I see that almost everyone believes 1st gear in the Z tranny is too low for good track times with a built engine (350whp+). Has anyone tried to launch in second? I don't race, but I have started in 2nd gear several times, and it seems rather capable of doing that, even with my stock Z. Any experience/opinions?

 

Yeah, don't do it.

I don't know who told you you'd get better times, but that's pretty doubtful.

 

i'm no expert on launching in 2nd gear - i know some people do it, but doesn't that hurt the gearbox some or at least the clutch?

 

There are several threads where individuals state conclusively that 1st is too low for good times, having to shift twice before 60, and sometimes 4 times before the 1/4 mile. That implies to me that a taller gear than 1st (2nd?) would yield better times. Or is 2nd too tall, and 1st too low?

 

IMO all the gears are too short for FI

 

The Z has a first gear for a reason.