Launching with Torque Converter?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Launching with Torque Converter? I have a Vig3200 and I went to the track for the first time with it last weekend. I was a little dissapointed just becuase I couldn't get my launch down. The main problem was I wasnt' spinning my tires fast or long enough. But thats easily corrected. I pulled a best 13.00@105mph. But only a 1.98 60'. My question is on my launch I've been holding the brake and putting the rpm's at about 1200 rpm. Then when the tree hits green I take off the brake and floor it at the same time. Now somebody said its better to let off the brake, wait till you start to roll out and then floor it. Or if the track isn't hooking well, then not to floor it at all and just to give it 3/4 or whatever and when you hook then floor it. It was 40 degrees so that probably hurt traction a bit. Anyway, what is the best technique for launching? Thx.
Re: Launching with Torque Converter? Next time I'd drop the Nittos to around 18psi and FRY them, at least 7 seconds of heavy smoke and then pull right to the line. I'd stay at the 1200 rpm to load the chassis and on the 3rd yellow nail the throttle. If the track can take it it should hold. If you still spin try to slow the transition to WOT just a bit. If all else fails, get another set of rims and some MANLY <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> tires and have fun
LAter <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
LAter <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Re: Launching with Torque Converter? I was running at 20 psi. And I was only spinning at about 4k rpm. I need to go up to 5k to really get the smoke rolling off. So you think my launch technique is good then. I just need to work on those burnouts more.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: West Monore
Re: Launching with Torque Converter? I have a 3200 vig. with 3:73 gears. As other post said, you have to heat the Nitto's until you see white smoke in your side rearview mirror. When your in the staging line, let other driver do his burnout first, because the nitto's need to to heated on the starting line. In summary--briefly:1. Start air pressure off at 20 PSI and work down in incremment of 1 or 2 down. 2. Go around water trap and back your wheels into water trap and a light spin and pull out--to get junk off of the tirs 3. Let other car do burnout first, then do yours 4)Do lonnnnnnnng burnout until you see white smoke from side rearview mirror, once see smoke--ease foot off brake until tires feel like they bite--ease to staging line and you are ready. 4) Take much weight as possible off front of car for a better takeoff. Other comments--You should knock about 5/10's off ET with this convertor. If still having traction problems--go with Hal Shocks and Drag springs upfront to assist in weight transfer. Don't be disappointed or frustrated with traction issues, I went through this and finally go the hang of it. Once you solve the traction issue--I ran my best times by launching the baby up to 2000 - 2200 RPM's. My 60 ' times range from 1.68 to 1.73, etc. I ran Nitto's, but a better tire would be a slick--dangerours to rearend. Have you considered skinnies on the front. Lots of information for your consideration. Bring the 60' time down. Best wishes. <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />
Re: Launching with Torque Converter? i leave around 1100-1200 if the tracks hooking.. everytime i stall up to 1700 or so i get 1.66's or so, but leaving from idle or close to it i cut 1.60's on nittos..
psi is around 18-20.. my launch i just slighty roll off the line then punch, its hard to explain, but i have a very slight delay which jsut gives me enough time to roll and hit it WOT without spinning..
your converter should atleast get ya in the 1.7's on nittos for sure so you have a longgg ways to go yet.. dont worry, just get to track and try again.. soon you should be in the mid 12's easy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
psi is around 18-20.. my launch i just slighty roll off the line then punch, its hard to explain, but i have a very slight delay which jsut gives me enough time to roll and hit it WOT without spinning..
your converter should atleast get ya in the 1.7's on nittos for sure so you have a longgg ways to go yet.. dont worry, just get to track and try again.. soon you should be in the mid 12's easy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
