Launching S54 M roadster

I'm participating in speed trials at Bruntingthorpe air base (one of the longest runways in Europe) next Saturday against some gentlemen with porkers. I've been playing with launch techniques but am rather wary of burning out the clutch and I feel I am launching at too high revs. What revs would you drop the clutch from a standing start?

I've just had an Eisenmann race-spec exhaust fitted and did dyno tests before and after which showed 10+ BHP improvement. I'll post the results when I work out how to plot them.

Wow Tim, 10 hp with the Eisenmann!
Good to know, but I wouldn't have thought it would be that much.

As for launches, I can't say for sure because I do it on instinct, but play with something between 2500-3500 RPM.
As for the clutch, all I can say is to get off of it right away, don't slip it and you won't burn it.

Here's the old car on Dunflops...

yup.. ive found the best launches and times at around.. 3000-3500 rpm.. i just rev the motor to that.. then drop the clutch really quick.. i didnt smell any burning whatsoever.. just some tire slipping until the car hooks.. but the slipping is normal.. i got a better time on the drag strip.. just too much wheel spin is no good.. but you will get some.. i was very suprised to see how well the M roadster hooks when u want to launch hard..

I have always been shy when it comes to launching my coupe. I run Bridgestone tires (RE730) which I have always like for street tires. They tend not to make any noise when you light them up. This always make me nervous as to what I'm really spinning :-)
What about the differential? Is there a danger of damaging anything in there?

You can simply punch the numbers into an Excel spreadsheet and then do a line graph. Capture the screen shot and save it as a .JPG file. Post it like a picture.


Bob Margolis