I have recently purchased a 99 camaro z28 manual and was wondering how to launch without doing too much damage. I dont want to perform all out drag launches but just how to launch in order to beat a ricer at a stoplight.

 

This is my first manual car and all i can say is practice. Ive had it for a few months and im getting better all the time. Try reving to 2500rpm, thats a good starting point, or at least where i started from. Then drop the clutch and just let the pedal push your foot up. If you give it full throttle it'll just spin the tires, so i usually go about 1/2 to 3/4 until the tires stop spinning and then floor it.

hope this helps

 

You shouldn't have to launch hard to beat a ricer. However test different rpms like 2k 2.5k 3k ect. You'll have to try different rpms since it depends on your tires/road conditions. I wouldn't just dump the clutch tho. I try to step off of it quickly but smoothly instead of just all out dumping. You'll also have to feather the gas a little. It just takes practice.

 

DO NOT SIDE STEP THE CLUTCH

You're gonna have to find out what works for your car. I launch at the strip at 5k on ET streets. On the street I'll feather the clutch a little to make sure I've got a clean launch. If you want to race ricers, just don't spin, you can afford to take it a little easy off the line so you don't spin through first

 

dont you mean track?

dumping the clutch wont get you anywhere. its all about that balance between gas and clutch. practice is what it takes

 

thanks for the tips

 

I've also noticed that if you let the clutch out just till you feel it barely hookup, then hit it, your plate will be moving approx. same speed as the flywheel. If you're stopped for a while, then cold launch, it may not be moving @ all, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about; double clutching [unessasary, it's not a semi-truck], but basically getting everything moving. [Somewhat like priming a pump.?]

Other than that......practice, practice, practice. [Especially your 2-3 gear shift.]