i've read in a few threads on launching by holding the brake, pressing on the gas, then releasing the brake, but i havn't read yet on whether its recommended to start off in first gear, or in drive. this is considering that it will be for going as fast as possible from a stop. Thanks

 

Since I can only imagine you would launch when drag racing, you would want to be in first. But launching in an automatic is pointless and horrible for your transmission. Not really launching either, it's called a neutral drop. Big no-no, but if you want to buy a new tranny soon, it's your choice.

BTW this should be in driving techniques. That's where the other threads on this topic are, and should be. Moving it for you.

 

My friend used to race his Auto all the time. He had a FWD Civic. With him racing it, he beat some Manual Transmission Civics. He has it in Neutral, then he sets like a regular car, on the go, he Shifts to D1, then Slam the Gas, Takes off Better than a Manual. At Redline he Shifts to D2 and so on.

 

^ Makes perfect sense, and what you described is the best way to drag race a street car. Automatics are generally better in drag racing than manuals, easier to drive too. And the way your friend does it works just fine. I drove an automatic Trans Am and just held the brake with my left foot while in 1, covering the gas with my right. As soon as the third yellow lit, left foot went up and right foot went down. Works like a charm.

But as I mentioned above, a neutral drop (revving the engine in neutral BEFORE dropping the car into gear) is very bad for the transmission unless you have a heavy duty transmission and torque converter.

 

this will kill your tranny fast.

 

i do the same, it seems fine but im wondering if its bad for the auto transmission

 

i do this to my auto trans all the time. can't seem to get that great of a launch though.

 

i would just put it in d1 and go....

 

AAAAAH neutral drop FTMFL! Start in D or D1 if you prefer, some cars are actually faster if you leave them in drive. while holding the brake hard, give it as much gas as you are able before it either pushes through the brakes or goes up in smoke when you let off the brake this will create some extra heat in the trans but is nowhere close to as destructive as a neutral drop, while being just as fast.