I have a '02 WRX and just broke it in (1,000 miles).

Anyway, my ideal launches are between 4-5K RPM, and after hard launches through the first few gears, I smell this unbearable stench from my car.

It smells just like a burned clutch, but my clutch isn't burned because the car is brand new and also because that smell only occurs after hard launches.

Could it be the oil (even though it's still new?)

Anyone know what it may be? Should I worry?

I'm gonna post this in the off-topic section too.

Thanks again.

 

Its the clutch. You can get the smell of your clutch burning if it slips at all. Just cause you get that smell does not mean its completely burnt so you need it replaced, it just means a little bit is burning.

Its a WRX, so the AWD might be different, but try letting the clutch out faster. Generally it burns if you feather the clutch while try to accelerate.

Blake

 

Thanks...I kinda do feather it at 5K while waiting to let out the clutch...

I'll try and do it quicker...

 

make sure you dont lauch your car too often or not only will your clutch go... you probably would have to get some new differentials or axles.

 

This is how you burn your clutch so yes it is your clutch that you smell.

 

Launching under VTEC probably won't do much. Launching at 8K RPM has 4 times as much force as launching at 4K RPM. I don't think 5.5K will hurt much; personal opinion. Many people think the stock clutch is weak, but somehow I went 35K+ miles drag racing and dropping the clutch at 8K without ever burning the clutch. I only replaced my clutch as an "upgrade"; don't get me started.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Wesmaster
[B]

Launching under VTEC probably won't do much.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Wesmaster
[B]

Launching under VTEC probably won't do much.

 

S2000 has a slippy clutch if at high revs. Can't ever be revving when you let the clutch out or "SMMMMELLLLY"...
Not too surpising really when your asking a clutch to engage an engine revving over 5Krpm's. Friction coefficient not infinite

Probably the same with the WRX but don't know.

 

Had a TT Stealth AWD. Weakest link in those cars were the half-shafts. Sure, you could lay rubber with all 4 tires but if done too many times one or more of the shafts would break or fracture. On a WRX, I think your burning clutch is telling you your half shafts won't take it if you ever did get the launch you're looking for.