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Improving my "launches"

Impala131

Impala131

New member
Hey guys, hopefully this question is a little more out of the box than your average "how do I get to 300hp?" dribble. Anyway...

I really don't care about my horsepower rating or 1/4 mile times (at least not directly). I like to feel the "g forces" when I hit the gas. The more, the better. My 1999 Grand Prix is mostly stock, but horsepower honestly doesn't seem to be my limiting factor. You see, when I hit the gas, my tires just like to spin a bit. I've found from trial and error that you have to ease into the gas up to a certain speed for the best results. The experienced community members probably already know this very well.

Anyway, my attitude is, "why mod for more horsepower when I'm not getting all of that power to the ground?". Would better tires/wheels/suspension items reduce this wheel spin, or is it just an inherent quality of the FWD platform that I just have to accept? Maybe there is some technique some of you use for better launches? I'm willing to give just about anything (safe) a try. I'd welcome some thoughts.
 


Sticky, grippy tires will do a ton.

Basically all the low end torque is whats making you spin the tires.

So like you had said, going easy on it till say 10-15 mph then putting the hammer down is what most have to do to reduce the massive amounts of wheel spin. FWD and having this amount of power does not help at all.
 
Thank you, that's helpful to confirm what I thought.
I'm assuming that if my transmission was geared differently, say 3.29, it'd only enhance my current problem, and cause the tires to spin more, right? Also, are there reasonably priced tires that grip the road well but are also decent for daily driving?
A consideration is that 95% of my driving is relaxed and conservative, but once in a while I like to punch it.
By "Put the hammer down" do you mean 100% throttle? I've found that 30% throttle until 20mph then 90-100% throttle after that has given the best results so far.
Also, would some type of suspension mod that raised the back end help? I'm no auto engineer but it seems like if you could focus more weight over the drive wheels in the front by having a pitch on the car, you might reduce slip...?
 
dsmuts said:
google grand prix cable mod
Click to expand...

Thats a track onlymod.

Stiffer/newer rear springs would help.

There are two very nice tires in the stock size but theyre both around 150+ a tire on tire rack. Those two are significantly better than the average tire on your typical grand prix.
 
dsmuts said:
google grand prix cable mod
Click to expand...
That seems like a pretty scary mod for my DD. Thanks for the tip, though.

And Matt, do you think it'd be wiser to spend the money on tires for a better launch, or just stick with easing into the gas and go for more horsepower for speeds over 15-20mph? I mean in terms of fun and cost effectiveness.
 


With a stock GTP go to the track, if there is any type of track prep you can floor it and dead hook all day.
Almost any modern day car will spin the tires from a dead stop, a stock GTP is not loosing much acceleration with the small amount of wheel spin it will see on the street.
 
for launching i like to hold the brake, (left foot) give it gas till the rpm's stop going up any more, then let the brake go and feather into the gas as you pull away, nailing it as soon as you can with out spinning to much if at all. this will take a few try's to get your timing down as to when to nail it. but you will feel that toss to the seat back this way. i dont think you could call it even a G's worth of force. not in this car anyways.

this is fun till you break something lol this style is a HARD launch for sure. this is how you would start a drag race.
 
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gmpowered said:
With a stock GTP go to the track, if there is any type of track prep you can floor it and dead hook all day.
Almost any modern day car will spin the tires from a dead stop, a stock GTP is not loosing much acceleration with the small amount of wheel spin it will see on the street.
Click to expand...

This.

Mod to the point where a 2-1 or 3-1 downshift results in wheelspin.

I never got there and stopped at ~270 whp.
 
As far as tires keep in mind
Grippy = soft
soft = more wear

So you can get a grippy tire that's great for a DD, they just don't last as long.

So if you want a tire that lasts more than a couple years, it's all about finding that happy medium.
 
Great responses guys, looks like I have several different angles to consider. I think I'll consider my technique, try what scotty suggested first, then consider tires after that.

But, a few of you seem to be missing my focus. I'm not someone that goes to the track, I'm just looking for more fun on the street.
 


my post apply's to the street as well, when you got that jerk at the light next to you that you NEED to pass, do as i posted and you will launch from that red light. it all comes down to throttle control off the line.

as far as just nailing it for a fun spirited take off, i can pretty much go wot when im at or around 15 mph with out to much problems.

my car is stock.

i know a modded car will brake the wheels loose at 30 mph lol seen plenty of vids.
 
matt5112 said:
Thats a track onlymod.

Stiffer/newer rear springs would help.

There are two very nice tires in the stock size but theyre both around 150+ a tire on tire rack. Those two are significantly better than the average tire on your typical grand prix.
Click to expand...
Just out of curiosity what are the two very nice tires you speak of?
 


I apologize for bringing to life an older thread, but could rear coil spacers help eliminate wheelspin as well (in addition to tires and proper throttle technique)? Will they damage suspension in any way? I don't mind a less comfortable ride, it's just that I recently squealed my way out of a parking lot trying to make a quick turn. lol
 
gmpowered said:
With a stock GTP go to the track, if there is any type of track prep you can floor it and dead hook all day.
Almost any modern day car will spin the tires from a dead stop, a stock GTP is not loosing much acceleration with the small amount of wheel spin it will see on the street.
Click to expand...

I ran a 14.0 @ 99 with no wheelspin at the track. It hooked and went. 1.9 60'
 
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