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Dakaty
GenIII
2/20/2002
19:28:54
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 Subject: Launching an auto
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I started to post this under an assumed name because I feel like I should know the answer to this one!!!
What is the best way to launch an automatic at the strip?
About three (and a half) decades ago I would drive my sisters Olds 88 (I think it was a 1956 model) with a huge engine in it. From a standstill, I would put on the brakes and floor it. When I let off the brakes, that thing would smoke the tires (maybe only 1 tire) like crazy (and it was crazy). I'm sure that was really bad for the car, but who cared??? The car would be doing an amazing burnout but was barely moving. It probably weighed at least 6500 pounds.
I have not tried that technique on my Dak. I'm thinking that this type of launch would cause severe wear and damage to the drive train.
However, I'm thinking about going to the Houston Raceway dragstrip and seeing what times/speeds I can generate.
Should I just wait for the green light, then floor it? Should I moderately rev it with the brakes on? Should I put it in neutral, rev it to about 5000 then throw it in drive on the green light? HAHA
What type of launch do you experienced racing guys use? Are the "line lock" devices suited for automatic launches?
Thanks
Sammy (I mean Bill)
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HEATH
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/21/2002
12:51:27
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
It all depends on track conditions.
Sticky: Foot on brake and rev enough till just before the tires start turning.
Slick: Let off the gas and punch it.
You will just have to experiment.
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kawzx7
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/21/2002
13:55:57
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
That's easy! Go to the hardware store and get a lot of gunpowder, I mean a lot! Put the bags of gun powder under the truck, light the fuse and BOOM, launch. The height of your launch is dependent on how much gun powder and is not valid outside the continental US, Puerto Rico or it's territories.
Sorry I just couldn't resist! :)
I just do a brake torque as stated above, modulating the throttle to keep the motor at a certain RPM range. Trial and error mostly.
Good luck!
Chris
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rez
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/21/2002
15:20:10
| RE: Launching an auto
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don,t drive thru the water in the burn out area,once past it, stop the truck,put it in neutral and clean the engine(1 hard rev)put back in gear and do what you're going to do at the line,if it spins the tires alot then that is pretty much what is going to happen on the starting line. i know the starting line will be a little better but...it should help you understand what is going to happen. this was not mentioned,you could roll out then floor it. IT'S ALL TRIAL AND ERROR,GOOD LUCK--HAVE FUN-- HANG ON!
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litlpunisher
GenIII
2/21/2002
15:33:14
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
Don't wait for the green or you will already be playing ketchup. Hold the break and give it gas like said before. Give it enough gas until it is about to push. Then when that third light goes on mat it. You'll think your going to red light but believe me you won't.
Good luck.
98 Dakota
Bottle fed 340ci
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jonathan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/21/2002
16:42:28
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
Yup... almost exactly what I do. I had people looking at me funny whenever I nearly ran over the 'water sprayer' guy ensuring I didnt get my front tires wet (where the front tires go, the rear will, water+our light ass=tires spin) Put it in reverse. Got the ass in some water... spun the wheels a sec in reverse... put it in drive... took tires out of water.... did a good burn out... then staged. I held brake and gas to right at 2,300 rpm's... and stand on it right when the last yellow is lighting. Also, I let 10 lbs of pressure out of my rear tires and took off great. I consistently get .502 - .620 RT's. Not bad for off the pedal...
jonathan
1999 Dodge Dakota R/T CC
PCM
15.041@ 89.44mph
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Dakaty
GenIII
2/22/2002
19:59:37
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
Thanks for the replys.
It all sounds awkward for a "first timer". I'll try to go to the strip on a non race night and get used to the "staging" process as well as the "starting tree".
Maybe "Dak Guy" can show me the ropes before I actually race. He has posted here before and races at Houston Raceway Park in the Baytown, TX area.
Bill
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jonathan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/22/2002
21:00:30
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
Cool.. I'm from houston (although the Marines think that I should reside in NC for the next year and a half). I know it does seem awkward... and if you're not the first person to the stage, you will be rushed... and you'll feel embarrassed.. and blah blah... just be cool. Everyone has their first time, and anyone who says they've done it like a pro since their first time is a liar. You got some pretty good insight from us... go for it, and you'll develop your own techniques. Have fun Bill )
jonathan
1999 Dodge Dakota R/T CC
PCM
15.041@ 89.44mph
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sicminds
GenIII
2/23/2002
17:42:57
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
what happens if you go to early(red light it)
I am working out my work schedule so
i can go to the track soon
to see what its made of. hopin
for low 16's
now you know thats..................
sic
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jonathan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/23/2002
18:22:59
| RE: Launching an auto
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Message:
The red light illuminates, and if you are competing.. you automatically lose even if the other guy busts out. You still get timed and everything like normal, so keep it to the floor and see how well you do.
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