I can still do the burnouts and poke along in a parade if I launch in 2nd gear...in fact, if I don't use some restraint with the right foot the 2nd gear burnouts are even more impressive (LOTS of tire smoke, but a much better hookup...probably b/c the tires heat up better with the increased rear tire RPM rate).
I still think my 60' time would be better with the 2nd gear start due to the better hookup (the 1st gear burnout goes all the way to the redline, the 2nd gear burnout creates some traction before the engine reaches redline) and the fact that I don't have to short-shift.
Gotta love the burnouts, though. Most of the time I launch from a stopsign or light with 2nd gear...first is so low that I really need to shift quickly, sometimes before I'm across the intersection.
My engine is pretty much a stock 5.0HO from a 1989 Mustang GT, just converted to a carb with an Edelbrock Performer intake and sidepipes. I suspect it is possibly putting out 250 horsepower. I frequently say that more power=more tire smoke, not necessarily a faster car...that's based in large part on my experiences with the 1st gear vs. 2nd gear launches and their respective torque multiplications.
...but, yeah.....the burnouts are much more fun than I expected...and much easier. I don't need to slip or pop the clutch in 1st...just get the car rolling from an idle and then plant the right foot. I need to give the throttle a bit of a nudge to get the burnout from a standing start in 2nd...but it either hooks up better or (if I give it too much throttle) the rear end of the car just hops sideways.
I think I need stickier tires! (mine are BFG's 295/50X15's, I think..I know about the BFG's...not highly recommended. That's an issue for another thread, though.)
Cheers!
Dugly
