Gear and Tech : December 11, 2008

Two-step, and Three-step. It has one purpose in mind, making lots of noise and propelling you forward as fast as possible. Not dancing.

First off let’s start with the basics. Two-step is also known as a stutterbox and is a form of launch control. Essentially two-step works as a secondary rev limiter. Two-step works off of your speed sensor so it knows when you’re moving and when you’re not. When you’re not moving and the clutch is depressed, the motor will be able to rev and hold at a lower set value. This puts load on the engine and if you’re running a turbo setup will also build a few pounds of boost. Three-step just adds another step (no kidding) and comes into play after you’re already moving. Three step is a third rev limiter essentially and allows you to No Lift Shift. NLS also allows you to hold boost between shifts.

So basically if you’re at the dragstrip and you roll up and stage, you will be able to slot the car into gear, put your foot to the floor and it will hold to whatever RPM you set the two-step for. All you have to do now is slip the clutch on the third yellow and proceed to launch like ‘eff. This is where three-step comes into play, after you blow through first you can keep the pedal to the floor and safely powershift into 2nd, 3rd and so on. By using two and three-step, you would build boost not only at the staging line, but between shifts as well.

The best way to start 2 stepping is to get an AEM EMS or MSD 2-step module. A 2 or 3 step is a very good way to build boost off the line and be able to hold boost between shifts. It will definitely cut down your 1/4 times and give you a better launch guaranteed.