I'd be impressed if the auto will go through the 1320' in the 15's. But he's right about slipping it into D while reved. The converter will soak up a good amout of the force, protecting the gears. However, it's much healthier for it to just hold the break and rev it, letting it go on green and put the gas to the floor like he said.

 

My auto 8 pulls really hard at high RPM in second. I actually beat an s2000 on the highway but I am pretty sure he didn't know how to drive because his rpm's didn't sound high enough (I know it's a LOT faster). I also took a Type S Acura off the line to 60 but he smoked me on top end. Then I got beat by a Solara because I couldn't get the revs up in time and we were going too fast for 1st. As far as the auto 8 being slow it is true, I am guessing 16s although it does have a strong 15 sec pull. It feels like 160 rwhp. I know it's not a racecar but it's fun as hell when shifted manually by a good driver even with the 4 ports and 197 hp and 4 speed.
I am curious as hell just like everyone else what it would run. I may be the first one to take it to the strip in a couple of weeks. I wouldn't be suprised if I pull high 16s especially because of the 18s.

 

please post your times when you go. I'm very interested to know what it can do.

 

Just an FYI. I was reading the RX-8 shop manual the other night and it mentioned an AT stalling test that involved revving up the engine to a maximum about 2800rpm with the brakes on. It warned that running the engine at that speed with the brakes for more than 5 seconds would damage the transmission.

From that, I assume that if you are using the brake/accelerator technique of launching off the line at an intersection, be sure to keep the time under 5 seconds. I also assume that any amount of time with brake/accelerator simultaneously engaged will put a strain and increase wear and tear on the AT. But that's the price for the increased performance.

 

yeah i tried the brake/rev method to launch, and couldnt get mine much higher than 2500 without giving it too much time, and i didn't really want to let it do that for long

didnt get that much more kick on the launch, but i need to try it a couple more times yet...i'm used to driving a stick so this is a little frustrating

 

Yeah, unless you're spinning the rear tires (allowing the tranny to move) I would agree that holding still and holding the revs up should be kept to a few seconds max. Mazda most likely didn't use a heavy duty trans or converter so it won't take but so much extended abuse.

 

anyone get an auto to the track yet? still waiting on times.

 

I just G-tech-ed my auto. I got a best of 16.6 @ 87 mph with a 9.3 0-60mph. Look for the thread I'm going to start for more details.