Launching an A8 in 2nd?
 

Has anyone had any success launching their A8 car in 2nd instead of 1st at the track or in Mexico?

Lots of higher hp cars launch in 2nd. I do. That 1-2 shift comes really fast and often gets the wheels spinning. Just put it in 2 manual and let her rip, slap it over to auto once your speed is high enough to ensure it won’t downshift. Without a converter I think it will make you slower but it doesn’t hurt it to try.

I've been meaning to try it out. with my gears, I have completed the shift into 2nd gear 1.05 seconds into the pass... and by the 60', I'm already commanding 3rd gear.

2nd gear is 2.97, so it's still a lil more aggressive than some transmissions' 1st gear.....

I've done that in my 5th gen, got the idea from Ryan @ GPI.

I have launched a cpl times in 2nd at the track due to 1st gear was just tooo much for the track that day.

Times...?

:pop2: :pop2: :pop2:

Never did get to the track to test, but launching in 2nd was a bit sluggish in Mexico. I found that unplugging my rear MRC shocks helped me the most on a launch.

with a stock converter my car was quite a bit slower. a positive displacement blown car might do ok leaving in 2nd.

with a converter I have been into the high 1.4's 60's leaving in 2nd with a ton more power to hit it with and it is much smoother not having that early shift. I wouldn't be surprised if I could leave in 3rd and leave with more power for an even smoother launch but I don't think the car will let you leave in 3rd.

Before the Turbo 400 and ati converter Mike had to launch our white Magnuson Camaro in 2nd all the time after the 2650, it was making 1100 plus hp and they just couldn't hook it up. It did end up damaging the converter on the last stop of the power tour.