it up?
I got used to launching the car before launch aids were available, so I prefer my technique to the launch controller but one thing I do like about LC is the consistancy. THe only real variables in your 60' will be how much pressure you run in the tires and how fast you come off the clutch so its a lot less to think about at the line.
If you have a means to log things like TPS, boost & RPM you can 'dial it in' much better.
As far as the difference between using them and not, depends a lot on how the one you have actually works. which one do you plan on using and how are you going to set it up?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
I have a LG Launch Controller. I tried once. Forget about doing this unless your suspension is set up and you have a lot of sticky tire in the rear. I launched at a 0 MAP on my boost gauge and instantly fried my tires.
I know that in the early LT1 computers PCMFORLESS figured out a trick to enable a launch controller, don't know if he figured out the same for the later stuff though. Might want to shoot Alvin an email and inquire.
I know that in the early LT1 computers PCMFORLESS figured out a trick to enable a launch controller, don't know if he figured out the same for the later stuff though. Might want to shoot Alvin an email and inquire.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville Tennessee
If you are going to do some serious launches and really go fast a launch controller is a must.
Synergy has some nice ones and they are fully programmable as well.
Synergy has some nice ones and they are fully programmable as well.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 144
From: Northern Ireland
Dont forget to ask yourself....
Do you have enough traction to need such a vicious launch strategy ?
4wd and 2wd are very different beasts when it comes to launching. And a small 2.0 4wd with limited torque, requires even more assistance if it has a lot of traction.
Do you have enough traction to need such a vicious launch strategy ?
4wd and 2wd are very different beasts when it comes to launching. And a small 2.0 4wd with limited torque, requires even more assistance if it has a lot of traction.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
I'll work up to higher RPM settings. The ET Streets are good enough to dead hook a 5000 dump when the track is prepped and a proper burnout is done.
I guess the only way to tell what happens with boost off the line, will be to try it. 
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 21
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Yeah, no kiddin. I drove my brother's Evo at the track once, and tried launching at 4K and the bog was ridiculous!! I think it finally took off near the 330' mark.
I'll work up to higher RPM settings. The ET Streets are good enough to dead hook a 5000 dump when the track is prepped and a proper burnout is done. I guess the only way to tell what happens with boost off the line, will be to try it.
I'll work up to higher RPM settings. The ET Streets are good enough to dead hook a 5000 dump when the track is prepped and a proper burnout is done.
I guess the only way to tell what happens with boost off the line, will be to try it. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 4
From: Pl Grove Utah
LPE has them backordered right now. My car is 1.7x 60s right now,hoping to get it down in the 1.5xx with some boost,as well as stay consistent.Lots to do at the line with a stick,hopefully this will take pressure off. Lucky our track prep is not too agressive,car will usually spin lightly off the line at 4K launch. No broken parts yet !
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,210
Likes: 1
how are you turbo guys launching w/o the controller? just holding your foot @ a steady RPM and slipping the clutch won't build any boost off the line.
there is a way to build boost at the line w/o a launching aid...
there is a way to build boost at the line w/o a launching aid...
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 4
From: Pl Grove Utah
Launch with no boost,I think thats why my 60s are weak. I am going to experiment with different launch rpms once the 2 step shows up from LPE,and if it doesnt break,I will post some results. Really sucks to watch the trans brake auto cars leave the line,and have to play catch up
Last edited by highpockets; Jul 21, 2008 at 12:21 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
+1 about the auto. If you launch at 6K rpm you will see 1.5x's, but I don't think the wheels are going to lift without some boost.
Last edited by Chris Stewart; Jul 21, 2008 at 12:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 2
From: Niagara Falls NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 4
From: Pl Grove Utah
PM or Call Nick,he will give you all the info you can handle ! Oh,and dont forget to pay up your triple A membership cuz word has it a 5K 10psi launch will make short work of our IRS ! We will see,I hope to have mine soon !
We will see,I hope to have mine soon !
We actually make them to order so there is no backorder process. We can also set them up to how your car is setup as well.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
, but just in case I'll bring my own AAA. Check my new rig: 
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...lly_loaded.jpg