[Z06] best launch method
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,846
Likes: 5
From: Sandy Ego CA
best launch method
I have 500 miles on it now and I'm ready to launch, What is the best method for getting this Z06 off the line for 1/4 mile drags, do you take it up to 3,000 grand and drop the clutch and shift a 6,200 or ? am open to suggestions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,308
Likes: 157
From: NJ
Many threadfs on this. Do a search for Ranger. He goes thru the entire process. In short, try and heat the tires a bit(some do a burn out, others clean em off). Unless the track is well prepped, 3000 drop will spin too much. Start at 2000 rpms and go from there, really depend on the track and how you negotiate the clutch, throttle.Make sure you know what you did each time so you can correct the next launch. I would shift as close to the limiter as possible. 6500ish without hitting it.(that also depends how fast you are with foot and hand.) I would also lower the tire pressure. 20-24psi. When your first learning, you don't have to go on the green. Make sure your rpms are exactly where you want them and ignore the tree until your dialed in. This won't affect your et. Be safe.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
Hi RoHo,
Here is a link to one on the threads that Robz referred you to:
Z06 Launch Techniques
Couple thousand words on what I've learned in 250+ passes in two Z06s. Once you've read through that, if you have specific questions, drop me a PM.
Wringing the best times from a seriously traction-limited, manual-tranny car, such as the Z06, requires seat-time, even for a super driver. There are a lot of things to get right...
(1) the launch rpm
(2) the clutch release
(3) three shifts
(4) the throttle postion and hook on shifts
(5) the shift points...on and on.
So it takes seat time and passes to embed the techniques in muscle memory and learn to read what the track surface and conditions dictate on any particular day.
If a driver (1) has good leg speed and reflexes, (2) is very attentive to proper techniques and what works (incl record keeping) and (3) runs on tracks that have average-good management and surface prep, then it should take 50-75 passes to become reasonably consistent with the car. (all runs but one on a day are within one or two tenths).
Good luck with your car.
Ranger
Here is a link to one on the threads that Robz referred you to:
Z06 Launch Techniques
Couple thousand words on what I've learned in 250+ passes in two Z06s. Once you've read through that, if you have specific questions, drop me a PM.
Wringing the best times from a seriously traction-limited, manual-tranny car, such as the Z06, requires seat-time, even for a super driver. There are a lot of things to get right...
(1) the launch rpm
(2) the clutch release
(3) three shifts
(4) the throttle postion and hook on shifts
(5) the shift points...on and on.
So it takes seat time and passes to embed the techniques in muscle memory and learn to read what the track surface and conditions dictate on any particular day.
If a driver (1) has good leg speed and reflexes, (2) is very attentive to proper techniques and what works (incl record keeping) and (3) runs on tracks that have average-good management and surface prep, then it should take 50-75 passes to become reasonably consistent with the car. (all runs but one on a day are within one or two tenths).
Good luck with your car.
Ranger
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: Thompson Falls MT
1 question to add to the post...is it ever better to launch in 2nd gear? I've heard that said before but never heard real world stories. I dragged for the first time ever in Boise last week and the temps were high--over 100 degrees. My trap speeds were at 105-110 but I never got better than 13.6 ET. My buddy looked over my slips and said I was giving it all up in the early going so I was spinning my tires. Just wondering if a strong 2nd gear start makes up for the lack of power vs 1st gear.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by TAC
...question to add to the post...is it ever better to launch in 2nd gear?....
If you are seeking max acceleration and good ETs, then you need to launch in first gear.
It takes some practice to start getting 2.0X 60 foot times. Even more practice and better technique are needed to drop the 60' under 2.00.
Study, patience and practice....
Ranger
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by robz
I would also lower the tire pressure. 20-24psi. When your first learning, you don't have to go on the green. Make sure your rpms are exactly where you want them and ignore the tree until your dialed in. This won't affect your et. Be safe.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,370
Likes: 51
From: New Milford CT
Get Nitto 305R drag radials
rev to 3000rpm
Let out the clutch part way slipping it a little
but still there will be some wheel spin or wheel "slipping" is even better
Feather the throttle as you surge forward to about 60"
Go WOT from now on
rev to 3000rpm
Let out the clutch part way slipping it a little
but still there will be some wheel spin or wheel "slipping" is even better
Feather the throttle as you surge forward to about 60"
Go WOT from now on
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 0
From: highland village texas
Originally Posted by TAC
1 question to add to the post...is it ever better to launch in 2nd gear? I've heard that said before but never heard real world stories. I dragged for the first time ever in Boise last week and the temps were high--over 100 degrees. My trap speeds were at 105-110 but I never got better than 13.6 ET. My buddy looked over my slips and said I was giving it all up in the early going so I was spinning my tires. Just wondering if a strong 2nd gear start makes up for the lack of power vs 1st gear.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Portland or
roho
I do a short first gear burnout and hit the rev limiter.
I launch aroud 2500 rpm with stock tires.
It took about ten launches, but I can consistently get 1.90 short times, but I am only running 12.3 at 115 mph. My goal is 11s on street tires when I get my cam and heads done this winter.
Mike
I do a short first gear burnout and hit the rev limiter.
I launch aroud 2500 rpm with stock tires.
It took about ten launches, but I can consistently get 1.90 short times, but I am only running 12.3 at 115 mph. My goal is 11s on street tires when I get my cam and heads done this winter.
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,810
Likes: 416
From: FL
Originally Posted by TAC
1 question to add to the post...is it ever better to launch in 2nd gear? I've heard that said before but never heard real world stories. I dragged for the first time ever in Boise last week and the temps were high--over 100 degrees. My trap speeds were at 105-110 but I never got better than 13.6 ET. My buddy looked over my slips and said I was giving it all up in the early going so I was spinning my tires. Just wondering if a strong 2nd gear start makes up for the lack of power vs 1st gear.
Hell NO! Let me tell you from prior experience, you cannot take off at 3500 RPM, from 2nd gear. I thought that it would be easy.............dropped the clutch at 3500 RPM and......the whole cabin filled up with clutch dust and the clutch was FRIED. Once cool, it worked kinda' ok but.....going up into my driveway, you could smell the clutch. I traded it for my 2004 Z06................within a week. Learned a huge lesson on that one!