Launch

[technobear]

I know this topic is going to draw some flak from the anti racers in this forum. But:

With a N/A Automatic. What is the best way to launch? Neutral drop like a stick? Power break? Set at an idle and mash on the gas?

The only other car i drove that i raced in was a stick. So, using an auto to actually try to win is a bit new to me.

*now waiting for ridicule*

[Mike-in-Orange]

quote:technobear Posted - 06/22/2004 : 12:15:26 AM I know this topic is going to draw some flak from the anti racers in this forum. But:

With a N/A Automatic. What is the best way to launch?

Won't draw any flak from me. As far as the best way to launch with a N/A automatic PT.....no offense, but....um....EARLY!!!

The N/A PT just ain't the fastest bullet in the gun so you'll need some help. I'd just avoid the neutral drop - wouldn't want to see a tranny drop out on ya! I'd think power breaking a bit would be your best bet, but you shouldn't need much.

[technobear]

Thanks, for what it is, its amazingly peppy. But its one of those things that if you dont ask you dont know. In my stang i could stand it on its rear wheels, so i know i was doing it right there. but with this FW/AT its a different world.

[quicksilverdon]

I agree with Mike. Neutral drop will probably spin wheels, and is not good for tranny - maybe some gas & brake.

[RallyDRock]

agree with the others that a neutral drop is one of the most damaging things one can do.
Hold brake and floor it untill you have reached the stall speed of the transmission. Just dont hold it for long because the torque converter which is between the engine and transmission is a fluid coupling which can raise internal trans temps very quickly. When you raise the trans temps above say 200F the fluid will oxidize more rapidly and lose its lubrication properties. So if you are going to race and hold with the brake, change the fluid more often and get an external tranny cooler ($40).

Once you get going there are 2 methods for shifting. Leave it in D or shift manually. To shift manually leave it in 1 until redline then shift to 3 and back to 1 to hold out 2nd, then shift back to 3 for third gear and if you are really letting it out go to D.

[Konkeler]

quote:Originally posted by technobear

For what it is, its amazingly peppy.

I take it you've never driven a real fast car huh? I thought my car was decently quick, but then I got to drive my friend's dad's 68 Vette. 427 with a few goodies, makes over 400hp.

Why race a N/A Pt Cruiser, they're slow. It'll be the same as a ricer going around racing a Honda Civic or Kia. They're slow economy cars, they're not made to go fast. If you're serious about racing, get something better.

Pr Cruisers are wonderful cars. I love mine and love it as a Daily Driver. But the thing is slow, and barely has enough power to be considered "peppy". I say a little prayer everytime I have to merge onto the interstate (Heavy traffic where I live).

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

Techno, I would use the power slide method as the others have recommended. You should only need to have the brake in slightly, let the RPM's get up to about 3000, and let it go. I would definately not go from Neutral to Drive, and I would also not try to manually shift it either. Both of those methods will blow a transmission very quickly. I have to disagree with Konkeler, N/A PT's can be pretty quick, you just have to know how to drive. Anyone can mash the gas on a 427 and roast the tires. It takes a good driver though to make a Plain-Jane 4 cylinder launch off a line and beat someone with a much bigger engine.

[Konkeler]

quote:Originally posted by CHROMEDCRUISER

I have to disagree with Konkeler, N/A PT's can be pretty quick, you just have to know how to drive. Anyone can mash the gas on a 427 and roast the tires. It takes a good driver though to make a Plain-Jane 4 cylinder launch off a line and beat someone with a much bigger engine.

Wrong. A faster more powerful car, espicially with RWD, is so much harder to control then a slow FWD car. I've driven both, I know. When you're cranking out over 400hp, with a Manaul Tranny, you have to know how to shift right, how much gas to give it, etc. With all that extra power, it's easy to get caried away, loose traction, and crash.

It doesn't take a good driver to mash down the gas on a 150hp FWD Auotmatic car, almost anybody can do it.

Remember I drive the same car as you. Then I've driven alot of other differnt kinds of vechiles. Big Conversion Vans, that Vette, my friend's 94 Z-28, my Malibu, a Antique Dump Truck, a John Deere Back-Hoe, etc. (many more)

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

Never said that 427 was mated with a manual transaxle... regardless, it takes a good driver to know the limits of any car, I've taken my 03' TE 5spd and blown away a 350 Z-71. I've driven many cars too, from S-10s to supercharged regals. You've got to know the limits of the car, and how far you can go until you lose control. You can total a PT just as easily as you can a 427.

[sakigt]

Apples to Oranges...

But yea. Nuetral drop is a nono. Power brake works. Stomping it cant hurt.

Problem is that in all three instances the problem is traction. Well, for me at least. [:I] The best thing to do would be to take you PT to the track and try the last two...whichever bring teh fastest 60 ft and consequently the best 1/4 would be the way to go.