ive been reading alot of threads lately about how fast really is the scooby 0-60mph etc,and a bit on driving dynamics about launching,so today for the first time i tried a 4500/5000rpm launch(never had the ba**s to do it before) and oh my god what a difference
i could smell the clutch a tiny bit for a couple of mins after so i know i didnt do it perfect but wow what a difference.
wont be doing it alot because i know i will f*k my gearbox or clutch but wow thats very addictive.

 

Dont kill da wagon!!!

 

no the old girl is getting on a bit but i,m sure she liked to feel the wind through her bonnet scoops every now and then.
but she did smell abit afterwards i think she **** herself (or was that me)

 

It is truly amazing when you do launch them with relatively high revs,i 've done it a few times and it does make me think that the car can do so much more then i'm willing to do risk (on a public highway anyway).
Going to have to do an airfield day methinks

 

Ye, it is great!!

I try to avoid it because it fry's the clutch, but the punch in the back and the look on peoples faces is great!

 

I must admit I probably launch hard a little too often.. I just can't help it, it's such an addictive feeling!

 

Never done it yet, i keep playing at lights when there are no other cars around to try and get a good start, So far i have not got there yet.

 

Its like a catapult - superb!

 

Launches are great fun!

 

only launched it once on an empty road at 4000rpm and WOW!!!

That was the highest i was brave enough to go as I saw a vid on streetfire where a guy f**ked his STI by launchin it 3 times at 6000rpm,

 

Is that side stepping the clutch or feathering it in?

I tried it in my RA but all I got was clutch smoke beofre it bit and off I went

 

Ok, never launced the Scoob before, what's the process, 3k revs and then slip off the clutch, I assume holding it at the biting point to start off?

 

A really, really crappy video of me launching at Trax:

Video of Lanuch at Trax 2007 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Off like a catapult though

5000rpm and side step the clutch lol!

 

Done it a couple of times, the stink of fried clutch that seems to linger for about 2 - 3 days really puts me off doing it again

 

I must admit, i've never launched it either. Even have launch control set at 5000 rpm. Never had the need/urge, plus mechanical sympathy.

Guess i will one day...

 

Done right, the clutch won't smell or slip excessively. (unless it's already knackered).

 

Getting it spot on is a bit of an art but at least feels very rewarding. 7 years, 3 scoobs and 1 clutch a year later on avg and I still don't get it perfect every single time .

 

Hey all never done a launch before might sound stupid but whats the best way.Is it 4500 revs handbrake on clutch up to bite and then release the hand brake or is there another way if so please advise might give it a try on my way to work tonight (early hours of the morning).

 

Me neither, I prefer to get it rolling before pushing it. 3K RPM and try to feed it in relatively sanely. Though that can be worse if the clutch slips too much. There's a definite art in knowing when to get off the clutch pedal completely as the boost builds.

...then there's the problem of keeping it straight on the road whilst trying to find the clutch and gearstick so I can change into 2nd gear.


J.

 

On flat level road, no handbrake, first gear, 4-5k, and just side step the clutch, (i.e. pull your foot away to the left)..

And hold on tight!

 

Why sidestep to the left, is it to make the clutch release as quick as possible or is it smoother?

 

Your guarenteed minimal slip that way and maximum power transfer.. Its not good for your engine, clutch, gearbox or diff.... But if that is your concern then dont do launches lol!

 

That's what has stopped me, as it's putting out 150% power now on standard drivetrain components.

 

I'm running circa 300 horsies at the mo, gearbox is ok.. already been through a clutch and spigot bearing though

 

As you get better:

Try doing full thorttle blips to maintain 4500rpm - the turbo tends to come into play a bit sooner that way.

(if you have a decent turbo like a td04 with a full decat you can do it at 3500rpm ).

Also rather than sidestepping the clutch pedal, try to introduce a "little" slip, no more than a seconds worth, half a second ideal; usually the ideal bite point will be half way between the normal bite point and the fully released poistion.

That way its a little less stressfull on the gearbox...remember the clutch is alot easier and cheaper to replace than the gearbox

Also minimises wheelspin; if the roads is bit slippery one can get torque steer or the back end can start weaving.



My mate still can't launch his right (I suspect he'll kill the clutch before he masters it )

 

With a 'classic' I found the best technique was 4K revs then feed the clutch quick and progressively rather than side step it. No clutch smell and a low 5 second 0-60 time.

When you side step the clutch where is the mechanical sympathy?

 

Can you do this with Turbo diesels? Might try it with the work's corsa

 

Throttle blip to keep revs around 4.5K and then relase clutch quickly, not side stepping. That seems to work for me anyways, breif wiff of clutch but not much. If ya can nail it, it will turn your stomach! Done it on the road few times, never managed to get it spot on at the strip though......

 

YouTube - 12.8 run

Me in the classic, 7.5k launch!! lol

 

Maybe I am going blind but that didn't look like a fast take off at all?

Davey, remind me to never buy a used car from you mate!