Let's talk second gear launches on AT cars

[gjpundsack]

I'm going from a Vortech V7-JT setup to an Edelbrock tuner version setup. My tuner says the Edelbrock will make a lot more low-end torque. I've been running 10.1ET/138mph/1.44 60 ft with the old setup at 3800+ DA. Also, I have 355 gears and a built 6R80, with a Circle D convertor setup real loose. Thinking about second gear launches. Let's hear from those guys doing this.

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[kcc0521]

I doubt it will work well for you since 2nd gear is only 2.34:1 vs 4.17:1. I think it is harder on the planetary and clutches as well if you did not modify those.

 

[esacteksab]

I'm not aware of anyone tuning this. I've heard rumors of a few of the big tuners "testing" but no one offering it publicly or generally available. I'd love it, my Whipple hits too hard and a 2nd gear launch would help for sure.

 

[Drsmith33]

I have a tune from Lund to launch from 2nd gear. Only with aftermarket clutches and converter though.

 

[markmurfie]

What I find is I can get the car to leave in 1st pretty well, most of the time, if the track isn't horrible. I have more trouble maintaining traction on the 1-2 shift that kills the 60ft-330ft, even when the track is good. Some times it will skip 2nd and go into 3rd, when it spins bad enough.
A second gear launch would probably improve consistency and the first 330ft. powerglides have a 1.82 first and TH400's have a 2.48 1st. So a 2.34 starting gear is not that bad.

I dont think a 2nd gear launch works with the traditional 2 relay wiring or JMS digital trans brake. It probably doesn't work as well with the stock torque converter.

 

[olaosunt]

I got my best 60ft ever on my 18/Whipple car after swapping to a circle D converter /second gear launch tune . The tune deletes first gear altogether .

I went from a best of 1.46 with the stock converter /first gear launch to 1.28.leaving in second. Leaving in first gear it would consistently spin 1-2 shift so I knew leaving in second would help . Best 60ft came from flashing the stock converter from 1500 rpm but with the new converter/ second gear tune I had to stall the car above 3500 to avoid bogging .

I do have the Aftermarket clutches ( no planetary gear upgrade for the 10r80 ) but I don’t think the tranny likes it very much . It would jerk rather violently in to gear from P/N/R.

First time out after the 1.28 it threw a code that later cleared it self .

Second time out it looks like the converter broke(hoping that’s all ) on my pass attempt.

I swapped back to the stock converter and had to get a new valve body but not driven the car yet as they are still flushing the lines .

I will be going back to first gear tune with the stock converter and even if end up going back to the circle D (not sure ) I am not sure I will be trying the second gear tune again.

Top slip is second gear .
Bottom slip is first gear
First code is first time out .
Second codes are when converter (I hope that’s all ) broke .

 

[Zinc03svt]

I believe the 2nd gear launch is a A10 only thing.

 

[Coyote Chase]

I launched my 2018 (base EB/factory tune) Mustang (10spd) in 2nd gear all last season... It worked for me! I do want to make some mods to the tranny/rear diff. during the off season, but haven't ordered any parts yet!

 

[WildHorse]

Just go with a 3.15 gear.

 

[Coyote Chase]

Just go with a 3.15 gear.

I'll probably run the stock 3.15 diff next season, mostly due to budget, plus I already own a set of small (26") tires. This will leave me more money for tranny/ torque converter upgrades!??

 

[Coyote Chase]

Still planning on launching @ 2500 RPM in 2nd gear next season... But won't be able to make the tranny/rear diff mods and attend all (6) NMRA events. Trying to make available changes (to car and driver) to prevent pushing thru the lights and not losing power due to heat soaking!

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