Taking my Z to the track next week
http://www.totb.co.uk/

Doing:

500metres Drag
1 1/4 mile how fast will it go
Handling Circuit

All on the same day.

Any advice on tyre pressures, etc for each stage would be appreciated.

 

Hello-

Congratulations on your first track event. You're going to love it. Here's a few tips that should help your car peform better.

NOTE: do NOT engage in any alcoholic drinking or substance abuse the night before. You'll need PLENTY of fluids before you start so load up on the H2O...Make sure you're very hydrated.

1. when it comes to racing on a road course, your tire pressure should be evenly set at 32psi Cold. Remove EVERYTHING from the interior...floor mats, loose change, flat tire kit, owners manual...everything....you'd be wise to take off the red fuel rail covers too....allows your car to cool off better

2. Your brake fluid should be fine but I immediately upgraded to DOT 5.0 after my first track event.

3. You DO NOT want to come with a full tank of gas. I'd say no more than 3/4. believe it or not, When you're racing/driving on a road course at high speeds, gas tends to fly out

4. make sure your wheels are correctly torqued...tighten each wheel in a star shaped pattern to 20-75-100 pounds.

5. When you park your car, DO NOT use the parking brake. Your rear brakes are awfully hot and can easily lock up...Parking on a flat surface in first gear should be just fine.

6. Drive within yourself...Everything about road course driving is smoothness, not speed. There an old saying that i'd think you'll apreciate. "the best drivers in the world have wrecked their cars"...so stay within your limits...You'll have the rest of your life to grow into your Z...It's one hell of a car, you won't learn it all in a day.

As For Drag racing.....

1. Set your rear tire pressure to 24-26 pounds Front tire pressure to 36 pounds.
2. You're not going to get any traction launching your car unless you do a burn out...I'm going to assume you already know how to do this....turn off the active handling/.traction control for the burnout stage and make sure your car is in comp mode before you launch it.
3. Make sure the radio and air conditioning are OFF
4. I got my best times by launching my car at 3500 rpm's and shifting at 6600 rpms
5. Drive through, not to the finish line
6. Have FUN!

Hope this helps...good luck buddy! :)

David In Indy
03Z-Ripper
12.6/112/2.0

 

:iagree: David's advice is spot on. Smoothness is critical...squeeze the gas, squeeze the brakes, slow, steady input to the steering. Keep your eyes on your mirrors in a methodical way--you'll want to be sure people can pass in the designated passing zones--and everyone appreciates the courtesy. You're all on track to have fun, nobody should be there with a racing mindset. Another thing about the emergency brake issue--putting it on when the rotors are hot can lead to rotor warping and cracking. (Don't ask me how I know. :D ) You'll want to continue with the fluids throughout the day. Older guys like me really have to be careful on that one. Have a great time, and David, great advice!

TT :cheers: (only at the END of the day!)

 

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice.

Much appreciated, especially the launch revs and tyre pressures.

There are 4 vettes going to represent the CCCUK and those pesky Vipers are gonna be there so we want to beat them!!

My vette is the only Z06, but two of the other vettes are modded ZR-1s so we should put on a good show.

We ain't gonna win though as there are some seriously quick cars going especially the Ricers. Checkout the Horsepower on some of those babies on the website.

But, you gotta be in it to win it so us UK vetters will do the best to beat everyone!!

Regards,

Nigel.

 

According to the Z 06 VHS tape, They recommend adding an extra quart of oil to prevent oil starvation. Guess from the centrifigal forces while road racing. :yesnod:

 

Thanks for the advise guys, here are my times.

Ran yesterday and did a 12.66secs for the 1/4 mile at 108, ran about 10 1/4s but that was the best. Managed 8 runs under 13 secs.
Best terminal speed was 114, but that was a 12.78secs.

Ran on the 1.25 mile straight at my best was 169.4MPH.

Weather was very hot (about 80 degrees air temperature).


[Modified by vetteheadracer, 12:46 PM 8/4/2003]