Start walking it down rpm wise for the launch. Try 5500, 5000, etc. Ideal launch is just above where you'll bog down when you launch, but not so high you blow the tires off. But honestly, 1.8x isn't bad at all for a FWD street car. Do you still have to pedal the launch or does it hook pretty quick in 1st?
I can't remember what you're tuned with, so it might be more of a pain to change the 2 step if you have to go back to the tuner for every change.