Okay, I'll bite... (archive)

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Looks like you're pretty much a human bondfire by the amount of flaming taking place. A Good test for the board members though. I'm not really into the launch from the light thing, but hey, to each his own right? Here's my limited impression of launching my 850 six speed:

I've launched a grand total of two, maybe three times. I have the M-doublespoke rims, so the rears are 18 inch 285/40 and grip well. Each time the process has been the same. Turn off ASC, rev to 3k rpm, drop the clutch and try to avoid too much wheel spin by playing the throttle. The left tire consistently breaks free first. I'm having a 3.15 limited slip rear rebuilt to replace my stock 2.65. It's lock is being uprated to 60%, which should help with even power distribution at the wheels. The wheelspin is actually more of a problem coming out of tight turns; the inside rear wheel tends to breaks free under acceleration.

Try to keep your car in one piece and don't taunt the board members too much. They're not so tolerant these days.

: I am curious... I am starting to think that there is a large disparity in the driving styles of the E31 community. Slow, fast, whatever... I wanted to poll the E31'ers (specifically the guys with the autoboxes) out there.

: How many people really drive their cars? Are there others out there that know what sound the transmission makes when you neutral drop the car at 4000 rpm? How about, what the brakes sound like when torque braking at 3000 rpm? Is there anyone (other than me) that knows which wheel is spinning at the light and yokes the steering wheel to throw weight over it? Has anyone rolled back over the hot rubber you left ten feet behind the line in order to surface your tires? How about stage-loading your suspension just prior to letting go of the brakes?

: You see what I am getting at? I am sure I am going to get flamed for this... but I am genuinely curious to see how other 8'ers drive their cars. I'll start the ball rolling...

: Typically, I will roll up to 10'~15' short of the light. Stop. Turn ASC off, drop it in first, and gun it. I'll yoke the wheel to get two lines behind me. Quickly, I stop, throw it in reverse, and roll back. I'll creep up to the line again. Since I need the confidence of first gear, I won't neutral drop the car. Stomping on the brakes and yanking the e-brake, I'll bring the revs up to 2500~3000 RPM. Right before launch, I'll drop the e-brake, release, and then stomp the brake pedal. As the car lurches back, compressing the rear springs, I let the brake out and begin piloting. Sometimes it is the left wheel, but usually the right wheel spins so I cut the steering appropriately to give it some more traction. The RPM's usually only drop 1000 on the launch. I let the car overrev a little so that I plunk back into vanos when I shift.

: Okay... with that as the intro. to this thread either flame on, or post your method. I am GENUINELY curious, though, and would appreciate any and all's input!

: Post your responses! I think this might be an good way for people to introduce yourselves and therefore make this board a little more tightly knit as far as a community goes... and ultimately, through understanding, there might be less flames, etc. If anything, drop a note in the holiday spirit! :-)

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