launching

[snake11eyes]

what is the best way to launch a nsx off the line?

specificallly, id like to know:
1. what rpm to rev to?
2. is braking required on the line (assuming that the car is on level ground and will not roll). if so, is it preferred to brake using the brake pedal or hand brake? and im assuming if brake pedal is preferred, one would have to heel-toe it (heel on brake and toe on gas)? i wanted to know if braking was more required to keep the car from moving, in which case it just seems like if u have the clutch fully depressed, the car will not move no matter how much you rev. or is there some other reason for needing to brake the car?
3. should you basically drop/dump the clutch (immediate release) or let the clutch slip with a gradual release? if gradual, how much more/less grandual compared to normal driving?

 

[ChopsJazz]

Are you talking about a drag race launch? Or just a sprint from 0-60?

If it is for a drag race I'm sure you would be on a level surface. Here in the Bay Area we often use the parking brake on hills at traffic lights, but I never thought to use it for a drag race-type launch.

And heel-and-toe shifting is for downshifts. I don't know how on earth it would be possible to get your heel on the brake and toe on the gas.

 

[snake11eyes]

wouldnt you basically use the same technique to launch regardless of if its a drag race or sprint?

in any case, i saw the heel-toe advice on the brake/gas on some random site when i googled "how to launch a car". that sparked my curiosity as i didnt know u needed to even brake the car before launching (assuming u were on level ground).

 

[ChopsJazz]

...wouldnt you basically use the same technique to launch regardless of if its a drag race or sprint?

I'm asking because if it were a sanctioned drag race at a track it would be on level ground therefore precluding the need for the use of any braking to hold the car still. If, however, you are on some country road just trying to get a feel for how fast you can launch the car, you may need to hold the car still with your parking brake, thus my Bay Area/hills example.

If you are drag racing some guy on the streets and are concerned that your opponent will choose a non-level starting line, don't do it. the NSX isn't a drag racer.

Give us more specifics about your intent?

 

[snake11eyes]

thanks for the clarification chops. my intent is not to drag race but more to have some "fun" with my car to see how fast i can launch it. it would probably be safe to assume that i will be on level ground since i live in la.

 

[EdinKali]

If you watch some of the Best Motoring videos you will see they like to launch at about 5K RPM with a quick clutch release.

 

[Thanhnsx]

Best way to launch is to hold the clutch all the way down 100%. Then, Rev to like, not too sure but maybe 4000-4500rpm or maybe higher depending how much power your have or lower. Hold it at that rpm then drop the clutch. But do not let go the gas pedal and hold it. Yes, your wheel will definitely spin with no traction but that is what you want. Once you feel the tire spinning, release the gas pedal gently until you feel traction. Make sure to keep your rpms up around 4500k or higher while gently releasing the gas pedal for traction. Once you feel 100% traction. Smash on it! Just don't let your rpms drop.

I don't think it's good for your transmission but hey your having some "fun" right?

RPM launching may vary depending on your tires and HP/TQ.

I recommend doing it on the track. But be safe on the streets.

 

[snake11eyes]

thanhnsx, thanks for the step-by-step instructions.

are you sure that i should just complete dump my clutch and not do a more gradual release and let the clutch slip a little (but obvsiously still release it quicker than normal driving)?

i was just discussing this topic with a coworker at lunch (he has a wrx) and he said not to dump the clutch but the let it slip a little. thoughts?

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

I go by feel I try to drop it as fast as I can without breaking the wheels loose so sticky tires will definitly improve your launch

 

[ChopsJazz]

Don't forget to turn off your TCS.

 

[Thanhnsx]

NP

If you feel that gradual release works better for launch. You should practice on that. Not everyone is comfortable with my method or dumping the clutch.

I'm just providing you with my past experience that always worked for me.
It does take some time to get use to. TCS must to be off like ChopsJazz said.

thanhnsx, thanks for the step-by-step instructions.

are you sure that i should just complete dump my clutch and not do a more gradual release and let the clutch slip a little (but obvsiously still release it quicker than normal driving)?

i was just discussing this topic with a coworker at lunch (he has a wrx) and he said not to dump the clutch but the let it slip a little. thoughts?

 

[snake11eyes]

thanks for everyone's input. if i have time this weekend, maybe ill experiment a little and will report back on how it works out (assuming anyone is interested, that is :biggrin.

