Best launch w/ auto?

Vector · 07-17-2001, 06:07 AM

It was recommended rev up with the brakes held down so to dump the rpm when you launch. How high should I rev the engine (stock '91 Convertible)? I was also thinking about shifting into low gear and starting on that. Does that make any difference as oposed to starting in overdrive/drive?

Basically I'm asking what you guys do when launching with an auto. Thanks!

topless tire fryer · 07-17-2001, 06:36 AM

manually shift starting from 1st at about 5,500 rpm, but that doesn't mean I'm right.

HiFlow5 0 · 07-17-2001, 07:10 AM

ok here's what i've been doing, and it seems to works pretty well. while holding the brake i bring the engine up to about 2 grand, or just before the tires start to slip, and set the tranny in first. when i launch i mash the pedal and let off the brake, then between 5000 and 5500rpm's (6000 if i feel like pushing it) shift into D and then back down into 1st (that will give u second). then at the same rpm shift to D for 3rd, and finish it off on OD. i find if i let the auto do all the work i don't get the upper rpm power band. i also have a B&M rachet shifter so it makes things a little easier. hope that helps some!

------------------
89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims

[This message has been edited by HiFlow5 0 (edited 07-17-2001).]

crewzin · 07-17-2001, 11:20 AM

I do about 1800 on the brake and manually shift. Now, when my tranny heats up a bit it wont shift from first to second very well, it slips for just a second around 5800 and then goes kinda softly in second. Ive tried both ways hot and in D it works best on my car.

dinomite · 07-17-2001, 02:09 PM

I posted this a couple weeks ago. ya don't wan to shift a stock 5liter above 5200 rpms, theres no power up there, and with the AOD you have to initiate the shift, cause its a slow tranny. to find the point where you can launch, PRACTICE. just leave from stop signs, don't race anyone but yourself. read on.

you like dancin? you better, cause its time for...The AOD Shuffle!

ok, start by putting your car into 1 (alllll the way down, press the button and put it back). put your left foot on the brake, and use your right foot to bring the revs to ~1500. when you are ready to go (don't sit like that too long, it will burn up your converter) release the brake and slowly depress the throttle. when the revs hit 4800, push the "gear selector lever" (i hate my auto too ) up one notch (to the "D" position). the tranny takes about 300 rpm to shift, and once it has fully shifted, and youve waited a second, press the button and pull it BACK to the "1" position. when the revs hit 4800 again, put it in "D" and leave it there. finally, when they hit 4800 put it into "OD", but by that time you will really be movin....i do the entire 1/4 in 2 gears, going just out of the powerband on my 90LX convert.

a stock mustang stops making power at about 5100ish,so given it takes 300 rpm for the anchor to shift, you move the shifter at 4800. your AOD has 4 gears, the "1" position only lets the tranny use first gear, the "D" position lets it use the first 3 (1,2,3 DUH!) and the "OD" position lets it use all 4. the problem is that if you let the transmission shift itself, it does so a few hundred rpm too early, this is worth a couple tenths in the 1/4. the other problem is that you only have a distinct position for 1st gear (the "1" position), and the first 3 (the "D" position). in order to keep it in 2nd gear till the perscribed rpm, you have to bring the shifter back to the "1" position, after letting it shift (by moving it from "1" to "D" and then back to "1"). Cause you have to do so much fancy work, its the aod shuffle. now, be careful when you are shifting into 2nd gear that you put it in the "D" position and leave it there long enough that it is completely done, before you bring it back to "1" otherwise it will downshift to 1st and that would be bad. if you ever feel quesy about doing this, just push the shifter forward as far as you can (WITHOUT pushing the button) and it will stop at "OD".

HiFlow5 0 · 07-17-2001, 04:16 PM

i would also suggest a shift kit, that has helped in making my tranny shift a little quicker. u have to make sure to do the "shuffle" thing, cause if u just go 1st to 3rd, you'll your eventually burn out your tranny. i find with the shift kit i don't have to wait as long when going fom 1st to D then back to 1st, for second. its more like one quick motion, and it will save time in the quarter. oh and i haven't had a problem with my tranny when it heats up.
dinomite is right about the shift points, 4800 is safe for your stocker!

