launching

[djo90]

my local tack is supposed to open up in about a month. I'm not big into tsraight line racing but would like to give it a chance. My buddy from work wants to run me in his slightly modded Honda Prelude Vtec. I told I would try it, I really don't care if I win or lose but would like to make the best time I can. I have basically a SRI and no rear resonator. I will have Z rated Hancook tires by then and My SVT doesn't have TCS or any of the cool but heavy options :) .

I would like to know how high should I launch? I've launched at 4k a couple of times and there was no slippage so I figured I could go a little higher. What seems to b the best launching rpm for the SVT focus?

[Sponsor]

[focusmaniaczx3]

stock 17x7 inch wheels with good street tires id say you could launch around 3500 maby. 4000 seems aweful high unless you have LSD. i launch at 4500 with 8 inch wide street drag radials and it still tries to spin.

[B3NN3TT]

It's also different every time, depending on how the track is prepped. You will probably need a few runs before you figure it out.

[djo90]

mine doesn't even spin at 4 possibly due to a basic OEM clutch!

[focusmaniaczx3]

you mean the clutch slips on launch? very odd you are the second svt owner in the last 2 days ive read about having the same problem at the strip. my old svt spun like hell dumping the clutch at around 3000-3400 but i assumed it was because i completely disabled the traction control and it only had 30k miles on it when i bought it. you may need a new clutch or maby traction control isnt turned off. i know you said your car doesnt have it but i could have sworn it came standard on 03 and 04 SVT's

[djo90]

it's these OEM clutches that are getting old I guess

[mlbbaseball]

you should try to slip the clutch from about 4k ish.

[djo90]

that's what I've been doing, It seems to do ok.

[SVOrange]

Originally Posted by djo90

it's these OEM clutches that are getting old I guess

Youre exactly right about the clutch. Mine has 82k on it and I am the other owner that it slips for only on launch. What I found to be best at the track was a 3400 dump, NOT sidestep. I tried a 2k sidestep and it hooked immediately and then bogged. When I launched at 3400 and dumped it still slipped but only approximately 30% while utilizing much more power. To give it perspective I stayed right with a modified rsx type S until third gear with that launch.

If you want to read my track experience my thread is titled "first time at track" just a bit below this one as of now. Hope this helps and if you need anything else let me know!

[red02svtf]

my clutch also slips when i take of at about 3k and 4k rpms but i also have 96k on it.so i think its time to get a new clutch