Why am I so bad at launching - Vids

[IanH]

Hiya all - I wasn't really the bothered about going to a drag strip at 1st but now I've done a couple I'm really starting to get into it.

However, even though my car is 325rwhp I still can't get get lower than a 13.9 @ 104. My 60ft time is normally a 2.4/5 sec which is crap so what am I doing wrong?

Here's a Vid of 4 launches from my last drag day. My slowest time is 1st through to my fastest being last.

Clicky Clicky for the Vid

I've got Launch Control fitted (thats the rev limiter sound on the vids) set at 3100rpm to stop wheel spin and prevent bogging down.

At the moment I haven't got any suspension mods (other than lowering springs) as I don't really know what would be best as I use my car everyday so it can't be too hard/soft etc.

Cheers....................................................IanH

[b0neR]

Lower tyre pressure, better tyres, better rear suspension setup...these things usually lead to a better launch.

Also why dont you try and launch without traction control limiting your revs, will give you more control and more chance to find a perfect launch point.

[GunMetalR33]

Sitting on the rev limiter in first when you get of the line is not helping...

[benm]

Get a set of "pineapples" from "Dr_Drift" (or your local "Whiteline" workshop) on here. They will help the rear end squat better and put the power down smoother. I could notice the difference within the first 200m of driving (in a normal manner) on a public road after having these fitted. Will cost you about $180 fitted.

[2rismo]

Launch control is a great idea but may i suggest learning how to get your car off the line without it first, then progressing through to using it once your 60' times are 2.2's at the slowest.

Adrian

[Bass Junky]

Launch Control???

Where do you get it?

What is it?

Price?

Pictures???

[robert112]

I remember driving my skyline on 11 psi, and I can tell you if I were driving a skyline on 1.2 bar I would be pulling at least flat 13's on my first go!!!

[Cubes]

Sounds like your gear changes need improving also.

[Serious-Seven]

from that video it almost reminds me of a rotary powerd car.

your bogging down due to crap tyres/pressure on them and suspension work might be needed.

gear changes are way to slow for the drags.

[2rismo]

I remember driving my skyline on 11 psi, and I can tell you if I were driving a skyline on 1.2 bar I would be pulling at least flat 13's on my first go!!!

Easy to say, harder to do. Don't talk such total shit till you've done it and have the slips.

Adrian

[ferni]

I would of thought with that much power, your TS would be a little higher...

[Downforce]

You should definitely upgrade your suspension setup, put on some good semi-slick tyres for improved traction, and maybe a quickshifter would help you with the gear changes..

[pentae]

launching at 3100rpm? I believe you should be launching higher than that particularly if are you running a non-standard turbo and it takes a higher amount of revs to really get spooling.

From your video it looks as though it takes quite a few meters for your car before it starts accelerating, it should be scrambling for grip from the get go.

Hope this helps.

[Jay95R33]

Yeah, Adrians right, you should try and master launches without the launch control on first.. Remembering that you may not be able to go full throttle until you hit second gear.

Watching the vid, it seems as though it's bogging down on the launch, then breaking into wheelspin at which stage it's either bouncing off of the rev limiter or the launch control rev limiter is still activated. Then by the sounds of it your gear changes are a tad on the slow side.

Practice makes perfect, and you've done the right thing by asking for advice.

Oh, try dropping your tyre presure too, simple to do and it may help.

[Cubes]

Even though my car is making under 200rwkw I find it will wheel spin if I bog the launch down, it appears if I launch it hard and load up the tyres then it won't wheel spin as much only chirping the tyres through the gear.

I've always thought of it as being similiar to slamming on the brakes and feeding on the brakes.

Have you tried doing a little burnout before the launch?

[robert112]

2rismo don't be a loser and get all defensive, watch the video it's obvious his granny shifting and his 1st gear is all over the place...

[Roy]

Tyres and shift with a little more vigour

Im interested to hear about the launch control as well.

lol at 2rismo, your not exactly shy about telling ppl what you think of there comments. Who cares if he has never run the 1/4? Hes allowed to hazard a guess as to what time he may do.

[robert112]

Roy thanks bro =]

[Cubes]

Practice makes perfect.

[Jay95R33]

Oh - another BIG thing..

Take a look at the track !! It's not the same as our 1/4 mile drag strips we have here... The surface is totally different (looks like concrete !) so it would be as slippery as anything