I totally agree about getting off the clutch fast. At a recent auto-x school I launched with high rpm but for some reason was hesitant to sidestep the clutch. The smell was baaad and the instructor was laughing. Don't the AP2s have a device that retards the clutch engagement a little if you sidestep the clutch quickly? I've heard it feels less connected than the AP1s.

 

No matter what anyone tells you, if your differential gears are in fairly good condition you can launch the car any way you want (as long as you have some knowledge on how to do so). These cars weren't designed for launching, and many members have replaced their diff because of it, but if you're looking for something to do at a very slow rate...you will be fine.

 

Newb question.
What is 'sidestepping' the clutch?

 

Here's a 8000+ rpm launch....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsvUwGdFBK0

Shift beeper is set at 8000, 8300, 8600, 8900 so you can figure out exactly where the launch was.

 

It's when you have your foot on the clutch, and instead of bringing you foot straight back, you step it off to the side. You can get off the clutch a lot quicker this way then trying to move your foot/leg back towards you.

Just keep this in mind when learning to launch the car. After you get off the clutch, if the tach shoots up but your car isn't moving anywhere and your tires aren't screaching, you're burning your clutch up (assuming you're in gear)...This would be a bad thing

 

Roll your foot off to the side of the clutch and let it pop itself out. Dumping usually refers to someone pulling their foot off towards the driver.

Side stepping is the fastest way to release a clutch.

 

Got ya. I figured that's what it was, just wanted to be sure. Thanks guys.

 

102k miles on my stock drivetrain, including clutch, and I still launch it 5-10 times at 6.5-7k rpm, every Sunday. I'm supercharged, as well.

Like everyone else said, the trick is to get the tires to break loose.

 

This is the only way I launch at AutoX at 6200 dry, 4000 wet (launch control) and dump/side step depending on the conditions of the track. Surface is usually a bit loose so lots of wheel spin and NO chance of burning or breaking anything.

 

thanks for all your inputs guys I really appreciate the support that our cars can handle the high rpm launches!