One of my buddies (ford guy, we wont hold it against him) got a 2011 GT500 a month ago and asked me to go play at ORP tonight in Indy. I am, sadly a formal track virgin. :o

I am in a mostly stock 08 LS3 coupe. (NPP/M2W and K&N cold air)

What type of times should I expect first time out? Any tips?

Thanks all,
R-

 

for first time out probably about a 12.8

 

I dont think i've ever seen times on a stock. What is it capable of?

 

That sounds like too much fun, what a perfect car for you to race against, it should be very close. Try to get a video!


Take off all traction nannies when you line up though, push and hold the traction control button for about 10 seconds and on the DIC it should tell you everything is off

 

Make sure you post your times tomorow for us. Even though the Stang has more HP it is a heavy car. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted. I am super excited.

 

Just an FYI...you prob know this but make sure you stay FAR away from the water pit. Drive around it and just do a couple of dry hops to clean the tires off. Also make sure to keep the car off as long as possible

 

If you really want to be in optimal drag race form: lower the rear tire pressure some, raise the front tire prssure near maximum, loosen the front sway bar, and put ice on the intake between runs.

 

No clue on times, but the car will most likely be more capable than the driver.

 

No need to add air to the front tires, as they are run flats, and have a stiff sidewall as it is & adding air will not change the tire profile...

Also as for removing air from the rear.. go to 25 .. no less, and just do a small burn out or the stock tires will get greasy & you will have LESS traction...

Another VERY IMPORTANT THING.... if you launch, and start to spin & fishtail.. GET OFF THE GAS INSTANTLY... its much better to lose a race than to have an incident with the wall ... I have seen too many Vetts hit the wall less than 100 feet out because the driver tried to drive through wheel spin!

I have an almost stock 05 (A4) and have run 12.08 @ 115 mph.. but I was on drag radials... and have been drag racing since 1962... (yes I'm an old fart)

I also race a 7 sec D/A (D/Altered) Camaro and the same rules apply if it starts to spin I AM OFF THE GAS INSTANTLY it ain't worth hitting the wall even if its a $$ race...

Also I find I run my best ET with the engine temp 140-150 when I leave the line.. (I have a switch to run the fan & electric water pump with the engine off, & can get it from 200 deg to 140 in 8-10 min just by running the pump & fan.. I know you don't have these, so just open the hood, and remove the covers on your heads (the plastic ones that say (LS3) they just hold the heat in the engine....they look nice but are no help when racing...

 

what mode do you guys race in ? traction on, traction off, or competition mode ?

 

do NOT do this !

Read this http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Launch_Tips.html

 

Especially for a 1st time beginner..

 

Make sure to lift off the gas pedal if things start to go outta control. Lift and make another pass. You'd rather leave the track with the car in one piece.

 

Now I just want to know how he did ???

 

Wow thanks guys.....

it seems everyone has different techniques. I will assuredly use caution on the first several passes. We ended up not running because he felt his 300 miles on the Cobra wasn't a satisfactory break in, and I agree. We went out to the track anyway and watched. I cant wait to try timing the tree. We are running this Tuesday (its every tuesday at ORP) but does not want to run the cobra yet so he'll run his mustang GT. Bragging rights only guys. Track virgins should leave the cash at home.

with a track temp over 100 degrees, I am just looking for some fun.

Again, thanks much, and I'll take all advice if there's more. I'll also keep you posted.