------------------
89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims
MY89GT

dinomite · 07-18-2001, 12:30 AM

i wouldn't say its an issue of safety, as the stock setup can rev to the redline without any fear, its just that a stock 302 doesn't make power past 5100ish.

StoplightWarrior · 07-18-2001, 01:14 AM

What I do is wait for the light to go green, then I push the pedal down to the floor. The car gets a little squirrely on the line for a sec, then hooks and goes straight. I have yet to lose a street race to anything whenever Ive done that from a light. Probably, I havent run into anything really fast, or anyone who can drive a manual well, but until the day I lose, Im just gonna keep mashing the pedal and winning.

------------------
Black 2000 GT
Pulleys, mufflers, K&N
Steeda springs, subs, strut tower, CC plates

LincoConti87 · 07-18-2001, 01:54 AM

I'm pretty sure the newer auto trannies would be better than the older aods...Idunno bout the mustang but the one in my Continental is no good for racin by itself The darn thing seems to shift at like 3500-4000 rpms when floored...its like what the heck are u thinkin down there!! I found that revvin it up myself there was alot more rev...sounded nicer too

dinomite · 07-18-2001, 11:55 AM

at the track, i've found its best to brake and rev-up, when your ready to go, drop the brake THEN floor it. spinning the tires is not fast, even if its just for a little. if you can launch properely, i gurantee you will go faster. remember, on the street, always use the lights on the crossroad for staging, thats why they put them in view!

topless tire fryer · 07-18-2001, 03:01 PM

"remember, on the street, always use the lights on the crossroad for staging, thats why they put them in view!" Thats beautiful, stoplight Christmas trees.

------------------
'95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

Vector · 07-19-2001, 07:22 AM

Great tips guys! Thanks for all the input. I like the stoplight staging idea and was thinking the exact same thing myself. When you rev up to 1500 or 2 grand and then floor it, will the tires spin more than with a regular launch? I know a stock LX will not spin the tires much at all in a straight line accel (especialy the convertible).

When I see people doing burnouts (and remain stopped) I suppose they are spinning against the brakes... but dinomite says this will burn up your converter. Is the converter only found on AODs? What kind of harm does doing a standing burnout do to your car?

HiFlow5 0 · 07-19-2001, 04:43 PM

when u see people buring out in autos there power braking. one foot on the brake and the other mashing the gas. i'm not too sure what affect it will have on the converter, but i haven't had any problems. only autos have a tourq coverter, as standards has a clutch. when i launch reving to 1800 i don't have a lot of wheel spin, maybe a little chirp when i play it right. u can thank the poor acceleration to the stock 2.73 gears in the autos!

------------------
89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims
MY89GT

topless tire fryer · 07-19-2001, 06:32 PM

No spin at launch is a good reason to loose the junk 2.73's! Hey HiFlow5.0 - your like 2 - 1/2 hours from where I live, you ever been to the street nationals in Wooster?

------------------
'95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

HiFlow5 0 · 07-20-2001, 07:05 AM

hey topless i like how u spelt wooster! no i haven't been to street nationals, never even heard of them there. got any info?

------------------
89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims
MY89GT

dinomite · 07-20-2001, 10:15 AM

No, doing burnouts in the aod is fine, i was just saying don't sit there staged (foot on brake, engine revved, waiting for green) for a long time (more than 20-30 seconds) cause it will heat up the tranny.

and on launch you should NEVER SPIN. spinnning is slow. if you launch right, you won't spin, and you will be faster than the other guy. before i did my rear suspension, i could spin in my 90 vert by just putting my foot down (aod), but now with good control arms thats gone.

topless tire fryer · 07-20-2001, 11:27 AM

HiFlow50 - yeah, wooster is a force of habit living up here in the sticks, kinda like "I pahk my cay in my yahd." Someday I'll learn all about the letter "R"!:|)

Friend of mine up here goes every year, pretty sure there in Worcester somewhere, but I'll see him today and ask and let you know.

------------------
'95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

dinomite · 07-20-2001, 11:42 PM

"i pahk(ed) the cah in hahvad yahd"

07-17-2001, 06:07 AM	#1
Vector Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Comox, BC, Canada Posts: 119	Best launch w/ auto? It was recommended rev up with the brakes held down so to dump the rpm when you launch. How high should I rev the engine (stock '91 Convertible)? I was also thinking about shifting into low gear and starting on that. Does that make any difference as oposed to starting in overdrive/drive? Basically I'm asking what you guys do when launching with an auto. Thanks!

