Hi all,

I got about 1800 miles on my Z. Recently I've decided it's time to learn proper launch and drag-racing techniques, so that I'd be able to hold my own against a bunch of schoolgirls in their father's beemer.. (uh, true story here... I ****ed the launch up so badly I almost lost ).

Maybe some of you more experienced owners can shed some light on the issue..

Oh, and I apologize for any stupid questions in advance.

For instance, when you drag-race, do you take VDC off ? If so, are you not worried about going hard & fast into turns at high speeds and having the tail end spin out ? Someone even suggested launching with VDC off and then pushing the button in at around 3rd gear... is that a legitimate idea ? I'm personally not very comfy flying into and out of turns without VDC on, especially in colder weather. The rear end just seems to WANT to spin out when you corner hard.

Also, I've heard of people saying one of the better ways to launch the Z is to get the RPM's up to around 2000-2500 and pop the clutch. Do they literally mean drop the clutch ? I've actually tried this once and it didn't seem like a very healthy idea for the engine... as the car bolts forward, then slows down while the engine tries to keep up, and then speeds back up.

I've found that, I personally get the best results when I let the clutch out about 80%, give about 50% gas, let go of the clutch, and hit the gas to around 80-90%. It seems I can never floor the pedal in 1st gear without spinning the tires at either low RPMs (2000+) or the higher RPMs (5000+). This is why I've resorted to using about 80% gas... does this sound normal ? Am I doing something wrong ?

Also, with shifting... I'm a fairly quick shifter, but are there any tips or techniques that should be applied while racing ? Nothing fancy, just for better results..

Ahh, advice on these issues would put me on the right path... any input here is appreciated.

Thanks,

-slay

 

Sounds fine to me, but I'm wondering why you'd be taking corners at high speeds when the ground is cold. This is common sense....colder terrain = less grip = what?

That's normal. I'd be more worried about the drivetrain (clutch, differential...). Yes, they literally mean drop the clutch, because if you don't, you will burn the clutch.

By not pushing in the clutch pedal all the way (disengaging), and giving it gas, you're burning the clutch.

You also live in NJ. Not exactly the warmest place in the world in the winter time. Again, cold surface = less trip.

Shifting is shifting...you can try shifting without letting off the gas, but that'll put more stress on your engine and clutch.

p.s. You should be smart enough not to drag race in such cold conditions anyways. You should find the link where a Mustang GT loses grip while racing, starting at 60mph and went straight into the WRX he was racing.

 

Ahh, thanks for the detailed reply.

I don't plan on doing anything stupid in the cold weather... just bringing up some questions in general.

You mentioned something about burning the clutch if you don't let it out all the way... that is probably true in the case of the 2500 RPM launch, but in normal starts in 1st gear, I'm assuming it's normal to let the clutch out smoothly and accelerate, yes ? =)

And what exactly was your suggestion with VDC, keep it on in situations where you want a fast start, or turn it off ?

-slay

 

yep, but not with too much gas. Revving up to about 1500-2000 rpms should be fine

I'm not really sure how the VDC works when you lose traction from a standstill, but you definitely don't need it. Turning it back on after you launch sounds fine with me, since it does help when losing control of the car.

 

I hope you bought the extended warranty!

 

Excellent, sounds like i'm not the only one who's first manual transmission car is a 350Z. Been taking it easy on it until I get the hang of it. A co-worker and his '90 mustang have been taunting me at work wanting to goto the tracks.

 

Well,

This car actually isn't my 1st stick... I've been driving stick for over a year prior =)

Just never felt the urge to launch other cars at high RPMs, etc..