How to launch your Automatic

[eatwrx]

The posted technique is the vacuum launch technique (the brake seems to suck to the floor).

Try using higher octane fuel. Also, boost seemed to build faster on cooler days. It worked in that I didn't have to go through the extra steps. Every car is different. Take some time and learn what helps and hurt your launch.

But remember, I replaced my tranny. Doing this (brake launches) probably led to the tranny's demise.

[overwrxed24]

Originally posted by WRXout
you should add to your sticky what line lock is and where to get it!

[WRX]

Since I get so many PMs asking about how to properly launch your 4EAT, I decided to make a thread about it. (mods please sticky and or merge with any other launching thread.)

I strongly advise that you use your head and practice this in a very remote location (or more preferably the track!) and if you want to keep your transmission in good working order, you might want to rethink doing this on a daily basis.


Here's how it works:

1. (left foot on brake, right on gas) At a complete stop, put the car into N.
2. Start revving until you feel the brake pedal depress. (usually a quick rev to 5k RPM does the trick)
3. WAIT until the revs drop all the way back down, and put the car back into D.
4. With your left foot still firmly planted on the brake pedal, start revving the engine. You should see RPM's climb to around 2400 rpm and stall. After 2-3 seconds it'll start rising and you should hit around 3200 RPM.
5. Once at this RPM take your foot off the brake, and hold on for dear life!

With the right amount of practice, this whole process can be done in a matter of a few seconds. And with the propper technique, you should be making a face like this:

[WRXout]

STICKY THIS!

[SLOW4EAT]

or you can launch with line lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WRXout]

Originally posted by SLOW4EAT
or you can launch with line lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you should add to your sticky what line lock is and where to get it!

[bmms8]

so on a stock tranny, and stock wrx auto, i can really get up to 3200 rpms without overheating, or damaging anything? thanks a lot.

[WRXout]

also i would add putting a tranny cooler!

[skyjock41]

Originally posted by bmms8
so on a stock tranny, and stock wrx auto, i can really get up to 3200 rpms without overheating, or damaging anything? thanks a lot.

Originally posted by WRX
I strongly advise that you use your head and practice this in a very remote location (or more preferably the track!) and if you want to keep your transmission in good working order, you might want to rethink doing this on a daily basis.

[Kanchou]

if you're drag racing, would you put it in D or leave it in 3?

[GTScoob]

Originally posted by Kanchou
if you're drag racing, would you put it in D or leave it in 3?

I dont know, I think third goes up to 120 or so. My tranny likes to engage quicker from a stop if it's in third so I'd probably go with that.

[bmms8]

3rd goes up to 120?? damn, i trhought it went up to 90? i thought it was somewhere around 40, 72, ~90, havent actually floored it in 3rd to redline, so im only assuming.

[GTScoob]

I think so, I cruise @50 somewhere around 3000 revs so I figure it will do 100 at 6000 and then you can go up to 7000 . . .

[Kanchou]

yeah, you probably wont get past 90 stock on the 1/4 mile, but 3rd is nice and tall. . .

[WRX]

What I do at the track is:

Launch while in D, and right about at the 60' mark I shift it into 3. (I just kinda feel it out) I don't know what this does for my times, but it seems to work the best. And you'll end the 1/4 mile with plenty of room to spare because 3rd does go up to 120.