Hey guys,

First post here. I have a manual 2003 LeMans Sunset 350z - essentially stock with the exception of a K&N drop-in and an 06 air box. Also, the car has Yokohama Avids, but I don't think they are any stickier than stock - I could be wrong.

Anyways, here is my best time (I didn't allow for much time between runs because I was overexcited)

Reaction 0.5329
60ft 2.2322
330ft 6.2339
1/8ET 9.4543
1/8MPH 77.42
1/4ET 14.4049
1/4MPH 99.16

The car - or maybe me - is grinding going into 2nd gear about 50% of the time. It didn't on that run, but I have to allow for extra time between shifts. I never had that problem with my previous car (mustang)

I know my RT sucks, but I didn't care - I was trying to get the launch right. I tested feathering the clutch at 2500, 3000, 3500 and 3750 rpm with little difference in the 60ft, but I think that it helped after since the car was in its power band when I full let out the clutch.

Can any experts here give me a few pointers or even a # analysis? I know 2.2 60 ft isn't great but I tried many different methods with the same result.
With practice I could maybe get it down to 2.1ish, but I don't understand how guys are cutting 2.0 60ft with street tires. They must have the driver mod...

 

Driver mod. You need to practice and work on everything. What version of the transmission do you have? If it grinds half the time and its not you botching the shifting, I wouldnt be racing it.

FWIW I have run a stock Z for one run (not mine) on a 100 degree day, launched like $hit, 2.2 60ft and ran 14.0 @ 100mph. 2003 6MT

You can improve not only in launching but shifting.

 

You are probably right - it's just that I'm afraid to shift any faster because it's "notchy". It feels like it hesitates shifting into any gear - although it has only grinded on me going into 2nd. I am assuming it is the stock transmission since the previous owner (I am the second) never mentioned transmission replacement of any sort.

In my mustang I could rip through the gears forcefully - the shifter was very compliant. Even with its longer throw, I could still get through gears MUCH faster than the Z. To be honest, I've never driven a car with such a "notchy" feel to the transmission. Anyone else get the same impression?

As for your numbers, Alberto, that's very impressive. I've seen your car and your driving on youtube before. Awesome.

From what I have heard its a "slow" track. S2K running 14.9 with the same 60ft as me and only trapping 95mph and a brand new mazda speed 3 doing about the same as the S2K. On the other hand I got dummied by WS6 with a 13.77ET and 105mph trap. (Seems kind of low doesn't it? I think it had mods) The track is St Thomas raceway park in Ontario, Canada. Eh. lol

 

Could be a slower track, but I'd still work on the launches.

When is the last time you replaced the transmission fluid in the car?

 

Yeah, I agree! Transmission fluid has never been replaced since I have owned it - which is about the last 11-12k miles of its 65k mile life. I bet that could be it to some extent. I'll give it a try

Brand recommendations? I've read good reviews about Red Line on the forums

 

Red line is ok. Ive used that, Royal Purple which people hate but I liked how it felt and even Mobil 1 synthetic.

 

Great, thanks! Nice to E meet you lol

 

NP lol

 

Look at the difference in the time slip above. This is a all motor 350Z.

You beat me (#501) out of the hole by 1/10 seconds.

I make that up and best your 330 feet by 1/10 seconds.

1/8 mile and I am 2/10 seconds ahead.

1/4 mile and I am 3/10 seconds ahead. This is not the result of any secret drag racing techniques. Just practice.

 

Did way better than me... I thought I was shifting pretty quick but there is either something wrong with my car, or I'm just a terrible driver.

I have the same mods as you... just intake on my 04 6mt... and I ran a 14.6 @ 95 with a 2.2 60ft.

 

David - that trap speed is quite impressive! Is your Z all stock?

Yeah, I will work on my shifting but again the transmission doesn't do too well. That 2nd gear grind is really embarrassing when it happens lol

It all makes sense though. Faster shifts = lower ET and higher trap speed.

