I'm going to race my Z for the first time on the strip tomorrow. I've been to the track a couple times but I never ran my car. Anyone want to give me a few basic pointers?

I have the stock tires, should I warm them up by spinning out? Or is that just for DR's and Slicks? I know I should avoid the water box..

What rpm is recommended for launching the stock tires? It seems like on the street I get TONS of spin no matter what I do in 1st - 2nd gear.

Does it matter how quick my reaction times are to the lights?

How much gas will I need in my tank for about 6-8 runs?

Is it easy to remove the passenger seat?

While I'm waiting my turn should I leave the engine running? Anyone ever ice the intake between runs?

Any other pointers?

Thanks!
(PS I know these are probably stupid questions, but I've never done this before!)

 

OHHH and what tire pressure for the stock rears?

 

Hehehe I guess I could give you some pointers tomorrow when we go but I launched on the stock tires at about 3K and had a 2.1 60' I'd try starting between 2.5k to 3k the first run and see how it goes.

Avoid the water box and I normally do a quick burn out, nothing major but just drying the tires off.

Your RT won't matter, it will start whenever you start

Never removed the passenger seat or iced the intake so I couldn't tell ya.

I ran about 35psi whenever I ran on the stock tires. Most would probably recommend lowering it to like 20psi or something like that.

I didn't leave my car running because it seems like the Z's get heatsoak pretty bad. It shouldn't be nearly as bad tomorrow because it will be a pretty cool night.

See you tomorrow man, if you need anymore help let me know.

 

Thanks. Can't wait till tomorrow!

 

Go around the water box, but do a couple of quick little burn outs. Then do a little test launch, before pulling up to the line, to get a feel for the traction.

You don't want to roast the tires, just heat them up a little and clean the debris off, so make the spins quick.

Start out by launching at around 3K and work up form there as you become better.

I launch at around 6K+ when I run 1.9 60's on the factory tires, but that is not easy, and you have to get an excellent feel for the clutch and traction. I don't just drop the clutch either, but I do let it out quickly. If you let it out too slowly you can burn it up, or glaze it.

When you shift, try setting your shift light for 6,900, and shift as quickly as you can as the light comes on. This will also improve with practice.

Let us know how you do.

 

1.9 60 foot on potenzas? Holy **** :x

I will do my best! Thanks for the pointers.

I'll let you know how I do

 

lower pressure, 25-28, experiment

rpm launch depends on track prep, feather from 2500-3500 depending how stickey

traction control off

light spin to clean tires, dont smoke them.

how well do you shift? dont expect 13 unless you know your stuff, it is ok if you dont. you will get used to it eventually. a badass shifter can powershift without revs shooting up between shifts. dont pwoershift before you master quickshifting. your clutch effort should be like you are kicking a guy on the ground. Kick the clutch in and out as fast as you can, you should be pulling it out of the gates as you are kicking down and should haev it in the next gear as you are pulling back. You can practice it with the car off and get the fluid motion and timing down. I always run through the gears before i get to the water box

reaction times dont matter, dont even pay attention to the car next to you. try not to race a loud car so you can hear your wheel spin in order to modulate

less than a 1/4 tank will be fine, I run 1/8th to a 1/4 qand sometimes bring 2 gallons with me for the trip home.

yank the jack and spare

 

Thanks alot! Great info. I consider my self an above average shifter. I used to power shift my Mustang and I've been powershifting the Z the last few days with ease. Only problem I run into is traction. Traction and the launch are what I'm worried about!

 

If you don’t mind I’m going to make a couple of suggestions which you did not address. You’re first time at the dragstrip should be to familiarize yourself with safety and your car. Don’t attempt to break any world land speed records.

1. Watch several cars stage before you jump in line. Familiarize yourself with the location of the pre-stage light and your front tire. When you enter the staging pad, do so when directed by an official. Do not move forward (or backup) unless signaled to do so. Always allow the other driver to pre-stage BEFORE you stage: it’s a simple courtesy.

2. Study the run-off area. Do cars exit right, left or both ways? Do they cross lanes? When? You’re going to hit the run-off area at about 100 mph: think beforehand what you are going to do.

Have fun and be safe.

 

During the summer, I like a minimum of 20 minutes between runs with ice on top the throttle body and plenum. Keep in mind that I’m racing eliminations, not test & tune, and can adjust my dial-in to compensate for heat.

For test & tune, back-to-back runs are OK. While in the waiting lane, if possible, shut OFF the engine and open the hood.

 

Thanks alot! I was kind of wondering what would happen towards the end of the run at 100mph.. heh.. I'll check out the exit before I line up!

 

Thanks!

 

I wish it was tonight. I'm getting ANXIOUS!

 

BTW you have a helmet correct?

 

He has to run a 13.99 or faster to need a helmet. They do have some you can borrow btw.

I need to remember not to wear glasses tomorrow... Man did I look like a freakin' geek.

 

Friend has a helmet I can borrow just incase I break into 13's..

I HOPE I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET!

 

Good because I expect that you will return with a handfull of 13.80 second time slips. I mean you have eye lids AND clear indicators.

 

if traction is your problem, i would definitely get nittos as my next mod over anything else, hell it will be one of your cheapest and msst fun mods. it makes driving daily more fun because you wont blaze your tires.

goi

 

HAHAHA! The saleman told me they add 20HP a piece

 

I definitely have that on my list as a TOP priority! Only thing is I really don't want to buy new tires for these 17's.. since I'll be buying new rims soon.