Soon after I picked up my 95 WRX (only a few weeks ago) I did a couple of launch starts. I was unaware that this could damage the clutch (and diff?), I presumed that a car with this much power would have a clutch that would withstand such force.
The first couple of times the engine and tires bit instantly but now the clutch takes engine takes a bit longer to bite. Could this be because I have damaged the clutch in some way - or anything else? If so is this serious/expensive?

 

Rikki,

I have an MY94 WRX and asked about 'launch'
starts the other day...basically the response
was don't do it!

So, I never have and won't... As for the clutch being expensive to replace I think it is pretty dear, about 600 quid I think..correct me if I am wrong anyone.

This is something I am going to do as a
matter of course soon. My clutch feels
great but I have a slight noise when warm which apparently may be the clutch release bearing being noisey.

ta,
matt


[This message has been edited by mattski (edited 09 November 2000).]

[This message has been edited by mattski (edited 09 November 2000).]

 

Uhhm,

what is a "launch start"??

Thanks,

Al

 

Alberick - try this, put car in 1st gear, hold down clutch so it isnt biting.. get revs up to 4K to 5K.. and drop the clutch, oh, and hold on...

 

PS. i've been told its funnier if you drop it at max power point, 6500rpm on my P1..

 

did you have a clutch left, or was it a
quivery thing sitting on the floor, sobbing?

 

It smelt pretty nasty for a while, so I guess that hint at a damaged clutch.

What I really want to know is it downhill from here? Will the clutch get worse and worse if it has now been damaged? Is there anything I can do (besides avoiding launch starts!! )

 

I dunno... is it really noticably different,
i.e. does it slip even under normal conditions or only when you are in thunderbird mode?

I guess it can't have done it much good,
perhaps it's just reduced the life of it?

 

It only really slips in Thunderbird mode: i.e. high rev starts in first and high rev 1st to 2nd changes sometimes

 

oh dear! maybe you could do with a new
clutch then....

 

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

does it slip badly???

 

Rikki,
I tried a 'full bore' start just the once in my 95 wrx, and all I got was slip in 1st & 2nd followed by a burning smell and the sight of smoke in my mirror! I won't be trying that again!!

Mine has been fine since, no in gear slip under hard driving. If you don't want to swap your clutch, just make sure you get the car rolling before you floor it!

Cheers

Leigh

 

Dropping the clutch at 6500 rpm in a P1 just results in no forward movement and lots of smoke/steam from the 4 spinning wheels... :

 

Charlie,

Are you sure thats from the wheels and not angry smoke of annoyance from the poor diffs.

P.