Launching techniques
Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Launching techniques
I am looking for advice from those who have extensive seat time at the strip on the best way to launch. Since adding 75 RWHP with bolt ons to my LS2 manual Z51 I find myself breaking the rear tires loose with any spirited acceleration. I've tried slipped clutch launches and dropped clutch launches at various rpms but can't seem to find the right method to minimize wheel spin and get the best acceleration times. I know drag tires would help but aside from that? Having no seat experience at the strip, I'd appreciate any sharing of your best results from those who do have seat time there. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I am looking for advice from those who have extensive seat time at the strip on the best way to launch. Since adding 75 RWHP with bolt ons to my LS2 manual Z51 I find myself breaking the rear tires loose with any spirited acceleration. I've tried slipped clutch launches and dropped clutch launches at various rpms but can't seem to find the right method to minimize wheel spin and get the best acceleration times. I know drag tires would help but aside from that? Having no seat experience at the strip, I'd appreciate any sharing of your best results from those who do have seat time there. Thanks.
Last edited by HOXXOH; Feb 19, 2013 at 10:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 451
From: Maryland
The best results with whatever tire you have on the car.
However let me add a little something to it.
LAUNCHING THE CAR:
1) Depending on your cars power launch at a "rpm" that does not bog and if you are a little off, than a foot or two of wheel spin is preferred.
2) Knowing "your" cars power level (all are different) go down on the gas pedal as quickly as the tires and power level will allow from the launch; sticky tires will let you instantly floor the throttle and with not so sticky tires you will have to practice to find the fastest pedal depression rate to not get the tires spinning but get the very best acceleration possible.
PS: It's all over in a second or so!
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; Feb 16, 2013 at 01:02 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
LAUNCHING THE CAR:
1) Depending on your cars power launch at a "rpm" that does not bog and if you are a little off, than a foot or two of wheel spin is preferred.
2) Knowing "your" cars power level (all are different) go down on the gas pedal as quickly as the tires and power level will allow from the launch; sticky tires will let you instantly floor the throttle and with not so sticky tires you will have to practice to find the fastest pedal depression rate to not get the tires spinning but get the very best acceleration possible.
1) Depending on your cars power launch at a "rpm" that does not bog and if you are a little off, than a foot or two of wheel spin is preferred.
2) Knowing "your" cars power level (all are different) go down on the gas pedal as quickly as the tires and power level will allow from the launch; sticky tires will let you instantly floor the throttle and with not so sticky tires you will have to practice to find the fastest pedal depression rate to not get the tires spinning but get the very best acceleration possible.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 451
From: Maryland
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Tech Contributor
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St. Jude Donor '08
There's no sense trying to teach someone to ice skate when they are wearing sneakers.
You need to get drag radials then we can dig into the launch technique. Launch rpm...bog...none of these things matter when you are running street tires. With street tires you have only one goal. Don't spin your tires. Best plan is to stay in the stands.
If you really want to run street tires, then I'd say let the clutch out like you do on the street then ease into the gas as quickly as you can without spinning.
If you spin the tires, you risk wheel hop and breaking the rear end, or losing control of the car.
If you do go sideways on the track, let out of the gas. You should be able to regain control; if you stay in the gas your chances of missing the wall are greatly reduced.
You need to get drag radials then we can dig into the launch technique. Launch rpm...bog...none of these things matter when you are running street tires. With street tires you have only one goal. Don't spin your tires. Best plan is to stay in the stands.
If you really want to run street tires, then I'd say let the clutch out like you do on the street then ease into the gas as quickly as you can without spinning.
If you spin the tires, you risk wheel hop and breaking the rear end, or losing control of the car.
If you do go sideways on the track, let out of the gas. You should be able to regain control; if you stay in the gas your chances of missing the wall are greatly reduced.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I don't believe the OP said he was at the track. If he's just wanting to practice in a parking lot or driveway, then the key is to use the same exact spot to learn technique. The knowledge gained can be transferred to the track. If the tires or surfaces change, the adjustment time is less.
One thing is for sure. Practicing on the street, where the surface changes at every stoplight, won't teach you much.
One thing is for sure. Practicing on the street, where the surface changes at every stoplight, won't teach you much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,652
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From: Peoria Arizona
St. Jude Donor '11
Taking lessons from HOXXOH will make you slower and break! Especially since he is an auto car that has blown up from shifting a auto wrong.
The key in a six speed is a combo of track condition,tire pressure and clutch ability. I found on 540 rwhp z06 that slipping about 10 feet out of the starting box at 3500 to 4500 rpm at 18 psi has always worked at the track. As for the street i just installed Nitto Nto5r drag radials and they hook great out of the box at 32 psi!
The key in a six speed is a combo of track condition,tire pressure and clutch ability. I found on 540 rwhp z06 that slipping about 10 feet out of the starting box at 3500 to 4500 rpm at 18 psi has always worked at the track. As for the street i just installed Nitto Nto5r drag radials and they hook great out of the box at 32 psi!
Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
