I'm planning on taking my new Corvette to the Gatornationals strip in Gainsville for Test and Tune on the 26th of January to see what it will do totally stock. I have 2002 coupe with M6 and 3.42s, Z51 suspension. A few questions if you please:

Gainsville Raceway states you must have a drive shaft loop for cars running 13.99 or faster. They did not have that rule or did not enforce it 4 years ago when I was there with my WS6. This leads to question 1:

Does the corvette have a driveshaft loop?

Question 2: About what time should I expect to run all stock in the 2002 if I do everything OK. I expect it will be around 60 degrees when running or maybe a little cooler.

Question 3: What mode of traction control should I use: On:off:Competative

Question 4: How much gas should I have in the tank when running.

Any launch tips with the M6 would also be appreciative. I've heard to feather the clutch, but I'm not sure exactly what that means.

Thanks everyone! :cheers:

 

Since the drive shaft is totaly enclosed in a torque-tube this should qualify as even better than a driveshaft loop. (bear in mind all tracks have the final say though..just explain it)

slowly move up to the line and lite the top pre-stage yellow...just barely nudge up till the 2nd or "stage" lite is lit (if you go to deep just back up & approach again) bring RPM's up and leave quickly just after the 3rd tree bulb lites..should get you in the .5's ....500 is perfect, .499 or less is red lite.

When you get past the 1/4 mile trap break & slow dow...exit is on the right if I remember right...stop at the time slip shack & get slip.

Oh, and make sure you have a helmet!! Gainsville is strict!

How well you run is totally dependant on how well you launch and how fast you can shift. I have the A4 but suggest you try 2000-2500 and go wide open as you begin to move....if no wheel spin leave harder.

Shift as fast as you can without looseing momentum..be percise & firm, but don't brute slam it.

Run with all TC/AH off. (some will debate this but we run nearly every weekend)..be prepared to give slight correction steering to the direction the rear slides if you loose traction. DO NOT over-correct! Very slight.

I try to have 1/4 tank or less. You should run low 13's... if you drive well.

Don't be afraid to ask another street car driver who looks like he has experiance for tips...DON'T listen to any idiots!

Good Luck!

Make sure you have a helmet, and if I remember right..you exit to the right for return...stop at time shak for slip.


[Modified by TLewis4095, 5:33 PM 1/8/2002]


[Modified by TLewis4095, 5:36 PM 1/8/2002]

 

Warning -Drag Racing can become addicting!! :D

No drive shaft loop required for C5's since the drive shaft is completely enclosed inside the torque tube.

Bone stock times should be around 13.20 - 13.50 (if you do everything right!)

I have an '00 with 6 speed and Z51. First time down the track was just over 15 seconds. I spun and spun and spun some more.

Ran 6 times that day and got it down to 13.30.

I do not have active handling, but the consensus is to run in Competitive mode. Traction control will kill your times.

I try to run with no more than 1/4 tank of gas.

Feathering the clutch means giving it as much gas as possible without spinning the tires. If you dump the clutch, the tires will spin. They will not stop until you lift your foot off the gas. It takes alot of practice to get it right. Even then, it is the exceptional person who can do it right even 50% of the time.

You might want to bring your tires down to 24psi, too.

And drive around the water box. But make sure you spin the tires before you stage to clean them off.

Good luck and have fun. :crazy: :crazy: :)

 

When are you going? I could be persuaded to go with you. JoeCool goes all the time in his ZO6. He is a good guy to know and can give pointers. I am a rookie at the drag strip too. Our cars are set up exactly. Might be good for some friendly competition. :p:

 

BBQ:

Sounds cool. I'm looking to go on Saturday January 26th. They have test and tune starting at 10:00 AM and going through 4:00PM. Information is on their web site at www.gainesvilleraceway.com . I assume they run the tree just like eliminations on Saturday night. Eliminations do not start until after the Gatornationals is over. I'm sending them an email to find out some more information. I do know if you are faster than 13.99, you have to have a snell 85, 90 or 95 helmet.

I'll be down at the Cruise In at Julington creek this Saturday if you want to drop by and see what's going on. :cheers:

 

You probably have to wear long pants and a shirt. The tracks here require that and a helmet of course. Just take it easy to start and don't try to set a record. Get comfortable with how your car runs and handles. Don't be afraid to take your foot off the gas and slow down.

Try to have a consistent amount of gas in the tank and launch the same way after you find the way that works the nest for you. This way you can make comparisons on future visits. You probably should also weigh you car with yourself in it for reference.

Be safe and have fun. :cheers:

 

M6s are fun and can get you some faster times than an A4 if you play it right. I took mine to the strip for the first time in November and my times ran from 14.03 to 13.43 with a bone stock 99 FRC. I had a hard time one of the runs getting into second. I turned AH/TC off. Don't let it fool you, TC will still allow the tires to spin but it will try and prevent it by bogging your motor down. I have heard of high 12s with a bone stock 99 FRC, but it's hearsay. Do your best and more importantly, have fun!

 

I will go down with you on the 26th. I have been itching to see what the car can do and I hope to have my new intake installed by then. I talked to JoeCool last night and he plans on being at the cruise in this Saturday night. Maybe we can cook up something.

I need a helmet. Can someone reply with a link to a good spot to pick one up.

Test and tune starts on the 19th for Jax Raceway, but then again not sure anyone wants to race there.

 

Let's hook up at the Cruise-In John. Maybe we can get a few people to go over. I've raced at Gainville a few times an old 73 firebird and my 97 WS6 Trans Am during ET eliminations on Saturday night, but never during the afternoon test and tunes. The weather just seems right.

I too am anxious to see what my Corvette will do completely stock. I've got to work on the launch with the 6 speed. It is totally different than the 6 speed in WS6 used to be.

I've thought about Jax raceway, but I've never ran on a 1/8 mile track and the times mean absolutely nothing to me. I can't relate them to how well I'm doing like the 1/4 mile times. I will probably go out there some night just for fun.

What 60' time should I shoot for to know I'm getting a descent launch? The best time I ran in 97 WS6 at Gainesville (all stock) was 14.2 with a full tank of gas and 85 degrees on the thermometer with a 2.02 60' time.


[Modified by Un4given, 1:38 PM 1/9/2002]

 

Unfortunately, can't make the cruise in on Sat. I am taking the girlfriend to see Seinfeld downtown (not taking the vette) Please keep me posted about what you guys work out. Have a good time :)

 

http://www.bellmotorsports.com
I picked up one for $189 SN-95