DONT DO THIS what you are referring to is what mechanics use to test the stall on the tourque convertors it will make the auto tranny fluid REALLY hot and can wear down the fluid really fast. can also cause really bad damage to the stator and turbines in the tourque convertor

 

I had to jump on this because I love having a stick and being able to do burn outs...like this http://groups.msn.com/SweetCarsonthe...to&PhotoID=208

 

Tire companies love you

 

This is pretty much the standard way to launch an auto (unless, of course, you have a huge V-8 that can melt the tires from just off idle). All the magazine tests of automatics launch this way.

Now, if you sit there revving against the tranny for longer than a few seconds (such as holding the car on a hill at a stoplight), you will overheat the tranny fluid, potentially shortening it's life. Most autos will live longer if you change the fluid at regular intervals (like 15-30k miles).

And any torque convertor that can't stand up to brake torquing won't last long in everyday use.