launching technique for A4?

[lostatlantis]

I was wondering if there's any special trick or procedure for launching a '96 A4 firebird w/ Y87? Assume that I know nothing about launching [img]smile.gif[/img]

[strobhen]

Yes, there most certainly is...

First off, you need practice.

Drive around the water boxes, and stage.

Stock torque converters lock up anywhere from 1800-2200 rpms (vary much more than aftermarket converters). Hold down the brake & push down the gas until you hit somewhere in there, and keep it down.

When that 3rd yellow comes, ease into the gas quickly and ease off the brake (takes a little practice, should be WOT withing 1.5-2 seconds).

If you spin, ease into the gas a little slower and lower your launch rpms. If you hook right up, ease into the gas faster and raise launch rpms (don't bother going over 2500, you will likely bog if you do) until you do spin, then lower it back down.

There are about a billion things that can affect how well you can launch. How well the tires grip, temperature, engine performance, etc.

Every car is going to have a different sweet spot so to speak, and even that will vary a little from day to day.

[99Camaro99]

ahmen to that...considering the fact that stroben you have the same 60' as me. :D I'm not done practicing tho [img]smile.gif[/img]

[lostatlantis]

thanks strobhen for the detailed description! I haven't been to a track yet, the closest would at darlington [img]smile.gif[/img] My friend who has a 2000 Camaro SS auto did his virgin run with 13.5sec @ 100mph (not exact numbers but very close). I thought all you do to launch an automatic was to just floor it when the light is green. Guess I was wrong.

A couple of questions tho.

1)Wouldn't pushing the gas pedal and the brake at the same time damange anything, esp building up the RPM to the desired number? Or is damage or maybe extra "wear & tear" inevitable if you want the best launch?

2)What are somethings to avoid when on the launch? I am a beginner so I guess I am asking for some common rookie errors so I can try to avoid them [img]smile.gif[/img]

[12secondv6]

The stalling the converter mentioned above is perfect.
Also rear tire psi to 30
front tire psi to 40
Track only
First time out just pull up to the line.
Let off the brake and then floor it just so you get a feel for launching.
Then start practicing the 2 foot method

[99Camaro99]

oh in terms of damage I only see two problems...

1) You'll put extra wear on your brake pads (no biggie here)

2) makes your torque converter get hot rather quickly...like in a blink of an eye

DON'T WORRY ABOUT DOING THE LAUNCHES LIEK THIS THO. Doing it once and a while at a track or in a quick race is fine, just don't make it a habit of doing it all the time.

[12secondv6]

Brakes should not really be affected unless you do a brake burn, burn out w/ brakes locked or whatever everyone calls it.
As for temp increaseing, yes it does very quickly.
I've had a tranny temp guage and watched it climb quickly.
Never hot lap the car (auto) more than 3 time in a row