SS1

hey guys, just getting into drag racing, ive been racing on a road course for years. curious to as what people have found to be a good rpm to launch at with a stock cobalt ss. i've also heard some chatter about starting in 2nd gear with a stock car which doesnt seem to really go so well.

victoryredturbalt

stock, i would launch with the launch control.

GRok25

Pretty sure only the Turbo LNF's have launch control. he could have the LSJ or LE5

SS1

ive got an o6 lsj no launch, suspension done stock motor, custom clutch setup , cooper zeon zpt 225/40/18 tires, short throw and all the supporting brackets, and upgraded axles. roatated mounts its nice i dont have anymore torque steer.

low_k3y

When I drove it stock and with my slight mods I always tend to launch at 2500.. then let it slip and roll once you start rolling hammer it course when you're focusing on the light you really aren't looking at your gauge.

my opinion I can launch way better w/o launch control. I gave it a shot on back country roads, nope didn't care for it and the clutch smell was to much for my liking.

nhanson

iTrader: (1)

Just have to find the breaking point of the tires.

Bluelightning

iTrader: (8)

This. If a track is prep'd crappy then you could blow the tires off immediately. Just keep launching higher rpm's until you start to break lose. Slip the clutch out, don't dump it and you should be good to go.

victoryredturbalt

absolutly my bad
didnt notice the vehicle.
sorry for this misinformation all

kstorm61

Ive done it a few different ways to try and teach myself when i first got the car. I would hold it at 1500rpms or around their punch the gas half way down and then in a timely manner realse the clutch as soon as i hit traction.

I also would just rev the car up and keep revving between 2000-2500 and let the clutch out right away and half throttle till traction.

I like either way. Its more so about finding the sweet spot and how comfy u are with the car u drive.

m33pm33p

Always better to clutch drop and find traction with throttle.. finding that sweet spot where the tires chirp then grab is key.. was anywhere from 2400-2700 in my stock lsj.. anything higher and massive wheel hop.

my lnf is around 2100.. any higher = tire smoke haha

Riding the clutch is super bad practice, have fun replacing at 60k miles

PyroSiege

Not sure I totally agree with this. Just plain dropping the clutch as fast as you can is a good way to break other things. However, riding the clutch for more than, i dunno, a second at more than 75% throttle? Then you will be wearing your clutch a lot. You need to get of the clutch quick and SMOOTH. It works great for me. My clutch holds fine still.

I tried dropping the clutch fast and it usually causes wheel hop, that happened once or twice and I was like F*** this.

When I was stock on my SS/TC my best launches were from 2-3k rpm. Launch control seemed to work better on the street for some reason... Not sure why. HOWEVER, now with Nitto NT05's and 300whp, it seems launch control gives me good solid launches (rev's to 5k). That was only 1 day that I tested that. I still have to see if it's consistently better.

Bottom Line is tires vs pavement traction and power. It's a lot of trial and error getting your launch just right. Unfortunately, you have to figure it out yourself.

ULWizSS

iTrader: (5)

2k My friend. Pretty much the best thing is to get some seat time and find your sweet spot. Lower your tire pressure to around 21psi.

ULWizSS

iTrader: (5)

Whats your mod list?

PyroSiege

This^. However, be careful with tire pressures some tires are different in how they hook up. My Stock tires I did probably 25psi and was fine. HOWEVER, my Nitto NT05's hooked up best at like 33psi... it's wierd, but true. Ideally you want to drop your pressures to get the best launch.

Just remember this, Not all tires are created equal. If you want a really good launch get some Drag radials. Haha. Want to try that myself one day.

SS1

thanks for the input guys. so these cars seem to launch well between 2200 and 3 grand i'm gathering. depending on tires, setup..ect... kool the car felt like it launched better at a lower rpm. track time it is for me then lol thanks again

ULWizSS

iTrader: (5)

Yep i ran 13.4@104.1 with 2k launch on 2.9 pulley 42, dp,injen with street tires Pirelli Pzerro Nero. You can do this.

SS1

^^^^i certainly hope so i'm workin on a stage three, some port and polish work, and a full exhaust. i already have a full suspension, just needs some good rubber.