Is the correct method of doing these times to light throttle off the line then stomp on it? I found my acceleration is pretty good using this method. I need to add the performance pages on my '16 R/T but I'm pretty sure I'm getting a good time (5.3s or so) even considering my extra weight because I'm fat. LOL Should I expect 5.1~5.3s with my '16 or can it get 5.0s or faster with a proper launch? Altitude is less than 600ft and the morning temps are still in the mid-50's or low-60's in the AM around here so conditions are good.
I know 0-60 is just bragging rights and all but that metric is important to me. I'd like to see if I can get this Charger faster stock (mid muffler delete) than my old 3000GT VR4 which still is the fastest car I've ever owned at 4.9s 0-60 stock. I'm willing to bet my new Charger is likely going to be faster at everything but 0-20 because AWD > RWD for off-the-line traction. I miss that VR4 sometimes. Such a fast and beautiful car that was.
I used to do a lot of drag racing in the mid 90s and used to bracket race a stick shift SN95 Mustang on street tires. Then I got wise and went for slicks.
The technique for launching on street tires is to hold the car on the converter and then launch smoothly. It's more like squeezing the trigger on a gun as opposed to jerking it (do with that reference what you will!).
For my R/T: 1500 RPM on the converter, let off of the brake, roll on to the gas evenly
For my R/T Scat Pack: 1800 RPM on the converter, let off the brake, roll on to the gas evenly
My launch RPM is almost always the same independent of weather. Where I make my adjustments is with my right foot. On a perfect launch, you should hear the tires chirping slightly as you accelerate. If you don't hear anything after letting go of the brake, it means the right foot needs to be a bit more aggressive. If the tires spin, it means you need to slow down a bit when pressing the loud pedal. If you launch and the nose falls over that means a little more RPM is helpful (provided you're not driving through the converter). On a good launch you should also feel the nose rise as weight is transferred to the rear.
It's a dance and it takes time to get the feel of the car!
With 4.10 gears in my Mustang on all season street tires, I've cut a 1.71 60' which is very respectable.
Now since you mentioned the VR4, I'm also a former Mitsubishi nut! I built a 98 Eclipse GSX (AWD) from a slow 14 second dog into an 11.8 monster with a 2.3 stroker on a small turbo, street tires and pump gas. Hold the e-brake, mash the gas, build 7-8 psi on the stutter box and let it rip. Used to run consistent 1.59 - 1.61 60' times on sticky Falken FK-451s. What a rip! I sold it in 2008 and still miss that car. It was a lot of fun.
Anyway, practice practice practice! And don't hold the car on the converter for more than 4-5 seconds. It increases temps in the trans fluid very quickly. Also allow cool downs in between runs.
Good luck sir!
