BOKMAN

I have a 100% stock 2010 ZR1 with 6000 miles and original tires. Any set up help or driving tips would be appreciated. EX:Tire Pressure, amount of fuel in tank for best traction, launch rpm, etc. Next Saturday, a small local airport is hosting a 1/4 mile event. I dont want to look like too much of a NOOB.

Hockyz

Replace the tires. Don't go racing on 8 year old rubber.

BOKMAN

The tires aren't as sticky as they used to be but there isn't any dry rott cracks in them.

choppychop

Practice the Launch Control System and you will do fine.

BOKMAN

What PSI should I run in the rear tires?

choppychop

Most people run 12 to 15 pounds.

racerns

Really, I never went that low with the stock run-flats. I would drop it down to the mid to lower 20s at most.

An air strip can be frustrating as it will not have a prepped surface of dragstrip. Even if your tires don't have dry rot or cracks, they will be hard and have lost a lot of grip since new.

BOKMAN

What about fuel? Should I run 93 octane with 10% ethanol, or 91 octane without ethanol? Will a full tank of fuel help me hook at launch?

choppychop

Your right... might as well be on the street as far as surface goes...

racerns

I would go with the higher octane. I would go with a higher fuel load expecting poor traction.

BOKMAN

That sounds like solid advice. Knowing that it's going to be low traction conditions, should I use launch control, or would I be better off lugging it out of the hole with TC disabled?

choppychop

This video will explain what you need to do.

racerns

Mine is an '09, so I don't have launch control. I would give it a try with and without. If it was a real dragstrip I would not use LC but on an unprepared surface it may give better results.

BOKMAN

Pavement traction at the event was better than I anticipated. However, The car is definitely hard to launch, but I was quicker without launch control. My brothers 17 Grand Sport 8 speed automatic would holeshot me every time. One time he got out 5 lengths on me as I spun through 2nd gear. I caught and passed him at the line by a fender!�� I get to keep bragging rights as I beat him 5-0.
Now the search begins for some better tires before the next event so I can go Hell Cat hunting. ��

Bgreenard

I have better results NOT using launch control especially using sticky tires.

Boba Fett

Bokman, you wouldn't have been referring to Wallkill NY, would you??

BOKMAN

No, it was at the Olean airport outside of Olean NY.

BOKMAN

Okay, now I have the bug! What rear tires do I need to make this thing hook?

choppychop

Drag radials:
Mickey Thompson
Toyo
Hoosier
Etc...

Can'tHave2MuchHP

Here's what I would do and I bet a lot of members would recommend:

Leave the stock 20" wheels/tires alone. 20" is too big of a wheel for any OPTIMAL performance, though they can do very well. Nobody makes a good straight line 20" tire, and I know several people are going to say it so I'll address them now, the 335/20" Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S is literally a crash waiting to happen. Far as I know they're on a massive back order....To continue:

Then go out and buy a set of 19" OR VERY SPECIFIC 18" wheels that will clear the massive Carbon Ceramics on the ZR1. As I know, only a few companies make an 18" option that works without grinding the brakes. 18" will hook better, but you may not need it, and a set of replica 19" wheels will look nearly OEM and will do awesome.

Once you decide on wheels, there's tires to choose from. Now you can either get drag radials, which are only good at going in a straight line up to about 150 where they usually start to get wobbly (They can go higher just be sure you know what you're doing). Or there's a more "both worlds" tire such as the Toyo R888R (Newer version of the super popular R888). These tires are going to hook pretty well, definitely will handle stock power and up to about 750 wheel with relative ease (2nd gear that is. FYI, 1st will always be a joke pretty much).

Drag radials:
Mickey Thompson - 18"
Hoosier - 18"
Nitto NT05R - 19" (345/30/19 NT05Rs fit great on a 19" replica and look nearly original FYI, seen many ZR1/Grand Sport/Z06 guys do it)

Or you could do a 335/30/18 or 345/30/19 (I think it is) Toyo R888R which is better suited for track (Turns) and half mile/1 mile runs. Whereas a drag radial is better suited to 1/8th or 1/4 mile runs. Drag radials alter your cars handling, on ramps are no longer G-meter testing grounds . Sidewalls are way too soft for that. However the R888Rs are meant to take turns and hook close to a drag radial.


Let us know if you have any more questions.