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How to launch a manual transmission

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Old May 2, 2006 | 03:48 PM
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Default How to launch a manual transmission

Now here's one for you. A guy that races automatics and fixing to give you launch techniques for a manual. I'm sure I'll be tested!

Assuming you know how to warm your tires and this has been accomplished. Bring the car forward so you light the first (yellow) staging light. With first staging light on bring rpm up to desired launch rpm and hold it there while you inch your way up to light the second staging light. Your launch rpm should never be below peak torque, and probably higher would give a better launch. If you wait until the second staging light is on to adjust rpm you will most likely not cut a good reaction time. Particularly if the guy next to you already has both staging lights lit. Just too much to concentrate on at that point to be adjusting rpm. At launch hammer the throttle to WOT then ride the clutch so as the rpm never drops below peak torque and of course never hits the rpm limiter. This should make for a fair launch after a little practice.
Old May 2, 2006 | 06:00 PM
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Radials, DR's, or slicks? I love launching on slicks. -Mark
Old May 2, 2006 | 06:54 PM
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My technique would only work assuming you hold traction. Without traction might have to leave at idle and bog the engine to get best 60'. Traction is a must!
Old May 2, 2006 | 10:55 PM
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that type of launch is definately with some sticky tires haha, launching on street tires SUCKS!!!
Old May 3, 2006 | 02:09 PM
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sounds like a good way to destroy your clutch

I just dump it on my camaro. get fairly consistant low 1.4X 60's.


with the 05 it does tend to like slipping it better, but just because it doesn't have enough power IMO. I hate slipping a clutch on launch
Old May 3, 2006 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 383ss
sounds like a good way to destroy your clutch

I just dump it on my camaro. get fairly consistant low 1.4X 60's.


with the 05 it does tend to like slipping it better, but just because it doesn't have enough power IMO. I hate slipping a clutch on launch
No doubt slipping the clutch isn't the best for it but we are talking about maximum 60' times.

If you have low gearing it sure will help the longevity of the clutch on hard launches. Apparently you have a pretty low gear if you just dump it or you would bog the engine. Your clutch is slipping some too even with the clutch completely engages or it would bog momentarily or kill the engine with zero slippage at zero mph. I don't think your clutch will completely engage until you have some movement.
Old May 4, 2006 | 06:20 AM
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i usually just dump it and go on mine at the track too, with BFG drags of course, with street tires its not an option
Old May 4, 2006 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Larry
No doubt slipping the clutch isn't the best for it but we are talking about maximum 60' times.

If you have low gearing it sure will help the longevity of the clutch on hard launches. Apparently you have a pretty low gear if you just dump it or you would bog the engine. Your clutch is slipping some too even with the clutch completely engages or it would bog momentarily or kill the engine with zero slippage at zero mph. I don't think your clutch will completely engage until you have some movement.

I agree. we do have 4.10's in the mustang, but it needs 4.30's or 4.56's.

my camaro does bog sometimes. launching at 6500 helps with that though I have 4.10's in it, but it will be going back to 4.56's SOON I love 4.56's.
Old May 5, 2006 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 383ss
I agree. we do have 4.10's in the mustang, but it needs 4.30's or 4.56's.

my camaro does bog sometimes. launching at 6500 helps with that though I have 4.10's in it, but it will be going back to 4.56's SOON I love 4.56's.
At 6500 rpm you would be making 110 mph at the lights with 4.56 gearing assuming a 26" tall tire. If that puts you about 200-400 rpm above peak hp you are geared just right.
Old May 15, 2006 | 10:38 AM
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bogging off the line in an '06 GT isn't a good idea. These engines have no torque at all, and not enough gear. It takes forever to recover from a bog. HRP whipped out the sun dial to record my ET when I'd bog
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