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07-17-2001, 06:36 AM	#2
topless tire fryer All show, some go 4 now! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Franklin, NH Posts: 175	manually shift starting from 1st at about 5,500 rpm, but that doesn't mean I'm right.

07-17-2001, 07:10 AM	#3
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	ok here's what i've been doing, and it seems to works pretty well. while holding the brake i bring the engine up to about 2 grand, or just before the tires start to slip, and set the tranny in first. when i launch i mash the pedal and let off the brake, then between 5000 and 5500rpm's (6000 if i feel like pushing it) shift into D and then back down into 1st (that will give u second). then at the same rpm shift to D for 3rd, and finish it off on OD. i find if i let the auto do all the work i don't get the upper rpm power band. i also have a B&M rachet shifter so it makes things a little easier. hope that helps some! ------------------ 89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims [This message has been edited by HiFlow5 0 (edited 07-17-2001).]

07-17-2001, 11:20 AM	#4
crewzin Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Sour Lake, TX Posts: 211	I do about 1800 on the brake and manually shift. Now, when my tranny heats up a bit it wont shift from first to second very well, it slips for just a second around 5800 and then goes kinda softly in second. Ive tried both ways hot and in D it works best on my car.

07-17-2001, 02:09 PM	#5
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	I posted this a couple weeks ago. ya don't wan to shift a stock 5liter above 5200 rpms, theres no power up there, and with the AOD you have to initiate the shift, cause its a slow tranny. to find the point where you can launch, PRACTICE. just leave from stop signs, don't race anyone but yourself. read on. you like dancin? you better, cause its time for...The AOD Shuffle! ok, start by putting your car into 1 (alllll the way down, press the button and put it back). put your left foot on the brake, and use your right foot to bring the revs to ~1500. when you are ready to go (don't sit like that too long, it will burn up your converter) release the brake and slowly depress the throttle. when the revs hit 4800, push the "gear selector lever" (i hate my auto too ) up one notch (to the "D" position). the tranny takes about 300 rpm to shift, and once it has fully shifted, and youve waited a second, press the button and pull it BACK to the "1" position. when the revs hit 4800 again, put it in "D" and leave it there. finally, when they hit 4800 put it into "OD", but by that time you will really be movin....i do the entire 1/4 in 2 gears, going just out of the powerband on my 90LX convert. a stock mustang stops making power at about 5100ish,so given it takes 300 rpm for the anchor to shift, you move the shifter at 4800. your AOD has 4 gears, the "1" position only lets the tranny use first gear, the "D" position lets it use the first 3 (1,2,3 DUH!) and the "OD" position lets it use all 4. the problem is that if you let the transmission shift itself, it does so a few hundred rpm too early, this is worth a couple tenths in the 1/4. the other problem is that you only have a distinct position for 1st gear (the "1" position), and the first 3 (the "D" position). in order to keep it in 2nd gear till the perscribed rpm, you have to bring the shifter back to the "1" position, after letting it shift (by moving it from "1" to "D" and then back to "1"). Cause you have to do so much fancy work, its the aod shuffle. now, be careful when you are shifting into 2nd gear that you put it in the "D" position and leave it there long enough that it is completely done, before you bring it back to "1" otherwise it will downshift to 1st and that would be bad. if you ever feel quesy about doing this, just push the shifter forward as far as you can (WITHOUT pushing the button) and it will stop at "OD".

07-17-2001, 04:16 PM	#6
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	i would also suggest a shift kit, that has helped in making my tranny shift a little quicker. u have to make sure to do the "shuffle" thing, cause if u just go 1st to 3rd, you'll your eventually burn out your tranny. i find with the shift kit i don't have to wait as long when going fom 1st to D then back to 1st, for second. its more like one quick motion, and it will save time in the quarter. oh and i haven't had a problem with my tranny when it heats up. dinomite is right about the shift points, 4800 is safe for your stocker! ------------------ 89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims MY89GT

07-18-2001, 12:30 AM	#7
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	i wouldn't say its an issue of safety, as the stock setup can rev to the redline without any fear, its just that a stock 302 doesn't make power past 5100ish.

