How are you guys getting better launches on auto x?

i.e. marbles/tires debris at the start gate

I thought about lowering my 2 step because I was spinning and maybe wheel hop. Suspension adjustment maybe?

 

I really just give the throttle a couple blips, bring out clutch till it just starts grabbing and try to get a smooth acceleration without a bog. Rarely to I actually launch of the line because usually courses are setup that it throws you offline from the start.

 

The last two Optima events I ran were perfect starts for launching an evo, but I would agree that most auto-x courses are anti Evo starts.

I have such a hard time consistently leaving the line like you mentioned. I bog probably 90% of the time. I guess I just need more practice blipping and accelerating smoothly.

 

For me, I just want to save the clutch and drive train. Just get the car rolling a bit before you go hard on the gas. Watching someone mash the two step and launch makes me cringe. Most autocross tracks actually have the timer a bit from the staging line, meaning launching isn’t really getting you much better times.

 

On the runs that need to count, I rev to between 5k and the stock launch RPM, depending on surface conditions, sloooowly let the clutch out until I feel it grab, then release quickly. Not dump, but almost. The car feels like it's floating it's so smooth.
I don't know how you would practice without killing parts
I only do it this way because I tried it once and got lucky first time, otherwise I'd leave like I'm taking off from a stop sign.

 

I know what you mean. Lol getting good launch isn’t easy. Lol. If it bogs down you have a 2.0 motor.

 

I do, but it runs on e85 so it thinks it's bigger than it is

 

This is why I was thinking about lowering my 2 step to 4k. That way it is building less boost off the line, but not bogging. Spinning ain’t winning!

 

I have mine set to 4700/4800, only because John at TRE said it puts less stress on drivetrain parts. Terms of getting off the line, no issues and I don't really notice much difference compared to 5500rpm launches.

 

I will start with 4800 and test on the next local auto x. If the start gate permits 😉

 

I don't even look at my tach, but I am guessing close to 4-4.5k rpm and the dog sh*t method? Any lower and the car just bogs. Any higher and it's excessive as other people mentioned. Budget for clutch replacement.