First time out to the track with the car. LS2 MN6, Cam (234/240, .598/.608 112), Vararam, ARH 1 7/8" (no cats, SLP Loudmouth), UDP, Spec clutch/fly, and some 335 NT05's out back on stock Z-size Spyder wheels (heavy repros).

This is the notoriously slick Santa Pod raceway here about an hour outside of London. Not that I'm making excuses, as I'm horrible at launching this car...

Best pass tonight, out of three:

60' - 2.24
330' - 5.59
1/8 - 8.26 @ 92.7
1000' - 10.44
1/4 - 12.36 @ 122.0

Car feels strong up top, but I can't hook it to save my life, even on 335's. Tried leaving at 2k and feathering just to end up breaking loose at 4k again and walking over. Then I tried launching from idle, and while hooking up okay, it was a pretty weak launch. Both were 2.2X's.

I guess minus my absurd sixty-foot shortcomings, the 122mph trap speed is commensurate with a lot of the cars running 11.3-11.6 back in the states. Of course those guys are cutting 1.8's and 1.7's.

Regardless, it was a good time. Gearing seems to be pretty well matched with the size of the rear Nittos, as I'm bouncing the 7k rev limiter just as I'm going through the lights.

I'm definitely familiar with all the posts on proper launch technique, but man is it easier said than done. Especially when you have a cam that hits so hard at about 4-5k. It's like V-tec for Vettes!

 

Nice trap. Get some Drag Radials and you will see 11's.

 

I wouldnt sweat it bud..I remember my first time launching my vette..i was so nervous and trying not to roll forward..but to ease your tension when i swapped from my toyo tires(streets) to nitto 555r's and nothing else whatsoever i went from 12.67 to 11.90..i couldnt believe it..Just keep playing with it and before long it will be nothing to it..

 

Right on. I really figured these NT-05's would be a huge advantage, but perhaps they're just too new. They just made their first voyage yesterday, so they really have no heat cycles on them. They arent a race tire, so it's possible that wouldn't provide any leverage. They are fairly agressive though, so I imagine it couldnt hurt. Not to mention, I'm all about emphasizing the "daily driver" side of the car, so I didn't bother changing pressures in the rears. They were at around 33-35psi when I checked the DIC. I like the concept of driving to the track, hot-lapping, and driving home, essentially without ever even unstrapping your seat belt. There's something to be said for that.

But anyway, burnout was respectable. Probably in the 5-6 second range, first gear, probably 5k rpms. Maybe I should take a page from the ranger book and try to grab 2nd. Get them up around 60-70mph in the box, and they'll really warm up.

 

Nice, Congrats.

 

i prolly do around a 10 second burnout feathering it in 1st gear..then roll out of while off the gas..when i hear that last little chirp rolling out is when i know there are ready to go..and i think you had a little too much air pressure..keeping in mind you are on a street tires i'd still drop down to at least 25psi or so..i was down to 16psi last night and still couldnt catch traction..it was getting aggravating to say the least..I knew my car had more in it..just couldnt get it to hook up..but neway, get them dr's and break 11's bud..

 

You need to work on your 60' times. With some more practice you'll be hitting 1.9s with those tires consistently. I have INVOs 345 on my C6 and I get consistent 1.8'-1.9' 60ft times.

My advice, seeing how the track is kinda far from you, I would take your car to a deserted road and practice lauching the car. No need to go past 2nd gear while doing this. That's what I did, and when I went to the track I was able to control my lauches better regardless of the track prep.

I notice you said the track you go to is very slick but these tips should help you out a little.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, I definitely agree about needing some driver-mod. The practice launches are soemthing I need to work with, although it's tough to find good asphalt in rural England. Most roads are old, narrow, gravely, and undulating. The decent ones are only decent because they're in populated areas. Kind of a catch-22.

But regardless, I'll get out there and go through the motions. PSI in the tires also stands to come down quite a bit. As far as the track, I didnt see anybody cut hardly anything under 2.0 for 60's, including guys running 11's. For perspective, the buddy I went with is in an STi (awd) on good tires making about 450 lb/ft, is a very respectable driver, and was running consistent 1.9's.

 

Great effort Nolan

 

i agree with above, just need some more seat time and you will get there.

 

122 is a very good trap and you're right, it's a low 11 car with some launch practice and drag radials.

I used to turn 2.2's also, you're not born with the knowledge on how to launch so don't feel bad. Just takes some practice. And those NT's aren't much better than street tires- I tried some 555RII's hoping for good 60's and they were about like street tires. Drag radials are the real key.

This is an excellent resource that I used when I was learning. I think it will help you.

www.rangeracceleration.com