AK48 - there is alot to consider including track prep and elevation, temperature and humidity. Motors are produced within certain tolerance limits during the manufacturing process so you will see fluctuation in power output from one car to another (Although it isnt alot). Your trap speed is quite low - but don't fret, I had a few 96mph and alot of 97mph runs!

Given all that - the most likely reason for the poor times is just as David and Alberto put it, we can't drive. Yet.

That's why I am hesitant to do any modifications to the car just yet. If I can chip off a half second from my time by just improving my driving skills, why would I go spend a fortune to do only slightly better. I'd rather get more seat time.

 

I have more respect for you than I do for 90% of the people in this forum.

 

I have had grinding in 2nd more often than I like but I know 100% it's mis-timing of the clutch/shifter. Your model of transmission is known to have issues with 3rd and 5th... 2nd isn't a common problem gear. I would put a cam in the car and watch your motions while going into 2nd.

 

Emski - Thanks, but it's been a learning experience. I'm 22 now, but when I had my mustang V6 prior to this car - I was all about modding. After finally spending close to $4-5k on bolt-ons it netted me a whopping 176rwhp(mind you it was a mustang dyno) and 227rwtq. AKA, it was a huge waste of my time lol. I know better than that now.

djamps - you know that could be it, I've been reading about that possibility on the forums. It has a very short throw compared to my mustang, so it could just be me. I'll try placing emphasis on pressing the clutch fully in before tugging back on the shifter. Cam idea sounds good too

 

If you are having transmission problems maybe drag racing is a poor idea. Drag racing is very abusive. Your transmission will only get worse.

 

You can get 1/2 seconds with good weather. Unfortunately its not happening in July or August.

 

Well I have been driving around practicing 1-2 shifts at high RPM and really focusing on the clutch/shift timing and also pulling the shifter a little more firmly to the left and down. Has not grinded a single time! Now I just have to replicate this at the track.

btw when I made that run it was about 22 degrees Celsius, so approximately ~70 degrees Fahrenheit. It wasn't exactly an oven out there.

Going to the track Friday. I'll report back. My friend is bringing his new 6.2 Svt raptor and is positive he can beat the Z. I'm sure he would be correct if we were racing through the Mojave desert. I'll let the car speak for itself lol

 

Mine has given me that problem on the street, more so on the first transmission, this second one has been pretty damn flawless, but it does require an affirmative shift to make sure you don't have any problems in 2nd. Problem is that you are on/off the clutch so quickly and the gear speed differential is much higher, if you aren't fully off the clutch when trying to go into 2nd the synchros don't have the ***** to mesh the gears. Pull harder and time it properly, won't have a problem again.

I've had best luck launching at higher rpms, close to 4K on street tires, and have netted a best of 2.05 60' so far. On an aftermarket clutch I think I could do more for sure.

 

Yea im sure it is driver error for me lol, I couldn't get my trap higher than 96 to save my life though. I dont get a chance to go out to the drag strip very often, hoping for better luck next time and some better weather. It was 94* out and humid when I ran, think the DA was like 4000.

I'd love to get a 2.05 on street tires, I got some wheel hop when I tried to launch around 4k+

 

Went out to the strip again.

I made a 2.18 60 ft but that wasn't my fastest time.

Best time
60ft 2.2110
330ft 6.1778
1/8 ET 9.3788
1/8 MPH 77.99
1/4 ET 14.3238
1/4 MPH 98.95


It was a little hotter out than last time, I would say about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

60fts are getting better. I ran 3 14.3's in a row. I think on a cooler night with quicker shifting I could get it down to a 14.1ish. Focusing on the clutch foot rather than moving the shifter fast worked for me. I was able to shift faster, the arm naturally followed through.

I'm starting to notice that this car could really use a lighter weight flywheel/clutch. First winds up really slowly.

Best part of all - NO GEAR GRINDING going into 2nd. I had been working on timing it properly and pulling to the left. It worked.