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How to get the best start when flooring it?



  Clio 182FF
Greetings,

When you're about to boot it or drag it out with another car (be it on the track or road) what is the best way to get a good start? What settings do you use and why (e.g. switch of TC etc...).

I was racing a BMW M3 of some sorts the other day and didn't realise he was there until he flawed it and screetched away. Just as he was about a cars length in front I flawed it - I expected to loose but the Clio actually kept up and with the smart looking M3, and with an even start maybe would have won! I don't know how fast those M3's are but he seemed like he was giving it the beans!

So to cut a long story short - best start, how and when do you change gear throughout the range?
 
  Clio 182FF
As I said, I expected to loose because the M series are in a different class but this looked like the real deal, has all the skirts, 4 pipes and sounded like one. Anyhow, back on topic - best start !!

316i badged as M3? most likely hehe
 
  MCS R56
Flaw mean floor?

It wasn't an M3 then! M3's are normally very quick, although you do have a 182, so...

Build up revs, drop clutch, floor throttle until you can't see behind you for smoke. Best in the wet. TC off. You see it a lot on TG.
 

Poopensharten

ClioSport Club Member
  Golf R
343 bhp M3?

Did he have the hanbrake on per chance?

Dont turn this thread into an Epic Driving Story
 
  Clio 182FF
I have to laugh, I'm not interested in the M3! The encounter just made me want to know how to get the most from the 182. Only had it 4 weeks and it's my first perfomance car so having all this power is pretty much new to me. The only other thing I drive is a Rangerover Sport which is fast but heavy so feels like you're driving a sofa.
 
  MCS R56
Greetings,

When you're about to boot it or drag it out with another car (be it on the track or road) what is the best way to get a good start? What settings do you use and why (e.g. switch of TC etc...).

I was racing a BMW M3 of some sorts the other day and didn't realise he was there until he flawed it and screetched away. Just as he was about a cars length in front I flawed it - I expected to loose but the Clio actually kept up and with the smart looking M3, and with an even start maybe would have won! I don't know how fast those M3's are but he seemed like he was giving it the beans!

So to cut a long story short - best start, how and when do you change gear throughout the range?

Seems like you were interested a bit.

Just try a few starts yourself, see what works. It's not easy to get right but you'll get a feel for it eventually. Then you will need to book in for a new clutch!
 
  182 Cup
TC off, drop the clutch somewhere between 4k and 5k rpm depending on traction available. Make sure the car is warmed up or you'll hit the early rev limiter. Even with the engine properly warm - avoid hitting the rev limiter before changing to second.
 
  BMW M4; S1000 RR
CSL.. It gets better.

TBH, it's a relatively small petrol with relatively low torque, so you should be able to apply quite a few revs for a launch before spinning the wheels. Just have an experiment, ideally you want as many revs as you can as you release the clutch without spinning the wheels.

I would imagine 3-4k rpm and slip the clutch until you're at 10mph and that would give a decent launch.
 
  Clio 182FF
It was a beautiful looking car, but as to what sort it was I have no idea - I don't know enough about them to comment. All I do know is that M3 means its fast and the M3 badge was the first thing I noticed apart from the vents on the side and the quad exhaust. The wheels didn't look as big as in the picture though.

As for starts, wouldn't TC help as to stop the wheels spinning up? Or is spinning them up the key to getting away quickly?
 
  MCS R56
You want the wheels to be as close to spinning up as possible. TC will sense the wheels slipping and reduce the power, meaning a slower start.
 
  Clio 182FF
Cheers for the tips guys. What about changing up all the way through the gears. Just before red line? I know there's that extra surge at 5200rpm.
 
  Clio 182FF
I don't ***think*** the 172's had TC... or was it ABS... but as so frequently prooved, I am often very wrong.

It takes a humble man to admit this :)

Im picking up my (2002) 172 FF Wed.

Does they have TC and can you turn it off?! Only had a 20min test drive
 
  MCS R56
172 Cup had no ABS or traction. 172 did. Turn offable.

Changing at around 6800 should work, max bhp. Just don't hit the limiter.
 
Awaits the thread asking where to find cheap gearboxes :D

TBH don't have too much fun trying launches. It's ultimately pointless, and it's really not what the Clio is all about IMO.
 
  172 cup
I go for slow roll off then floor it. Found it works the best and always lights up the tyres anyway. You dont need to drop the clutch at 4-5k. No wonder people get threw gearboxes on here
 
  Clio 182FF
So far I am really enjoying the 182. Yes there are the odd rattles and squeeks but overall it's been nothing but total driving pleasure. I take care to only drive it harder once it's warmed up and I don't rag it all the time. The whole point of this thread was to learn how to get the most out of the car so really guys, thanks for the tips!
 
  172 cup
Only going on what I was told by the renault sport specialist got my sisters motor from. Mines not got it anyway lol
 


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