I'm no expert, but I take off in 2nd gear all the time in the winter.. it helps the tires maintain traction in the snow/ice.. from what I've noticed, I'd say...
if you're driving correctly and within the car's limits, you shouldn't have any problems! -- now I'm really curious to know what 163 lb-ft of tourque is gonna feel like taking off in 2nd.. My 99 Cavi is rated at 127lb-ft.. I think.. I get my tC tomorrow
, I'll try it out and let you know if my opinions change..
hehehe, one time, I was driving a Geo Metro (3 cyl).. I took off in 3rd gear like it was nothing! I thought it was in 1st, but didn't realize the truth until after I shifted and 4th didn't do much for me at 15 mph... it only worked cause I hadn't driven it in a while and listened to the car and made the right modifications to my technique during the first gear.. prob would have continued in 4th if I revved it high enough before letting out the clutch all the way! I tried to repeat it, and it was ugly cause I was over-thinking.. still didn't stall but it wasn't pretty, either!
Anyway, there's my two cents again.. ok, maybe three cents inlcuding the story about the Geo..
-K