Okay, after reading these forums for the last several months, I've come to the conclusion that although you can get some incredible launches in an AWD car, you risk breaking transfer cases and transmissions every time you do.

Is this an accurate assessment?

One of the reasons I bought the car was because I had the notion that I would have a distinct advantage in racing from a stoplight with AWD.

Is it accurate then to say that the awesome launch is a by-product of having AWD but with possibly dire consequences? And, the intended benefit of AWD is ONLY better traction on wet or dusty road surfaces?

I have never dumped the clutch or even slipped the clutch at high RPMs. I have, however, raced a few cars from a roll.

4000 miles and no clutch problems.

 

Basically with a good launch theres usually absolutely no give, without tirespin all the stress either goes to the clutch on a slip or the drivetrain off a clutch dump. The goal is to find the middle ground where the power is transferred to the wheels quickly, but a smoother progression rather then a sudden jerk to the system, hence a well timed 5k or so slip out seems to give the best results from mag tests. At near stock levels the best bet once the stock clutch finally does go is an ACT clutch setup with a 2600lb pressure plate. This will allow slightly better wear on the clutch due to the increased clamping force and slightly more stress on the drivetrain. My feeling is that if launched correctly and not repeatedly allowing time in between the damage will be minimal.

 

I think fury656 got it pretty much dead on. A good launch is neither abusive nor damaging. The horror stories you hear are almost always from people who have no idea what they are doing. Letting the clutch out smoothly and quickly will apply power to the wheels in a linear fashion and the Evo drivetrain is strong enough to handle moderate abuse. Enjoy your AWD.

 

With the stock clutch you can do moderate abuse like the guys before me said. Most of the bad storries are from noobs.

If your worried about breaking parts the first thing to break is the clutch.

The other parts in the drivetrain are strong enough to handle stock power.

Many people launch with 500 HP+ on stock drivetrain.

 

same idea for others who are so bent on downshifting too often or too low ... just let the brakes take the beating, thats wat they are there for... and its cheaper then ur tranny. same with clutch, its made to abuse and cheaper to replace then tranny.