How can I get a good launch?
 

Today I was racing my friend in his sunfire (2.4 150hp), we were waiting for the light to turn green but when it did I released my clutch too fast and the car almost shut off :o , I managed to "re-launch" but it was too late since he already was two car lenghts ahead of me.
Can you guys give me some tips so that I can get a decent launch next time?

The sunfire is an auto, by the way.

Get about 2500 on the tach and release the clutch over about 1/2 - 1 second. Obviously if you can, watch for the yellow and red on the other traffic light. Start to release the clutch just after theirs turns red so that you'll start to move just as the light turns green. Don't necessarily floor the gas right away, especially if there's any moisture on the road, because wheelspin is not your friend. Most of all, practice. :D

i found this article yesterday. a bit hard to read, but helpful. more for 13 - 14 second FWD cars:

http://www.whiteline.com.au/articles...n_H4s_999a.htm

Thanks, Ill check out that link. Yeah, after I managed to keep my car from shutting off I did spin my tires a litle.

I'm definately going to practice more, I don't think I can take him but I want to at least give him a run for his money.

He has a 2.4l 150hp auto sunfire, do you think that my 1.6l 109hp manual pro coud stand a chance? this is just in a straight line.

The 2.4 is still pretty quick with the auto. The 1.6 won't touch it stock.

I thought so...although I manage to keep up with him(not from an standing stop, just driving around), perhaps if I throw in some twisties :D . My car is bone stock right now, I plan to get a new intake, custom exhaust, remove the cat convertors, headers (If they ever become available) and kartboy ss/bushings combo.

yea they arent to slow, that 2.4liter is relatively potent....

my se-r beats them, but its usually pretty close.... but im talking about the Z24 with a 5 speed.... so yea

A good launch is all about modulation of the gas AND clutch.

It's a balancing act - where you rev the engine to about 4000 or so, then "pop" up the clutch, but only to the point that it grabs well, maybe about 1/2 way (every car has different clutch take-up, so this is a very rought estimate). Then you use the clutch to control any wheelspin, and don't let it out fully until the car's speed matches the engine's revs.

It's hell on the clutch for sure, but that's the way I have always gotten successful and controlled launches, burnouts, etc. Just dumping the clutch or popping it up fully results in the engine bogging down (with a small motor), or uncontrollable wheelspin (with a big motor ;)) - either one is not a good launch, as you wind up getting nowhere fast.

Practice!

~HH

reducing tire pressure...mixed blessing???
 

in the article posted above, the first suggestion is reduce the tire pressure from about 35 lbs to 15 lbs. the bigger tire patch on the road gives better traction at launch. but wouldn't this be offset by the greater rolling resistance once the car is rolling. it's a lot easier to ride a bicycle with high pressure tires, than low pressure ones. any thoughts?