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One of the most common questions asked by a first-time Mustang owner is "How do I do a proper burnout?" Well, we will go in-depth in this article showing you the right way and wrong way to perform a burnout in your Late Model Mustang. Whether you are wanting a John Force style burnout or just wanting to show off at your local Mustang burnout contest, LMR has got you covered!
The Mustang Burnout
You might find yourself asking your friends "How do I blow the tires off my Mustang?". Let's face it, your friends aren't likely to buy you new tires after you win first place at a Mustang burnout contest, however, it's the support and enthusiasm that matters. Late Model Restoration is here to show you the right way and wrong way to do a burnout in both your automatic and manual transmission Mustang!
Automatic Transmission
Right Way
This is by far the easiest transmission to perform a proper burnout with.
Step 1:
Apply firm pressure to your brake pedal.
Step 2:
Slowly apply pressure to your accelerator pedal.
Step 3:
When the rear tires start spinning hold your rpm at the desired level, be sure not to over-rev which could cause catastrophic failure. Usually, 3k-4k RPM will do the trick!
Step 4:
Now you are left with two decisions. You can either go with the flow and let off the brake pedal then proceed to execute a perfect rolling burnout. Or you can slowly bring the revs down, while still applying firm pressure to the brake pedal, to decrease wheel spin until the rear wheels stop spinning.
Wrong Way
- Neutral Dropping: Revving in neutral then dropping the gear select into drive.
- Over Revving or Bouncing off the Rev. Limiter: When holding a burn out be sure to watch the RPMs. If you over rev or start bouncing off the rev limiter it could result in catastrophic failure to the transmission or engine.
Manual Transmission
Right Way
This will require moderate knowledge in driving manual vehicles.
Step 1:
Apply pressure to the accelerator pedal while keeping the clutch disengaged and the gear selector in 1st gear.
Step 2:
Engage the clutch then immediately take your foot off the clutch pedal and apply enough pressure to the brake pedal to bring the car to a halt.
Step 3:
Hold the RPM's at desired level, in a manual mustang the sweet spot is between 3k-5k.
Step 4:
You can now go with the flow and let off the brake pedal then proceed to execute a perfect rolling burn out. Feel free to shift into second gear to help keep the good time rolling.
Wrong Way
- Leaving Traction Control On: This will result in loss in power and erratic bucking from your Mustang.
- Starting Out in a High Gear: This will result in stalling your Mustang.
- Over Revving or Bouncing off the Rev. Limiter: When holding a burn out be sure to watch the RPM's. If you over rev or start bouncing off the rev limiter it could result in catastrophic failure to the transmission or engine.
Note:
We would recommend purchasing a line lock kit for your Mustang. Premature wear may occur to rear brakes.
S550 Mustang GT
Ford has made it very simple to enable the line lock feature (if equipped) so you can now lock up the front brakes and allow the rear tires to spin freely with little effort.
Step 1:
Navigate to your track apps
Step 2:
Then Select the Line lock option
Step 3:
Once it is selected it will prompt you to apply and hold the brake
Step 4:
Once the brakes are fully engaged, you will then need to press “OK”. After the line lock is engaged you can then let off the brake and begin your 15 seconds of asphalt melting burnout.
Step 5:
After the 15 seconds are over, your brakes will go back to normal. You can also manually turn off the line lock by pressing the “OK” button on the steering wheel.
Note:
Line lock comes as a standard feature on the V8-powered GT models. Even though it comes factory-equipped, it does seem that using it improperly can void your warranty. Ford states it is for track use and racing may void your warranty. Ford also states damage caused by racing will void your warranty. If your Mustang does not have the line lock option, you can revert back to the previous information above for the manual or automatic procedures.
Disclaimer: LMR is not responsible for damaged parts, failing components, tickets, or tire failure from performing a burnout. Please make sure your burnouts are performed in a designated area without traffic or pedestrians in the vicinity.
