fatboyuk

Hi Guys,

I got a '99 Z28 auto which I have just started to race at our local strip. Question - which is the best technique for launching with an auto box. I already figured out that stamping on the gas when the green light comes on isn't the way to do it but can't work out how to get the revs right for a good launch.

I've got a new torque converter on its way so want to get the skills practised for whan that arrives.

Any help would be appreciated.

Z06PSI

iTrader: (33)

A TC will help for sure.... get some traction with some drag radials and have a lot of fun.

sited12

I would just footbrake it alittle get the RPMs up and then release the brake and stomp the gas on the last yellow.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

With a stock converter, and a hooking
track, I would footbrake the car as high
as I can and then when the lights went
down I would take my left foot off the gas
and quickly floor the gas pedal. If the
track doesn't hook I would get into the gas
a little slower... I have been able to drive
friend's cars to 1.97's with stock radials
and stock converter, 12.85-13.03 with great
air.

With an aftermarket converter it DEPENDS. My
PI3600 liked 1500 and no more, and my Yank stuff
has always liked 1300-2000 or as much I as I can
foot brake it.

I would try dialing it in by trying 1000 for your first launch, and then increase the launch rpm by 400 until you either can't hold it from creeping or you find the sweet spot. I will take like 4-5 runs to find the sweet spot. Usually one of those runs is aborted because I trip the beams and can't hold the car at the lights.

fatboyuk

Thanks Pro stock John,
I guess that was what I needed to know, how to hold the car while building up the revs.

The track we use is pretty good, its the top track in the UK but on the test days they don't manage the track as much as they could. You see a lot of people running through the water trough in radials so the launch zone soon gets wet which doesn't help the more serious people.

Out to the track this sunday so I'll let you all know how I get on <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

PlanoZ

FatboyUK- Tell those radial guys to drive around the water and back up into it!! Thats just stupid, if you get sideways due to water on the launch pad I would be pissed.

Matt

fatboyuk

Told em till we're blue in the face <img border="0" alt="[bang head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" /> but you can guarantee some young guy in a small tricked out family car does it again 5 minutes later

Could do with some switched on track officials <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

fatboyuk

Pro stock John,

Tried your suggestion over 6-8 runs yesterday; averaged 3/10 of my normal times on street tyres.

Set of BFG's should be in this week and the converter goes in next week, cant wait to play <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

3 tenths better you are saying?

I found that one day that a little bit of spin was okay on street tires. It's normal to jump on the gas, but sometimes getting into it a little slower would get that 1.9 on street tires.

fatboyuk

I guess its all down to practise now. I found that building up the revs to 1200-1300 was enough to launch without spinning the tyres too much; back up there agin this weekend to try some more launches.

TCI tq in today so with the BFG as well I have a lot to practise with. keep you upto date and thanks for the advice