I'm planning on going to Wilkesboro 1/8 mile dragway tommorow and need advise so I don't embarrass myself too badly.

1. I've done a search and I'm kinda confused as to what the best launch technique is (check sig for mods... 295 Kumho Excta Mx tires) and also best pressure to run in tires.

2. Is a helmet required? Anything else required?

3. Any guesses what I'll run if I get a decent 60 ft. time? I don't think I'll have my headers on so I'm guessing consistent 12.8s after some practice (I weigh 170 lbs.).

Thanks for any comments/ suggestions.

 

Is it the 1/8 or the 1/4 you'll be doing? A 12.8 will be tough if you've never done it before. Yes, a helmet is required. many run their non-runflats at 24 psi rear. I hope to do this someday, but for now I'm

 

Sorry... my post was confusing. It's an 1/8 mi track. I just put 12.8 because I'm more familiar with 1/4 mile times. I guess I meant the equivelent of a 12.8 in 1/8 mile time?

I sure do hope I can pull off a 12.8 1/8 mile run

Anyway, I'm sure I couldn't get a 12.8 in the 1/4 my first run... I just meant if I get the hang of it pretty quickly and get a few good runs.

Anyone else have suggestions?

 

My first run will probably be in Bowling Green at the 10th Anniversary. Hope that you enjoy the headers...

Gary

 

I would guess mid 13 with a 2.3 60 ft. Goodluck and prove me wrong.

 

Ha... You're probably right.
I'll be pissed but not suprised.

 

Thanks... good luck on your first run.
BTW, could you take a look at my other post about the headers and answer anything you can or verify what the others have said?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=867389

 

Hey Randy. Good luck with your racing.

I run mainly on a 1/8th mile track.
Last year was my first time running. Ran 9.00 -9.20 in the 1/8th pretty consistantly with 2.0 -2.02 60' times first day. That is with my stock '99 FRC (MN6) with runflats.

Now to this year. Changed the rear end. Went with 4.10 rear end. Added ETstreets drag slicks, reprogrammed with a Predator tune and a Blaackwing air filter.
Run consistant 8.30 -8.50.
Have run at a 1/4 mile track and had a best 1/8 time of 8.107, which was 12.57 in the quarter. 60' time was 1.77

So, good luck and shoot for the 12's, but don't be disapointed if it's 13's.

Keep us posted as to the results. Love hearing about drag racing Corvettes

P.S.- BTW, I just finished putting on LS6 intake. Have Ported & Polished Throttle Body, Long Tube Headers with crossover and Power Duct ready to be insatlled soon. Hope to get into the 11's with these, which should be possible 7's in the 1/8th.

 

Randy have you checked out the Drag Racing forun on the CF. Lots of helpful people over there.

 

That's exactly how I'm going to be thinking about it. Thanks

 

I have found that 1/4 mile times are about 55-56% more than 1/8th mile times.

Take your 1/8 time X 1.55 and that = 1/4 time (roughly)

 

Here are some thoughts on launching your car:

"Competitive Driving" mode.

AC and audio system off. Windows up. Tire pressure 44-48 psi (front); 24-28 psi (rear).

Drive around the water box. Keep your tires dry.

Try a launch rpm of 2000. Increase or decrease the rpm 200-300 each run until you find the sweet spot for your conditions.

Do a full engagement of the clutch over the first 2 to 10 feet of movement depending on conditions. That is NOT a pop or a side-step. But is a quick release. Go WOT ONLY once the tires are hooked, and do so by squeezing the pedal progressively to the floor

If you do some practice on old blacktop and ambient outside temp is around 75 or above, you ought to be able to launch leaving only about 10 feet of rubber.

Another key is on the 1st-2d shift. Ease the throttle enough to avoid a lot of wheel spin, which will hurt your time. Objective is to shift as high as you can without hitting the rev-limiter. Same for the shift to 3d.

What you are after is developing the launch "touch" combining input from all yours senses. I can feel the tires spin in the steering wheel, clutch pedal, and seat of the pant. Sight and sound help too. But most tires (don't know about yours) don't make much of a squeal when they spin at the drags.

Also you are trying to minimize the time you spend with the wheels spinning. On launch and shifts, spin will hurt your ET.

I use Competition mode rather than "AH/TC off" because I want AH to intervene should the rear get substantially out of line. Just some insurance to limits "the worst that can happen."

Two last things you probably already know. Be sure your oil is above 155 degrees (preferably above 180) and your water temp is 190-194 when you enter the launch area.

Hope this helps.

Ranger

 

....great advice from a proven performer! Those are some fantastic times with the mods you have, Ranger.