I know there are a ton of threads on launching, but I'm not asking how, or whether or not you think it is right or wrong. All the other threads are plauged with arguments for or against launching (personally, I think the argument that the car is not made for launching is dumb: you have a low torque engine in a sports car that advertises a 5.5sec 0-60 time. Without launching, you can't achieve this listed performance).

What I'm curious about (and please refrain from rendering this thread useless with unneeded flaming) is the experiences of some of you veteran S2K launchers (be it for autoX, drag racing, whatever you do it for).
Roughly how many times have you launched in the time of ownership? Has it caused you any problems with the car? And have you always done it the collectively agreed right way (rev to ~6k, dump clutch, modulate throttle for traction)?
I know I've read about a few people having 50+ launches with no problems, I'm just trying to gauge how reliable this car is to launch when done so correctly.

Thanks
By the way, I've owned my car for well over a year now and have only launched it 5-7 times, so don't think I'm some idiot who is trying to figure out if I can launch it at every stop light. I'm simply trying to get an idea on what kinds of problems it has caused people without all the speculation.

 

I have no help to offer with only 2 6+k launches under my belt, however, I'd be VERY interested in the results of your survey. Perhaps we could set up a poll and sample some semi-scientific results?

 

I've autocrossed my S for 3 seasons on R-compound tires. Launched at 6500+ RPMs 150 to 200 times and have not had any issues yet.

That said, I do have a spare diff and axles waiting on a shelf.

 

dont have to launch but just rev up and ride the clutch a little and take off. it will throw u in ur seat and not burn out.. should get ur 5.5 sec its tricky my friends done it in a evo and i kinda tryed it once.. besides those test.. i dont think they care if they ridethe clutch at a stand still lol

 

This is actually agreed upon as being more harsh on the clutch/differential than spinning the tires, as the drivetrain is taking the shock of the launch while you're slipping the clutch rather than the tires when you drop the clutch.

Conedodger, that's what I was looking for. 150-200 on R-compounds? Definitely makes me feel better about a few launches with RE750's.

 

yeah, i would stay away from slipping the clutch. at lower rpms, no biggie, but 6-7k+rpms, if you dont side step it, the clutch will slip bad. like others mentioned, its definitley better to do a hard launch, and getting the tires to break loose, rather than bogging on the launch and putting much stress on the drivetrain

 

Side step

 

If you do it right,the drivetrain can take it.!!!
Hard on the tires,though.