First time drag racing... any tips?

[ARrado15]

So FINALLY brought the car out to a track event out here in vegas, and lets just say a driver mod is in need... I've got a full bolt on with howards asa cam, and the fastest I could manage was a 13.7 @109, and a 2.519 60 foot. I used the stabilitrak comp mode launch control every time, and could definitely tell it was spinning in all of first. What would you all recommend on lowering these times for the next track event? It seems to me that I can have the car reach 12 seconds if I change some stuff up on my end... Also the DA was 3,000 feet.

[102SS]

M6 or A6?

1)Switch off the traction control and stabiitrak.

2) Unless your running slicks and skinnies drive around the water box.

3) If you have drag radials back into the water box and give the tires a quick spin then move forward and do an 8-10 second burn out then move to the line.(if you have street tires I recommend going right to the line, no burn out )

4) If your an A6 its time to put your shifter in sport mode(I do it as I pull to the line because if you hit the paddles you default to paddle mode and you will need to shift manually)

Hitting the paddles cost me a 12 second run as it hit the limiter at the 1/8th with me going WTF.

5) I think LV has a high DA so use this sites tools section to correct your times to sea level.http://www.dragtimes.com/

6) Practice makes perfect,try to get there early to allow the car to cool down sometimes you can get a few quick runs in hot lapping her before it gets too busy.

7)Have fun relax and go talk to the other drivers if you see a nice car check it out getting a trophy slip is great but having fun and meeting new people/friends is what its really all about.

After all its really just a big car show without the lawn chairs.

[lazerlemonta]

I always tell new track people to take of like your at a traffic light until you get a feel for how the track bites. Then you can start increasing rpm and slipping the clutch to get the 60' down. Have fun

[blufin]

Originally Posted by lazerlemonta

I always tell new track people to take of like your at a traffic light until you get a feel for how the track bites. Then you can start increasing rpm and slipping the clutch to get the 60' down. Have fun

[jrhagen]

There is a full write up in the racing section. It's a good read. The only thing that will improve your times is seat time at the track and getting to know your car. More mods helps too.

On a side note, I have always wanted to make a trip out to Sin City with my car. Is 93 octane available there?

[ARrado15]

Its an M6 so definitely need more seat time. And no we don've have 93, just 91. But the track has some race gas available. Not sure what octane though

[jrhagen]

Originally Posted by ARrado15

Its an M6 so definitely need more seat time. And no we don've have 93, just 91. But the track has some race gas available. Not sure what octane though

Damn Commiefornia gas.

[acammer]

That's definitely enough mph to run 12's with a good 60' time. Definitely follow that advise to work up from a slow, gentle launch, rather than trying to tame something too strong.

Here is in-car footage of my 12.79. I feel there is a lot left on the table to gain, as this we around a 2.05 60' time - I could get into the mid 12's with another tenth or two out of the 60'. I was on full street air-pressure, dropping down to 22-25psi should be worth some more bite.

[ARrado15]

Yea man if I ran a 12.6 I would be beyond happy. Based off my math, If I can get my 60 foot times to 2-2.1s then I theoretically should be able to run a high 12. I'm going to try to work on the launches these next few weeks before the next track meet (late may).

[acammer]

High 12's should be possible on a good 60'. Also, just saw you were using launch control - I don't think you're gonna get your best results with that, it's usually either too little or too much. You're better off learning to balance throttle and clutch inputs to whatever surface you get, as that will yield the best results.

[frankwjr]

Waited until the other peeps had a chance to chime....your first trip sounds almost exactly like mine...what rear tires are you using? THIS is prob this biggest factor in a good launch...with no traction you get shit 60'...had on my BFG A/S at full psi...

next trip had on my BFG Sport Comp summer tires with new ZL1 rep rims....set psi to 25 and kept checkin after each run...you want HOT tire psi when setting...and per above do not use L/C...if you ever get the car to truly hook once probably blow the right CV out...I will prob lower the psi next time out..may go to 20...

per my sig is the results....with rpm startin at 'bout 3k you release the clutch slower than normal....why...gotta get the car movin just a scoch...that way when the clutch fully engages the car doesn't bog but keeps the R's up....and if you ain't smellin clutch after each run(on stock) your not gettin your best launch...then slowly work launch R's up...you will know when you have hit your cars limit....then add more $$$$$ and go faster!

you've done the motor work now for the suspension mods...I put in sub-frame inserts in back...definitely firmed up the rear (feel) goin over bumps, train tracks...BMR trailing arms and bushing since I had a little wheel hop goin on and wanted to try and eliminate that(breaks shit fast)...and last weekend put in the motor mounts(wow!)..soooooo hopefully next trip will see additional improvements in not only the 60 but hope the Q too....

ALSO.....if you have not already done this I HIGHLY recommend it...use or get and use a vacuum brake bleeder kit and FULLY bleed your brakes....use DOT4 and once you are done with the brakes do the clutch too using the pedal pump method unless you have a remote bleeder...WHY? well first you better be able to stop after hitting over 100 in the Q..that would be very embarrassing! lol...2nd and IMHO most important is the clutch will work properly(for me at least) at high R's...I can shift at will at 7k...ZERO probs....

lastly...seat time...no substitutes allowed....heck even a old fart like me had nervous sweaty hands first time to the strip in this car..BUT SO MUCH FUN! Once you get over the preliminary jitters and things settle down you will be able to focus better...wait until you go against a blown fuelly on a pro tree...scared the crap outta me and I red lighted! hahaha....

I am very lucky to be able to drive this mutha every day which makes a huge diff versus gettin behind the wheel on weekends and then have to retrain the brain....peace out bro and get some vids next time..

this is one on mine from the last trip....

and here is BFASTNOTLAST...I need to perfect his E-Brake launch method..THIS is a major technique missed by many...

[ARrado15]

Went back for Test N Tune this weekend, and picked up a new best of 13.4 at 110 with a 2.19 60 foot. Density altitude was around 5000 feet. I'm still getting a hang of the launch, and finally felt my tires hook on the 2.19 60 foot. I tried replicating my launch on the next go around, and couldn't get it to hook. I either bog the car, or spin the tires. No in-between. I'm going to go back in 2 weeks for Midnight Mayhem and hopefully rip off enough time to get into the high 12's (my goal).

A local tuner out here said that the consistent 110 trap speed should be good enough to get me well into the 12's, and I just need to continue working on my launch. If I can get a 2.0 60 foot i'd be stoked!

[QUICRNU]

2.00 60 ft is respectable on street tires.

and I agree on the trap speed. I ran 12.74 trapping 109 with a 1.95 60 ft with headers CAI and tune. (A6 for reference) Others have done far better.

[lazerlemonta]

Originally Posted by ARrado15

Went back for Test N Tune this weekend, and picked up a new best of 13.4 at 110 with a 2.19 60 foot. Density altitude was around 5000 feet. I'm still getting a hang of the launch, and finally felt my tires hook on the 2.19 60 foot. I tried replicating my launch on the next go around, and couldn't get it to hook. I either bog the car, or spin the tires. No in-between. I'm going to go back in 2 weeks for Midnight Mayhem and hopefully rip off enough time to get into the high 12's (my goal).

A local tuner out here said that the consistent 110 trap speed should be good enough to get me well into the 12's, and I just need to continue working on my launch. If I can get a 2.0 60 foot i'd be stoked!

My stock 12 1SS went 12.98 on a 2.08 60'. Getting over the fear of abusing the clutch is what got me there. It takes a real good slip of it. Good luck!!!