FWIW, since replacing the intake gasket, I notice the car much easier to launch. In heavy stop & go traffic, I can launch with little or no gas, or just leave in second if above 3 or 4 MPH & then ride the clutch slightly.

Still a bit tricky on hills, but I feather the gas to avoid the inherent higher RPM clutch burning. Never really pay attention to RPM's when launching, but don't think I get up to 2000 often.

 

Ah, I'm planning to replace intake gasket, good to know

I got a p0171 a week ago and based on others' stories, was going to replace intake manifold gasket (cleaning the MAF didn't make a difference).

So I'll cross my fingers that a new intake gasket will help with launch strength, that would be a nice touch.

 

New # 17171-22060 gasket will help... What substantially improves low rpm tractability is 91 pump octane (95 RON) ethanol-free premium gas, as does a good ground upgrade. I can easily launch at lower than 1,200 and let it dip to under idle rpm as I engage the clutch.

 

While you may have a gasket issue, correct me if I am wrong but I don't think it relates to your question. Unlike some cars, the Corrolla clutch engages very late during clutch pedal travel. When you start from a standing stop, instead of expecting early engagement at a low clutch pedal point, expect it at a higher pedal travel point. Another words, let the clutch out reasonably quickly for the early part of the petal travel then slow down to feel the point of engagement near the top of clutch petal travel.

Low RPMs and slow starts are possible with the right technique.

Hope it makes sense ansd will work for you.

 

The DBW (drive by wire) throttle has a time lag between the pedal and throttle plate.
I noticed this right away on the test drive of my current '06 Matrix vs the cable throttle of the '88 Accord it replaced.
You have to press the gas "half a beat" sooner than you engage the clutch.

Try this: while idling in neutral give the gas pedal the shortest, quickest jab you can.
You'll see the engine responds distinctly after you've taken your foot off.

I manage to start out at 1000-1500 RPM, a little more on a steep hill.

 

I am still able to drive mine like a normal car. I give a slight clutch release and slight throttle blip. I think I have stalled the car maybe once or twice in over 6 years. Launch RPM is likely around 1000 RPM.

FWIW unlike invader, I noticed zero difference when using premium fuel. This is in contrast to my Camry, where I noticed a distinct difference

 

You are probably just not used to the clutch release and sensitive gas pedal yet. Give it two weeks and you will get used to it.

FWIW I also have the drive-by-wire model and the overly sensitive gas pedal combined with my long legs makes finessing things difficult. If I am on a flat surface or especially when I am facing downhill, to make it easier on myself, I will get the car rolling or at least rock the car forward a bit without using the gas first, then give a bit of gas as I release the clutch all the way. Technically this is not very good for the car but you do what you have to. The idle is high enough that I find this car reasonably difficult to stall personally. I don't like revving the engine a lot as you release - that will wear the clutch out fast.

 

Now that I've checked, I actually launch from a stop at barely above 750 rpm idle... Just a bit of throttle applied as I engage the clutch at usually about 800 rpm. I can't take off swiftly and smoothly at such a low rpm without occasionaly stalling on regular gas, among other things. I thoroughly enjoy the extra tractability and efficiency on ethanol-free 91 octane gas, as well as reduced strain on the clutch as mentioned by MD1032.

 

When I launch mine, I balance clutch pedal to match gas pedal. When at full stop, pop out the clucth and feel the grab when in first gear. Do that a few times and watch the rpms. This will help some when adjusting to the corolla. I found that you'll achieve better mpg when shifting before 3k.

 

I just started driving stick a couple month back when I got my first car(obviously a corolla)

It really varies, sometimes I will give it a bit too much gas and it will go to like 2k rpm, but I won't release the clutch at 2k rpm, I will let my foot of the gas and as the rpms are dropping I will smoothly engage the clutch..

Sometimes I give it *just a bit* of gas and the rpms won't even change because the car is moving already. Normally its 300-500 rpms above idle I'd say.

 

anywhere from 1500 to 2500 if i'm in a hurry. anything less than 1500 is too slow for getting up to speed with traffic around here. I can launch at 1000 if I want but it doesn't feel right...

i barely slip the clutch when doing this. I mean I'm slipping it, but the length in doing so is barely perceptible. i only started driving stick a month ago but got the hang of it quick. redline mt90 and new shifter linkage bushings (all metal instead of rubber) helped phenomenally.

had my corolla in the shop (replaced the rear wheel bearings finally) and drove an automatic for a couple days. That was weird at first then got used it to quick. Then when i got the corolla back, I revved it up to like 4k the first couple of shifts...lol. weird going back and forth.