I tried to do a search for this topic, but the search feature doesn't seem to be working right now.

I just tried to match the Z's magazine 0-60 time on a quiet stretch of flat highway with a passenger timing my acceleration from release of the clutch to 60 M.P.H. on the digital display. I wasn't able to do better than 6.7 seconds.

I'm obviously nowhere near professional; just the opposite in fact, but have driven a stick since I began driving 17 years ago. The method I used involved reving to about 2500, dumping the clutch, and shifting at about 6400 RPMs. Changed from second to third each time at about 56 M.P.H. to avoid hitting the rev limiter. VDC was off, air conditioning was off, tank was about three-quarters full, my passenger weighs about 150 and I weigh about 160. There was no cargo or additional weight.

Obviously, carrying the passenger slowed me down a little. I would love to hear from anyone here who can get from 0-60 in the advertised time. What's the best way to achieve that time? Thanks in advance.

 

What did they give as their time?

 

I've seen 5.4 in a couple of places, 5.3 in others. I don't know which is more widely accepted.

 

I only knew of once occurence of 5.4 (Car & Driver I think). And as far as I know, no one here has come close to matching it. Not 6.7 not close, but more like 5.7 I think.

 

how are you doing the timing?

 

My advice get a G-Timer or a G-Tech and lose the hand held stop watch this will be more accurate and introduce less human reaction error.

Also the Z is certainly capable of good numbers



5.3 0-60 and 13.77 1/4

Motor Trend Results 0-60 and Quarter

 

There have been guys on teh board that have gotten 5.3-5.4 stock. It takes a good launch, and low pressure in the rear tires (~26lbs)

 

Again I learn something new on here. Will it never end? (I hope not.)

 

Shifted to 3rd at 56mph? THAT is your problem... 2nd gear is good to 62mph... you are wasting precious time shifting 2-3, and not in your best powerband in 3rd gear at 56mph...

 

what wren57 said
redline it buddy dont be scared

 

yeah redline it the Z got most power @ 6200 RPM

 

Thanks, guys! That's probably the problem and exactly the advice I was seeking. I'll give that a try. I might try that G-timer as well.

 

It's interesting that so many people don't realize that the car is built go to (and even past) redline. When I had an RSX-S, and I used to post on clubrsx.com, a guy was wondering why he kept getting burned by escorts and various minivans. Given that the RSX-S isn't the fastest car in the world, it still is definitely pretty quick. Anyways, the RSX-S ended up being his first manual car. So, he didn't know that the RSX-S made ALL it's HP/TQ right at redline! Needless to say, he was alot happier after posting to the board

NOTE: If your normally drive your car slow, and accelerate slow, the Z may have adjusted for that. If you want to get better results, you may want to either disconnect the battery for 24 hours (and drive more aggressively), or do the ECU resetting procedure.

The Z's ECU will adjust for aggressive driving habits, but just not right away. That's why I mention the whole ECU resetting procedure. Just a suggestion.

 

I did a little practice doing quick starts today (not exactly launching it yet), and one turned out really good by accident. I think my RPM's were at about 3-3.5 and I let the clutch slip out carefully, listening and feeling for slight wheelspin.

Worked for me, I was at 60 in no time flat, it actually caught me off guard how fast the car gets to 60.

Oh yeah, make sure your TCS is off, traction control will screw up your 0-60 if you peel em at all.

PS - sayaltitude, you a controller?

 

If you're going for 0-60 only -- skip the shift until you bump the rev limiter. The limiter won't allow you to break far into redline, and you'll be at 60 before you get there.

Anything else though and you'll have to get your shift right. 2nd gear seems long enough to time your way into 3rd with no probs.


Best Subaru run is 5.0 measured on my HKS turbo timer, but that was 0-100kph = 62 mph.. 4500k clutch slipping/burning all the way thru 3rd !!

I still haven't turned off my VDC...damn thats sad

 

Most test results in the car magazines got to 61-63(approx) in 2nd gear.That extra shift is at least a 1/2 second.Plus most timing results are done electronically.No human error.

 

I went out earlier today and did a few more runs armed with the knowledge I got here and did a lot better.

All variables remained the same: VDC off, 3/4 full of gas, 150-pound passenger, etc., but this time, I just went all the way through 60 in second. Feels like abuse, but I kept telling myself that's what the rev limiter is there for.

I got 6.04 this time, which I'll gladly take, considering the additional weight and inaccuracy of the timing method I was using. Also, I'm sure I'm being far more sympathetic to my car at the launch than any magazine driver would be. Adjusted for the weight, sympathy, and timing errors, that could easily translate to maybe 5.5 or 5.4 seconds in ideal conditions, I would guess.

Thanks again for the tips!
JetPilot, I sent a PM.