Sorry, by preload I meant preload the suspension to try to minimize wheel hop, body roll from front to rear, etc... Instead of revving to 5000RPM and slipping/dumping the clutch, try holding the hand brake at the line. Then rev up to about 2500rpm, and slip the clutch just enough so the car doesn't drive through the hand brake. This will cause any car to squat it's rear end. Now when the light turns green, dump the hand brake and dump the rest of the clutch when you feel the car settle after take off (probably only .2-.4s). Worked pretty good in the SRT4... if I could do it consistently. It's very difficult. But the idea is that you're preloading the suspension and revving lower, to avoid excessive body roll/weight transfer/bounce back caused by dumping the clutch and sending gobs of power to the pavement at 5000RPM.

 

Listen, I'm your team!!! ----- I love my HHR SS. But it's not intended to be faster than "Usain Bolt". If you want to go fast, get a go fast vehicle!!! The HHR SS is awesome and it may be the fastest you have had, but it is surely not a record breaker. I will say it is a quick 4 cylinder. And,I must say I have had fast--but this one ranks up there with being alot of FUN.

 

Yes, of course, but the greatest thing is that you can surprise a lot of folks when they can't keep up with your "merging speed" from onramp to acceptable freeway speeds with your little breadwagon. Lots of folks with 350z's (not 370's) many BMW's (not M cars of course) have to explain to their GF why the little red car left their expensive car in the dust.