I've been driving manual for a few years on different cars, and my newly acquired Evo IX is definitely the most powerful car I have ever had the privilege to drive. However, I'm having trouble getting a fast start from a stop light. Today, a Prius next to me at a stop light flew past me when it turned green. Of course once I hit 3000 RPMs, he ended up in my rear view mirror like everyone else, but is there a better way to get a faster stop from a complete stop? What technique do you guys use without wearing out the clutch?

One of my biggest concerns is that I will autocross the car for the first time next week (Oakland) and am worried about losing a few seconds from a poor start, not to mention the embarassment. I saw a video on youtube of a guy launching his evo 9 by dumping the clutch, but then the transfer case decided to take a crap on him. I'm not concerned with the fastest possible launch, just a way to keep up with others from a complete stop.

 

In order to get the greatest clutch life, rev the engine only a little from a stop and dump the clutch as quick as possible while still being reasonably smooth. Since the engine is a gutless wonder at low rpm and no boost, you will be slow. I've made it to 80K on the original clutch by doing this.

To move out you need to rev to the 3-4K range and slip the clutch to be anywhere near smooth. This is the faster way to get moving but you need to have in mind what clutch it is you will be buying if you do this much.

Since this is an AWD vehicle, in normal driving the only thing that slips is the clutch so that is where all the wear is.

 

4-5k and slip the clutch, never dump it. Our cars have two step btw

 

OP raced a prius lmao

 

^ haha lol

 

and got beat!! lol jk

 

Best way to use first gear is to hop on the 2step and let her rip

 

Read the how to launch thread in the drag section. I was nervous the first time I decided to launch my car. I had autoX'd about 4 events over a year or so before I decided to let it grip and rip. I held the clutch just prior to engagement, just as the 2-step hit I started to lift off slowly and as soon as it began rolling I backed off it quicker (did not dump). After my first lauch there was no wheel spin, and no clutch smell, and I knocked a good amount of time off. I say only launch it as much as you want to, but know that the more you launch the more frequently you'll be replacing your clutch.

 

i think he means faster way for normal driving. in which case its normal driving go as slow as you can, conserve the gas. theres no real faster way without slipping your clutch. when it comes to the autox like above said read the how to launch thread.

 

Light street launch - rev the car to ~2K, slip the clutch while rolling into the throttle
Medium street launch - rev the car to ~4K, slip the clutch while rolling into the throttle

 

good info, the big thing is just going to be not bogging the engine, anything that doesn't bog will be reasonably fast. Just try to time getting on the gas a little sooner than letting out the clutch and it will be quick.

In the end..... practice.....makes.....perfect.....

 

4K, no smell, and leaps out of the starting block with an ACT Street Clutch. If you up the boost she'll chirp tires in second. It's like a hop and a skip into dominating most street rides.