54 replies to this topic

[ARD - Lucky]

Launch control is something I've been working on with a few members so far and it's time to start a thread specific to this since the older ARD Tune thread is too big and cumbersome anymore.
The bulk of this conversation will be around manual trans but I was working with Cliff M. (RIP) on the autos so perhaps we can start on that again.

So what is launch control?
The initial idea behind it is to pre-spool the turbo a bit to provide quicker on set of boost at the track or off a stop light to maximize the power buildup and get off the line faster.

How does it work?
Launch control is active any time the engine is between 3200-3600 rpm and sees less than 7% load (Basically clutch in and engine freerevving up to 3200-3600rpm.

What does it do?
When active launch control adds fuel, reduces the timing and Duty cycles the TCV to encourage the turbo to spool by igniting the additional fuel in the exhaust manifold which in turn causes the the turbine to increase in speed ultimately bringing the turbo up to the boost threshold faster and sooner. This is similar to anti lag but not as aggressive or as hard on the motor.

What models is it available for?
All manual models 1994-1998 for now. Automatics in the future, will be more like power brake activated launch control. ME7 will have this option as well but we'll start with M4.x first.

What's the cost?
For those with and ARD Tune the added launch control feature is $150

Can it be added via the ARDVARC?
Yes however we won't be initially offering it for remote ARDVARC loading right off the bat.

Is it 100% perfected?
No, were about 90% where we want to be but for each setup the launch control requires some slight adjustments so a bit of tweaking is still required.


The purpose of this thread is to get more input and ideas around launch control and see what folks do and don't want and if this is even worth pursuing.

All input welcome!
Thanks guys

[lookforjoe]

Very Cool.

Just so I properly understand, this doesn't also pre-load the drivetrain (since the clutch is disengaged) correct? Some pre-load would be what I would want, to minimize the abrupt drivetrain slack take-up & subsequent wear/potential breakage (lol).

[550]

Unfortunately no, launch control has no way of pre-loading the drive train since all it is doing is retarding the timing while you are revving which is only based on the engine management side of things.

Only way I can think of preloading, or taking out driveline slack is catching the brake peddle a little bit and allowing the car to move forward a very small amount.
Clutch won't last long though. :-/

Edited by 550, 25 April 2012 - 05:10 PM.

[ARD - Lucky]

Correct, you could double foot the brake and gas but only right before launch or you'd end up frying the clutch after any lengthy period.

Granted it's still going to be easier on the drivetrain than side stepping the clutch. Launch control is for the fastest/smoothest off the line start so you can build boost and maintain traction.

[Zappo]

More incentive to finish my 4.4 conversion.

[gmsgltr]

awesome, been reading about this and my friend has it in his me7 software in his audi and now i cant wait to get it!

im in of course lucky, once i do the 5 speed swap though lol

edit: how does this differ from a wot box and the no lift shifting and 2 step etc?

[550]

I think more than anything flat shifting would be good for the manual guys. Id say building boost off the line with some of these turbo's may not help the launch at all with the smoke show that will happen.

Watching Justus take off the line with the 60 trim is hilarious. I know the initial shock of the boost hit may be a good thing with launch control, but I still see, even with a LSD upgrade of some sort, there being issues getting off the line.

[ARD - Lucky]

All depends on the setup, for larger turbo guys it's quite helpful to combat lag and even for stock cars you can get some quicker times if you modulate throttle well.

Half of it is for fun and for play, not all folks will want or need it but it is cool to have it

[boxpin]

The take off is really fun, I mean it is just serious POWER. I was helping test it before my trans took a dump (nothing to do with soft launch). I never got it to the track but around town it was very fun. Took some friends out and explained it to them. They were floored as I was able to just roast the tires at will.

[Ian Carr]

Yeah I couldn't agree more with 550, flat foot shifting would be much more desirable in terms of how my self, as well as others drive these cars. When it comes down too it f; Launch control in an open diff FWD car is redundant and just asking for trouble, however those who plan to track these cars would benefit incredibly from flat foot shifting. In no way knocking launch control, just for my self I would have no initial use for it

[550]

All depends on the setup, for larger turbo guys it's quite helpful to combat lag and even for stock cars you can get some quicker times if you modulate throttle well.

Half of it is for fun and for play, not all folks will want or need it but it is cool to have it

See that's the thing, there is lag, but it's almost necessary to even get off the line. Because when that boost hits... all hell breaks loose lol. And your traction doesn't exist.

Only reason I want to do launch control on the 242 with MS, is because it is a "showy" thing LOL. But hard need much when traction is already a joke.

Edited by 550, 25 April 2012 - 06:52 PM.

[ARD - Lucky]

The main and really only reason I like launch control is for stop light to stop light, the sound of the turbo spooling and being stationary is awesome! Plus with 235/45/18's I've got some decent traction even in 1st and 2nd gear if I watch my throttle modulation.

Flat foot shifting could certainly be doable as well, is that where this is heading???

[s_moneh]

were probably forgetting here that the small baby turbos will fry themselves.... as me how i know... if u 2step for way to long u WILL overspin the volvo turbos and just fry them compltely. flat shifting is a much more desired option but again i would go full against this on a stock turbo

[Commander Riker]

I'm very interested in this. My clutch, however, isn't.

Please forgive my ignorance, but what if there was an exhaust leak? Could you put fire where you don't want it?

Also.... what does this do to EGT's? I'd assume it'd be wise to monitor to avoid cracking a turbine housing.

[Zappo]

I could use this for my autocross launch. I have the traction with the LSD, although I wouldn't be able to floor it until after I shifted to second. If I was running slicks, which is still possible, I get away from even that problem.

Flat foot shifting could help me, but not by much. I can really only see it being a benifit for drag racing.

[Zappo]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what if there was an exhaust leak? Could you put fire where you don't want it?

Also.... what does this do to EGT's? I'd assume it'd be wise to monitor to avoid cracking a turbine housing.

No different than running full throttle. Your exhaust is still burning in the exhaust system. My spider with open header will be shooting flames out of the end of the header 2 feet from the head.

EGTs shouldn't be anywhere near what you would get at full boost.

[Ian Carr]

Lucky, I have my first track day this season mid June at LimeRock.... Let's get this ME7 FFS into testing

[T5BLACKattack]

I forgot all about no lift shift. hmmm, another great idea. But personally, im happy with launch control for right now. A refresh is always possible

[madspeed50]

ill be the guinea pig....

[madspeed50]

Wow, if you can tie in the no lift shift and the launch control you'd have a winner for sure. How about a way to switch it on/off?