How to launch a Z51 manual
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: Grand Island New York
How to launch a Z51 manual
All right people. I need some help. I dont want to look like a azz
at the track Tony B4 will be there. What is the best way to launch a Z51 manual? I did a little practice the other day. Took off at about 1700 RPM, side stepped the clutch, traction control off. Is this the best method or a quick release? I did have a bit of wheel hop. Tires were at normal pressure. Outside temp was 59 degrees. I need all the help I can get, I'm new to this. Thanks in advance.
Andy
at the track Tony B4 will be there. What is the best way to launch a Z51 manual? I did a little practice the other day. Took off at about 1700 RPM, side stepped the clutch, traction control off. Is this the best method or a quick release? I did have a bit of wheel hop. Tires were at normal pressure. Outside temp was 59 degrees. I need all the help I can get, I'm new to this. Thanks in advance. Andy
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 1
From: Red Deer Alberta
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,922
Likes: 4
From: Cheektowaga NY
St. Jude Donor '08
Hi Andy,
This link is also by Ranger http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Launch_Tips.html
He was the first guy to run 10 seconds with a Bone stock ZO6.
Hopefully Joe_G will chime in here too, as he is always racing his LS2 manual and cutting 1.6 60fts.
Can`t wait to see that LS3 run! 
This link is also by Ranger http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Launch_Tips.html
He was the first guy to run 10 seconds with a Bone stock ZO6.
Hopefully Joe_G will chime in here too, as he is always racing his LS2 manual and cutting 1.6 60fts.
Can`t wait to see that LS3 run!
Last edited by Tony B4; May 18, 2008 at 01:09 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 12
From: Alpharetta Georgia
I will give my input. My best 60' on the stock runflats is only a 1.94, so its not amazing but better than average as well. My launch's when I just had bolt ons were holding the rpms around 1800 or so with a quick but controlled release of the clutch....no side stepping. If the track was hooking pretty well, I would bump the launch to 1900 or so and start squeezing the throttle during the quick release of the clutch. This provided a little wheelspin but almost zero bog and would consistently knock me down into the 1.9sec 60's range. I would say launch technique ultimately depends on the track as one must be able to gauge the amount of traction available, and then adjust their launch technique accordingly. Be flexibe. I always used to go find a deserted, secluded parking lot late at night somewhere and just practice launching over and over again. It will give you an idea of your preferred method with reguard to what the car likes as well.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Ranger's website linked above is the best source. Also, it helped me to listen to people launch who knew what they are doing...Ranger has a link on his website I think of his launch.
Here's another link that has great info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1078465
NEVER side step your clutch...that's a sure way to break a rear end. I've seen 5 rear ends break from side stepping or wheel hopping.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I agree - it took me a long time to be able to launch consistently, and it doesn't always work - last night the track just was not hooking and I couldn't get below 1.9's no matter what I did, it was just spinning.
Ranger's website linked above is the best source. Also, it helped me to listen to people launch who knew what they are doing...Ranger has a link on his website I think of his launch.
Here's another link that has great info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1078465
NEVER side step your clutch...that's a sure way to break a rear end. I've seen 5 rear ends break from side stepping or wheel hopping.
Ranger's website linked above is the best source. Also, it helped me to listen to people launch who knew what they are doing...Ranger has a link on his website I think of his launch.
Here's another link that has great info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1078465
NEVER side step your clutch...that's a sure way to break a rear end. I've seen 5 rear ends break from side stepping or wheel hopping.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I think the above info is all good. I've never gone below 2.1's on my runcraps. I've only gone as good as 1.80 on my DR's. It has taken me a lot of practice to get there. Used Ranger's info and others like Joe G for help.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Story of my life at the local track. The prep as been better but when the street cars run, they barely touch it. I've heard when the pro's run, they prep it well and of course the pro's leave all their junk on it. Unfortunetly, might be lucky to get 2-3 runs on those nights and it usually takes me 6 passes to get at least one good run.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
All right people. I need some help. I dont want to look like a azz at the track Tony B4 will be there. What is the best way to launch a Z51 manual? I did a little practice the other day. Took off at about 1700 RPM, side stepped the clutch, traction control off. Is this the best method or a quick release? I did have a bit of wheel hop. Tires were at normal pressure. Outside temp was 59 degrees. I need all the help I can get, I'm new to this. Thanks in advance.
Andy
at the track Tony B4 will be there. What is the best way to launch a Z51 manual? I did a little practice the other day. Took off at about 1700 RPM, side stepped the clutch, traction control off. Is this the best method or a quick release? I did have a bit of wheel hop. Tires were at normal pressure. Outside temp was 59 degrees. I need all the help I can get, I'm new to this. Thanks in advance. Andy
Here are some things to read:
www.rangeracceleration.com
http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...z06/index.html
Some videos to watch: http://youtube.com/user/RangerC6Z06
An Audio to listen to: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/1085_Audio.html
It takes 30-50 passes to get your procedures embedded. Starting with the right procedures is a plus.
Good luck.
Ranger
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 696
From: panama city beach florida USA
St. Jude Donor '09
wait til its much warmer out,lower yer psi,raise yer rpm and dont slip the clutch and speed shift [WOT no lift very quick clutch] every gear if ya know how.never drive through wheel hop
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08