I'm a bit confused about something. I've read how some people, like Wes Michaels, can rev the engine of an autostick before launching, presumably by holding the break and gas at the same time. Is this how it's done? Is it at all damaging to the car? Do the rear brakes not engage when the brake and gas are held at the same time? Please help to diminish my confusion.

 

Rev in neutral and then shove it in to drive I assume.

 

1. Hold foot on brake (hard pressure).
2. Apply foot throttle (hard pressure).
3. Listen for rear tires breaking loose.
4. Watch for smoke.
5. Put pillow behind head.
6. Lift break foot.
7. Head down the road.

Called a break-torque in my day

I'm sure it's not good for the automobile overall but where's the fun. It has been known to break motor mounts

 

Airdata, does this do any damage to the rear brakes??

 

I never "rev" the engine and then slam it into gear.... To torque (or power) brake you put the tranny in 1st gear and hold the brakes hard while you bring the rpm up to, in my case, about 2,400 rpm. Then, at the same time slam the throttle to the floor and jump off the brake pedal. This gives a good hard launch and the torque converter is locked and keeps you from waisting torque through the torque converter.

If you want to do a burnout.... Once the rpms are at around 2,400 very gradually release a little pressure from the brake pedal. The rear wheels (under power) will overcome the brakes are start to spin. The front brakes will keep the car in place..... Oldest trick in drag racing with an automatic tranny.

 

Question Guys. Has anyone taken a crossfire down the 1/4 mile? I'm interested in the performance. My family car(87 Taurus) runs 16.45 in the 1/4, and I raced a crossfire today. He tried to pull away from me but couldn't. I couldn't gain on him either. We stayed neck and neck all the way up a 2 mile hill. I thought the crossfire had a high horspower engine in them. Do they have a rev limiter or governer built in?

 

Short answer... the XF has a 215hp 6 cyl engine. It is not what you would call a high output motor. The XF is not a drag racer, it does excel on a road course as the handling is fabulous. Top speed straight from the factory is right at 150 mph. The car begs to be driven fast and is very stable at speed. Hope this answered some of your questions.