Realizing that a stock S is not the fastest car out there for straight line drag, (shines more on a road course), I was just wondering the best technique to get off the line for fun, speed, and oh by the way keep from glazing my clutch. Is it better to:
1. Keep it in first with the clutch in, rev to around 3k, dump the clutch and accelerate?
2. Keep it in nuetral, rev to around 3-4k, clutch in, go to first, dump the clutch (as the engine is coming down)?
Any other techniques would be appreciated too.

 

Not sure what the point of your second method is, but if you want a good launch in the S, you need to rev to about 6500 and then dump it. Some people say you should sidestep it, but I just let out as fast as possible and I get a good amount of wheel spin then a real fast launch. Beware though, many a broken part comes with launching the S.

Nick

 

Also be aware that if you don't let the clutch out fast enough, it will spin instead of your tires and you'll have a "wonderful" smell in your car for the next couple of days.

 

Is that just sliding your foot off the clutch to the right, letting the clutch engage by itself?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by slbutler
[B]

 

left...right

 

yeah, I think the idea is that if you dump at around 6500 to 7000 all the stress is transferred through the car itself to the wheels. You lose tires instead of more costly parts...but I could be very wrong...

 

this is what i did this past weekend at the auto-x (and what all the other s2k competitors do)

clutch in, put the car in 1st, rev to >6000 rpm (only driver on street tires -- more like 7500 if passenger / race tires), sidestep (drop the clutch as quickly as possible). this will spin the tires for about 5 ft before the car takes off at 30+mph.

like others have said this transfers all the stress to the tires and saves both the clutch and the drivetrain.

if you don't sidestep successfully (like my codriver this past weekend unfortunately) you will seriously burn the clutch. thus, if you have any hint that the tires are not spinning IMMEDIATELY give up on the launch. you'll save yourself from the burnt smell for a few days.

launching below 6000 rpm has my experience but a lot of strain on the drivetrain (if you dump the clutch) or on the clutch (if you let it out slowly).

but there is no other experience liking dumping the clutch at 6k+ rpm!!

 

Dump it above 7000 in first and don't let off the gas till your in sixth gear ,but make sure you have an extended warranty

 

(Remind self not to buy used sports cars)