07-18-2001, 01:14 AM	#8
StoplightWarrior Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nor-Cal Posts: 1,311	What I do is wait for the light to go green, then I push the pedal down to the floor. The car gets a little squirrely on the line for a sec, then hooks and goes straight. I have yet to lose a street race to anything whenever Ive done that from a light. Probably, I havent run into anything really fast, or anyone who can drive a manual well, but until the day I lose, Im just gonna keep mashing the pedal and winning. ------------------ Black 2000 GT Pulleys, mufflers, K&N Steeda springs, subs, strut tower, CC plates

07-18-2001, 01:54 AM	#9
LincoConti87 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Tallahassee,Florida,USA Posts: 188	I'm pretty sure the newer auto trannies would be better than the older aods...Idunno bout the mustang but the one in my Continental is no good for racin by itself The darn thing seems to shift at like 3500-4000 rpms when floored...its like what the heck are u thinkin down there!! I found that revvin it up myself there was alot more rev...sounded nicer too

07-18-2001, 11:55 AM	#10
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	at the track, i've found its best to brake and rev-up, when your ready to go, drop the brake THEN floor it. spinning the tires is not fast, even if its just for a little. if you can launch properely, i gurantee you will go faster. remember, on the street, always use the lights on the crossroad for staging, thats why they put them in view!

07-18-2001, 03:01 PM	#11
topless tire fryer All show, some go 4 now! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Franklin, NH Posts: 175	"remember, on the street, always use the lights on the crossroad for staging, thats why they put them in view!" Thats beautiful, stoplight Christmas trees. ------------------ '95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

07-19-2001, 07:22 AM	#12
Vector Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Comox, BC, Canada Posts: 119	Great tips guys! Thanks for all the input. I like the stoplight staging idea and was thinking the exact same thing myself. When you rev up to 1500 or 2 grand and then floor it, will the tires spin more than with a regular launch? I know a stock LX will not spin the tires much at all in a straight line accel (especialy the convertible). When I see people doing burnouts (and remain stopped) I suppose they are spinning against the brakes... but dinomite says this will burn up your converter. Is the converter only found on AODs? What kind of harm does doing a standing burnout do to your car?

07-19-2001, 04:43 PM	#13
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	when u see people buring out in autos there power braking. one foot on the brake and the other mashing the gas. i'm not too sure what affect it will have on the converter, but i haven't had any problems. only autos have a tourq coverter, as standards has a clutch. when i launch reving to 1800 i don't have a lot of wheel spin, maybe a little chirp when i play it right. u can thank the poor acceleration to the stock 2.73 gears in the autos! ------------------ 89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims MY89GT

07-19-2001, 06:32 PM	#14
topless tire fryer All show, some go 4 now! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Franklin, NH Posts: 175	No spin at launch is a good reason to loose the junk 2.73's! Hey HiFlow5.0 - your like 2 - 1/2 hours from where I live, you ever been to the street nationals in Wooster? ------------------ '95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

07-20-2001, 07:05 AM	#15
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	hey topless i like how u spelt wooster! no i haven't been to street nationals, never even heard of them there. got any info? ------------------ 89 GT AOD w/ shift kit, B&M rachet shifter, Trickflow intake, Crane (E-type) cam, 70Tb, 75MAF, 1.6 Rockers, Pulleys, MAC headers and H-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, K&N, 3 core radiator, custom interior, cobra R rims MY89GT

07-20-2001, 10:15 AM	#16
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	No, doing burnouts in the aod is fine, i was just saying don't sit there staged (foot on brake, engine revved, waiting for green) for a long time (more than 20-30 seconds) cause it will heat up the tranny. and on launch you should NEVER SPIN. spinnning is slow. if you launch right, you won't spin, and you will be faster than the other guy. before i did my rear suspension, i could spin in my 90 vert by just putting my foot down (aod), but now with good control arms thats gone.

07-20-2001, 11:27 AM	#17
topless tire fryer All show, some go 4 now! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Franklin, NH Posts: 175	HiFlow50 - yeah, wooster is a force of habit living up here in the sticks, kinda like "I pahk my cay in my yahd." Someday I'll learn all about the letter "R"!:\|) Friend of mine up here goes every year, pretty sure there in Worcester somewhere, but I'll see him today and ask and let you know. ------------------ '95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

07-20-2001, 11:42 PM	#18
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	"i pahk(ed) the cah in hahvad yahd"