 

[Sir Stunna Lot]

thanks for everyone's input. if i have time this weekend, maybe ill experiment a little and will report back on how it works out (assuming anyone is interested, that is :biggrin.

dont forget to post video's for each trials!

 

[EdinKali]

Just a word of caution if you are on the OEM clutch, a bunch of high RPM starts will kill your clutch before long.

 

[snake11eyes]

thanks for the heads up....on that note, i have a RH Engineering clutch installed by Autowave. im farily happy with it but dont know how it compares to others, including the oem since that was already slipping.

does anyone have a RH Engineering clutch and can compare it to others? any other after market clutch recommendations? i seem to see a lot posted for the SoS and RPS clutches...thoughts?

 

[Coz]

LOL...you start dropping your clutch at high RPM's off the line, expect to start replacing axles and eventually your gearbox...

I have broke a couple of axle's doing this. Not worth the hassle when you can leave the line without all the high RPM's and dropping the clutch.
I run a twin CF disc Exedy...now switching to a triple CF disc Exedy.

I ran a 11.5 in this video on used up street tires and you can tell, I didn't drop the clutch from a high RPM.
With racing tires I will run in the low 10's.

The NSX was never meant to be a drag racing car.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=380233048094&ref=mf

 

[EK@ASU]

LOL...you start dropping your clutch at high RPM's off the line, expect to start replacing axles and eventually your gearbox...

I have broke a couple of axle's doing this. Not worth the hassle when you can leave the line without all the high RPM's and dropping the clutch.
I run a twin CF disc Exedy...now switching to a triple CF disc Exedy.

I ran a 11.5 in this video on used up street tires and you can tell, I didn't drop the clutch from a high RPM.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=380233048094&ref=mf

I don't mean to thread jack but what was your trap speed Coz?

 

[Coz]

Have to find the run slips, not sure where they were...

But it was faster than the AQ Motorspots/Novak car running racing tires in the video :biggrin:

We were faster than all but two other cars, the GST car ran 10.5 on racing tires and the Hasport car beat me by 100th of a second on racing tires and running nitrous.

Top speed was the only thing that mattered in this part of the competition.

Sorry guys, now back to the topic at hand :wink:

I don't mean to thread jack but what was your trap speed Coz?

 

[mrbozo]

Hey guys just thought I would jump in and give my experiences with launching nsxs. If you go to youtube and search mrsbozo you will see me launch my nsx at the track.I run a 1.8 60 foot time(which is slow for this fast of a car)however my first 60 foot time was 2.3 sec. My car has an aem ems that has a two step programmed to limit the rpm at the start line to 4200 rpm. When the light turns green I just dump the clutch. On an nsx there is a very fine line between spinning the tires and bogging the engine down. If you watch the video below mine, you will see a guy that knows how to launch an nsx. Based on what I know now my car would run 6 tenths faster if I can learn to launch it and get a 60 foot time of 1.5 sec. When racing an nsx the trickiest part of driving it is learning how to launch your car(I have two and they are both different) I have tried to slip the clutch,dump the clutch, so all I can say is take a stop watch and a buddy, mark out a 60 foot line,go to a secluded

street and practice until you can get your best 60 foot time. GOOD LUCK

 

[Thanhnsx]

Hey guys just thought I would jump in and give my experiences with launching nsxs. If you go to youtube and search mrsbozo you will see me launch my nsx at the track.I run a 1.8 60 foot time(which is slow for this fast of a car)however my first 60 foot time was 2.3 sec. My car has an aem ems that has a two step programmed to limit the rpm at the start line to 4200 rpm. When the light turns green I just dump the clutch. On an nsx there is a very fine line between spinning the tires and bogging the engine down. If you watch the video below mine, you will see a guy that knows how to launch an nsx. Based on what I know now my car would run 6 tenths faster if I can learn to launch it and get a 60 foot time of 1.5 sec. When racing an nsx the trickiest part of driving it is learning how to launch your car(I have two and they are both different) I have tried to slip the clutch,dump the clutch, so all I can say is take a stop watch and a buddy, mark out a 60 foot line,go to a secluded

street and practice until you can get your best 60 foot time. GOOD LUCK

Great video. Smooth launch. What kind of tires?

 

[mrbozo]

goodrich drag radials, 285-35-18, next time I go racing I will use 16 inch rims and use actual slicks and try to launch the car and get a 1.5 or 1.6 60 foot time. Good luck and keep me posted if you find a really great and easy way to launch the car.