Dare I race it?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
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From: Sacramento CA
Dare I race it?
Basically, I have a total of 2500 miles stickshift driving experience, and 90% of that busy freeway commuting.
The car has been WOT maybe 4 or 5 times, and only for a second or two at the longest.
I've been down the strip many times in my 86 vette and auto WRX... Nothing faster than the 14s.
Any tips for the first time drag racing with a stick shift?
Tires at lower pressure, obviously. I'll probably go conservative off the line...
The car has been WOT maybe 4 or 5 times, and only for a second or two at the longest.
I've been down the strip many times in my 86 vette and auto WRX... Nothing faster than the 14s.
Any tips for the first time drag racing with a stick shift?
Tires at lower pressure, obviously. I'll probably go conservative off the line...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Just take it easy for the few passes till your tires get warmed up. Racing stick shift with this much power can be tricky for beginners. Its very unpredictable how these cars can go side ways during slipping clutch and double clutch. Try it out slow and see how it behaves. When you get the feel for it, and feel confident, go all out. 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,997
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From: Clanton AL
If you haven't opened her up for more than a sec or two, you need to let er rip. Carbon deposits may have built up. I'm sure we will hear an expert opinion here in a moment.
Draggin is awesome. I went to the track two Friday's ago (first time in the vette), bone-paper-filter stock and ran a 13.49 with a 2.1 60' (.5040 reaction time!) Traction was hard to come by, but I just need to lower tire pressure for teh hook.
Draggin is awesome. I went to the track two Friday's ago (first time in the vette), bone-paper-filter stock and ran a 13.49 with a 2.1 60' (.5040 reaction time!) Traction was hard to come by, but I just need to lower tire pressure for teh hook.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Simi Valley CA
My current vette is auto.. but my last two vettes (c4) were sticks. I used to leave in 2nd gear and ride the bajesus out of the clutch for the first several feet. Whichever gear you choose, don't just dump the clutch.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
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From: Sacramento CA
I know very little about drivin' stick.
I plan on just going at 2000rpm, and abusing the clutch until I have traction,
Then for shifting, clutch, completely let off the gas, clutch out, and go.
though usually into 2nd im at a bout 25% throttle.
I plan on just going at 2000rpm, and abusing the clutch until I have traction,
Then for shifting, clutch, completely let off the gas, clutch out, and go.
though usually into 2nd im at a bout 25% throttle.
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I agree with being careful when you shift into second if you haven't drag raced before. These cars can get away from you very easily (don't ask how I know - scared the crapola out of me one time).
Just have a great time.
Just have a great time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
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From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Be careful, the car can easily get out from under you in a heartbeat and trust me you don't want to get her sideways at 50-60 mph....... little scary. (opps, didn't see the above poster)
If it were me, I'd open her up a bit more on the road, get a feel for your car, engine, rpm's, gears and launching when no one's around or at least speed shifting on an empty country road or something........(don't tell the mods I said that)
If it were me, I'd open her up a bit more on the road, get a feel for your car, engine, rpm's, gears and launching when no one's around or at least speed shifting on an empty country road or something........(don't tell the mods I said that)
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From: Western Canada
I recall reading a thread on Corvette General Autocrossing and Road Racing or Drag Racing that had quite a comprehensive discussion of what to do when. You might want to look there.
To familiarize myself with the handling characteristics of my 04Z, I took Level 1 at Spring Mountain Motorsports. Money well spent....and alot of fun. Will go back there for Level 2. They run a very professional friendly driving school.
To familiarize myself with the handling characteristics of my 04Z, I took Level 1 at Spring Mountain Motorsports. Money well spent....and alot of fun. Will go back there for Level 2. They run a very professional friendly driving school.
Last edited by cebars; Oct 23, 2006 at 06:23 PM.
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
Originally Posted by Kale
What? Im not sure what that is.
Safe driving bud... (then fast driving)..