Dropping the Clutch? Can Automatics do something similar?

[NavyKnight]

Hello,

I have been thinking of the most effective methods for launching my Automatic in the 1/4 Mile. I have heard of the term "Dropping the Clutch" but don't really know technically what is happening when you do this. Is that like revving to 3000RPM in Neutral then switching the gear to "D" when the light goes green?

I heard our ASIN transmissions are very strong as they are the same ones used in trucks like the Hummer, but can it withstand this type of abuse if you want to run 12's?

[MGar]

That's called a neutral drop, and it's not a good idea. It will shock the drivetrain. One of the reasons automatics work well for drag is that they don't shock the drivetrain. If you want to get the rev's up, hold the brake, and press the accelerator (shouldn't have to floor it). This will build boost and rev the engine. When it goes green release the brake, add more accelerator as needed to maintain traction & maximum acceleration.

[RedHead RedLine]

Originally Posted by MGar That's called a neutral drop, and it's not a good idea. It will shock the drivetrain. One of the reasons automatics work well for drag is that they don't shock the drivetrain. If you want to get the rev's up, hold the brake, and press the accelerator (shouldn't have to floor it). This will build boost and rev the engine. When it goes green release the brake, add more accelerator as needed to maintain traction & maximum acceleration.

Neutral drops are bad, mkay. Hold the brake with your left foot, bring the revs up to ~2200, let the car creep through the stage if you are on a track, when you see the 3rd amber squeeze the throttle while side-stepping the brake. With GS D3s you should see ~1.9 60'. -J

[NavyKnight]

Thanks for confirming that Neutral Drops are bad. Maybe on a rental, but not on my 13.145 baby : )

I NEED to hit 12's this weekend. It's probably the last time on a Sunday it's going to be warm enough then winter stays for 4 months. I am even taking out the passenger seat!

Take care,

[RedHead RedLine]

Originally Posted by NavyKnight Thanks for confirming that Neutral Drops are bad. Maybe on a rental, but not on my 13.145 baby : ) I NEED to hit 12's this weekend. It's probably the last time on a Sunday it's going to be warm enough then winter stays for 4 months. I am even taking out the passenger seat!Take care,

As long as your tires hold, you will get faster as the temps drop. -J

[NavyKnight]

That's another thing about the temp drops. Do you think people will "dismiss" my fast time of 13.145secs in the 1/4 Mile using an automatic GXP because it's cold up here in Canada? I mean it's really not fair for the people down south who post sheetty times and spend much more money in upgrades. But is an ET and ET? no matter how you attain it?

[R&T]

You can't control the temps just the car.

[NavyKnight]

Hi R&T,

You are right, but you can control when you go to the track. So I think the wise people go as late in the night as possible or as close to winter as possible to get the best slips? Hell, I bet some dedicated dragsters travel to the best parts of the country to get the best altitudes and climates. If I was an auto performance business owner/vendor that wanted to prove a performance product worked based on an ET slip, this might even make some sense.

After going to the track the first time and seeing these guys do all this work just to get a faster time, I don't believe they are doing it just for "fun". There must be something more at stake like money in a future competition, sponsorship opportunities based on drag slips or even product marketing. Hopefully it is based on this phenomenon that my threads of looking for the fastest time are not frivolous.