Launch RPM

[Big Empty]

Just wondering what people should be launching at in their cars?

My m42 peaks at 6300rpm/tq and 6500rpm/hp so I know what I should be holding at for a good launch.

However, some cars have their peak torque lower at like 3300rpm and rpm still near the redline. What would you want to launch your car at? Make use of all the torque down low or compromise for higher horsepower?

Assume proper launch technique, and decent weather conditions.

[jibaholic101]

i redline it when i am gunning it. are you driving a stick or auto?

[Big Empty]

Stick, you wouldn't want to launch by dropping into neutral. I'm talking about what RPM you hold at when you're letting out the clutch off the line for maximum traction/power to the wheels

[SC David]

If I want to get off the line decently quick, I'll launch from 3k. My clutch doesn't like me much after that though. More powerful cars you don't need much, and shouldn't put too much down or you'll light them up.

[Zacorias]

There are too many factors. The point of launching is to be as fast as possible from a stop. Basically, the hardest launch rpm will be closest to peak hp without spinning the tires or bogging down. This can vary a lot with tires, surface, etc. Its very hard on the car anyways, so i would not advise it....

[Big Empty]

No no no, I know the technique, just not the optimal RPM to hold at between tq and hp, because they can both be like 3000rpms apart.

[Rakshas]

Are you launching your car at 6500 rpm?

[Zacorias]

My point was that it depends on way too many things. 3K is a nice estimate for a swift launch on the average car I suppose...

Edit: Nevermind, the 318 has enough power for you to drop the clutch at idle, but watch for wheel spin...

sorry, I couldn't resist :D

[E30Danny]

I usually go at 3k or so.

[Big Empty]

Are you launching your car at 6500 rpm?


Haha never, its too close to the redline, but around 6K. I also only do this once in a while, if I have to beat someone off the line because of a space confict, it'll usually be at around 4K, or I make too much noise.

[Big Empty]

My point was that it depends on way too many things. 3K is a nice estimate for a swift launch on the average car I suppose...

Edit: Nevermind, the 318 has enough power for you to drop the clutch at idle, but watch for wheel spin...

sorry, I couldn't resist :D

ya ya ya, you prick haha ;)

a dyno-busting 140hp. I need all the rpm i can get

[E30lolz]

Haha never, its too close to the redline, but around 6K. I also only do this once in a while, if I have to beat someone off the line because of a space confict, it'll usually be at around 4K, or I make too much noise.

you launch your car......at 6000 rpms.......:eyecrazy:eek::eyecrazy:eek:

does the 318 even get wheel spin? ;)

[///M3 CRAZY]

if you have the tires to hold you want to launch at the point where when you let off the clutch you are at peak torque. so if you car makes peak torque at 3500 launch at like 4k.

[MrBlonde]

The only way to determine the right RPM to launch at on THAT night at THAT track is to trial and error varying RPMs and note what 60' time you get. There is no silver bullet.

[trthrrt489]

I get the best 60' launching between 4-5k.

As the day goes on things change, but, 9am on a cool day with a prepped track......5k sticks and it is fun.

[///M3 CRAZY]

I get the best 60' launching between 4-5k.

As the day goes on things change, but, 9am on a cool day with a prepped track......5k sticks and it is fun.

yeah i used to launch at about 5000-5500 in my m3.

[stanksbeamen]

Dang, first time out i was launching from anywhere to 2-3.5k rpms. It was a trial and error thing as others have mentioned...I didnt do spectacular but was pretty consistent for 2.0 60ft times on stock clutch.