I posted this in drag race tech as well. Whats the consensus on this? Car in sig with a full manual TH350, no transbrake or 2-step. I cannot build any boost in first gear on the footbrake as it will push through. However, dicking around I was able to get boost on the footbrake in 2nd. How harsh would it be on the trans to try a 2nd gear launch? Thanks guys!

 

Full manual? Build boost in 2nd with footbrake, downshift into 1st. It will overpower the brakes and launch hard.

 

I thought about that as well, but again didn't know how hard it would be on the trans. Yes, it's a full manual valve body. Still new to stalled autos as the car was born a 6sp. So build boost in 2nd & throw to first when light turns, correct?

 

I would think that you need a 2 step to do it to build boost.

 

I use relays to lock my 4L80e into overdrive on the line, can stall it up to 4500 and 18 PSI if I want to. Then I let go of the button to turn off the relay, it downshifts into 1st and blows through the brakes. I've done it dozens of times with no issues.

I would say its worth a shot. Start small. Without a 2-step you'll be modulating RPM and boost with your foot.

 

Yeah, I realize things would be a lot easier with a brake & two step. Will have both when I get the new trans later on. I will give this a try for now, thanks man!!!

 

A N2MB 2-step box is $200 or so. Are you using the stock ECU?

 

Yes, stock 98' ecm

 

Since its manual shift, it should work fine. As soon as you click into first it'll blow through the brakes. A line lock kit is $120 or so from Summit. You could shift into 2nd gear and mount a momentary button or toggle switch that would lock the brakes for you so you wouldn't have to use your foot. Let off button when it hits first gear and launch.

 

I have a line lock on the car, but the switch is mounted where I have to use my shifting hand, lol. Joe, what are your thoughts on leaving in 2nd gear? The car has a 3.90 gear & im afraid 1st may have traction issues anyway, although I am running a 275/60r15 drag radial. Ive read where a lot of guys leave in 2nd & sometimes net a better et due to the smoother launch. I plan on getting a Rossler glide with a brake the first of the year, thanks!

 

I tried launching my Nova in 2nd gear. 60 foot was a lousy 1.8 leaving at 4 PSI. Unless you launch at a high RPM, its going to bog down out of boost. Best case scenario is your converter stalls really high for you, which has its own downsides.

Smoother launch? Sure, but I easily added half a second to my ET.