The launch is what sold me on the car (did it on the test drive).

 

i've launched about 9 times all at the track. I have an ix with about 12K miles, it had about 7K before it saw it's first real launch.

And i havent smelled the clutch yet!

 

Do floor it at the track - builds boost at the line and helps get the car off and into boost quickly. Dont do and and hold it for a long time - that isnt great. I use the stock 5k setting still myself. Some like more...depends on style and car.

 

If you guys are smelling the clutch really bad, you are being too gentle. If you still have the restrictor in the clutch line you can release the clutch faster. You don't want to just drop it, but after it grabs and the slack is gone you want to release it quickly.

My first two launches were pretty bad because I was afraid of breaking something. I smelled the clutch for a LONG time. On the 3rd launch I nailed it. You can tell when you launch an Evo correctly.

For reference, I usually pull 1.7x 60' times. It looks like this on squishy stock springs:

 

Wow awesome pic. Your heads look glued to the seats lol

 

I finally launched mine. Didn't want to in fear of burning up the clutch, which I did, but these punks were in a yellow gti with a loud muffler laughing at me for some reason. So I did what you guys say, clutch in, food down on the gas. It was revving pretty loud...but I slowly let up the clutch and it kinda smelled pretty bad.

And I was shocked by the power. Glad I was holding the steering wheel so tight!

 

That's vicious looking.

 

It will if you let out slowly. I think a lot of people are scared of broken TCs and such so they think they have to slip the clutch a little more to be safe. Think about it this way ...

The car you learned to launch on was probably not an Evo or AWD (not for me at least). Well, in that car if you let out to quick you'd just leave some tire behind. With the Evo, you're a little worried about breaking something, so you let out slower than you did on your old car. Now, this is safe for your TC, but bad for the clutch. What's happening now is the clutch line restrictor is slipping a little for you and that added slip you're giving it to be safe is just smoking your clutch.

So, what you need to do is just launch it like you did your old car (assuming you didn't TRY to turn the tires over every time). The most dangerous thing to do when launching is to move too quickly with slack in the drivetrain. After the slack is gone you need to move quickly for a good launch.

 

yea when you dont launch it right it feels weird, but you launch it right man its like a rocket LOL

 

Man, you guys are funny. I use to launch my WRX @ 7K rpm w/ dumping the clutch. Consitant 1.7 60ft times. I went through 4 transmissions before getting a dogbox trans and beind done w/ it. The Evo is HARD to launch on stock clutch. There is a fine line between burning the clutch, and bogging the car. Ive launched the car properly only once and that was w/ a 1.8 60ft. Ive got a friend here that has a decently powered evo (around 400whp&tq). I drive his car often, rev it to around 6600, very quickly release the clutch... Consitant 1.6 60ft's every single time. Feels like someone kicked you in the throat! It's been 4 years now and he hasnt had a failed TC yet, but he does maintain the car very well.

 

Well let me ask this question.....In my 03 Evo I have a Excedy Twin Plate clutch so Im not so much worried about that. Its just the Transfer Case thats my concern so is their a right or wrong way to launch it with the Excedy clutch?

 

The friend im talking about above has that exact clutch if that tells you anything.

 

So....

what is everyone's opinion on the best way to do it... the E-Brake one sounds good... but I'm really nervous about doing it to mine, I would hate to tear up my girlfriend that way..

 

I still dont know about revving to 6600 and just letting it go I dont think my drivetrain would like me.

 

I launch on the 2-step at 5500 on the street, no problems and I drop that clutch hard.

p.s. you guys with 03/04 EVO's also have a built in 2-step, it just isn't setup from the factory. I can set it up for you when you purchase a tune. Coming off the line with 10psi of boost is awesome