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Frankly, there's not a lot you can do on the initial launch.
You could blip the throttle to raise the RPM's and get the turbo spooling a little bit, then release and immediately begin the launch. This might give you a little extra boost since the turbo's spooled up. However, it will be minor and also difficult to master. Additionally, it probably would have similar wear to slipping the clutch.
I don't push first a lot since, as you observed, you basically do have to slip the clutch. Bummer but not a big deal to me.
I really think it's just the nature of the beast and there is no good answer to saving your clutch and getting ideal launches. Further, even if you do get full power, I can spin the front tires easily! For really fun power launches, you really need a RWD car to handle the level of power that our Aero's produce.
As for the 1-2 shift, I have not really noticed the RPM's holding. Maybe it's just me. I do have the most current Aero ECU. I did notice that the transmission seemed to loosen up around 10000 miles. I'm pretty quick on the 1-2 these days. If I'm going for a quick start, usually I'll launch and shift to 2nd at about 3500-4000 RPMs and then ride 2nd all the way up to redline. 1st, once you're moving, swings towards redline so damn fast that I tend to shift early to avoid overreving it.
I wish I had better answers for you.
As for comparisons between cars and engines. The Aero is also my first turbo. The only similar car that I've owned was a 98 328i so maybe it's a valid comparison to your Probe (328i was lighter and 2.8L inline 6). You'll never quite get the instant torque that the 6 provides but when you stay on it, you can overtake many comparable larger cars. Again, it's just the nature of the vehicle. In fact, my little 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Alfa FEELS more like my BMW did than the Saab does. Given it's light weight, there's a greater snap to the acceleration. So while the Aero is definitely faster, it doesn't necessarily feel that way. I remember being initially unimpressed by the Aero but kept surprising myself at how fast I reached speed.
My conclusion is that an automatic is really ideally suited to turbos but I still chose the manual since I prefer that level of involvement.
Bryce
00 9-5 Aero
85 900S
83 Alfa Spider (getting new motor & transmission mounts today! Woohoo!)
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