My first race tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
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From: Russia
My first race tomorrow.
Guys, I need some serious help. So tomorrow in San Diego there is a race night at Qualcomm stadium. I have a Z51 manual. the other day I tried launch mode on the rode (track and hit twice on the button aka competition mode). revved up my engine to 5k rpms dump the clutch and for 30 yards I laid rubber. I was spinning and burning. it was cool but now I need time not smoke and boy did I smoke some tires. This is week two with my first ever sports car. I've been driving stick since I was 15. I need some insight from some C7 stick driving racers. I want to not look stupid or slide (I started sliding at one point the scared me a tad bit but easy to come out of). I used to race go karts so sliding isn't that much of problem but this was so different even tho I handled it like a champ. If someone can give me insights or a video of how they do it with their 7 speed I'll be so grateful. Also I'm glad to finally be part of the corvette brotherhood at 31 years old! I love you guys!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 190
From: SoCal
Sounds like you're trying to use launch control. From the way you describe it, it sounds like you're trying to control the revs instead of letting the computer do it. If you complete all of the steps but manually control throttle then the car won't go into launch control, as you found out. We it comes time to rev the engine, you need to trust that you did it right and quite literally STOMP the gas (or at least do it very quickly). It's weird at first because you'll feel like you're going to bounce off the limiter, but if you did it correctly the computer will stabilize the revs around 5k. If you did it wrong you will hit the limiter, but honestly that isn't as bad in this car since its a protection feature to limit the engine BEFORE you actually damage something. Anyway, if you're looking at 5k rpm, dump the clutch and hang on for the ride.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Last edited by mdiiulio; Aug 12, 2016 at 08:00 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
From: Russia
Sounds like you're trying to use launch control. From the way you describe it, it sounds like you're trying to control the revs instead of letting the computer do it. If you complete all of the steps but manually control throttle then the car won't go into launch control, as you found out. We it comes time to rev the engine, you need to trust that you did it right and quite literally STOMP the gas (or at least do it very quickly). It's weird at first because you'll feel like you're going to bounce off the limiter, but if you did it correctly the computer will stabilize the revs around 5k. If you did it wrong you will hit the limiter, but honestly that isn't as bad in this car since its a protection feature to limit the engine BEFORE you actually damage something. Anyway, if you're looking at 5k rpm, dump the clutch and hang on for the ride.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Last edited by Derek2534; Aug 12, 2016 at 08:49 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
Sounds like you're trying to use launch control. From the way you describe it, it sounds like you're trying to control the revs instead of letting the computer do it. If you complete all of the steps but manually control throttle then the car won't go into launch control, as you found out. We it comes time to rev the engine, you need to trust that you did it right and quite literally STOMP the gas (or at least do it very quickly). It's weird at first because you'll feel like you're going to bounce off the limiter, but if you did it correctly the computer will stabilize the revs around 5k. If you did it wrong you will hit the limiter, but honestly that isn't as bad in this car since its a protection feature to limit the engine BEFORE you actually damage something. Anyway, if you're looking at 5k rpm, dump the clutch and hang on for the ride.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Edit: And when I say stomp the gas, the pedal absolutely needs to be on the floor to trigger launch control.
Almost like you will blow up the motor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,180
Likes: 233
From: Minnetrista Minnesota
Launch control may not be your fastest time. Your other option is this:
Turn off traction control and do a burn out to get some heat in your tires. Set your suspension to Touring Mode, will give you the best weight transfer. Try starting at around 2k to 3K rpm's. Should be able to get out of the hole pretty quickly and modulate throttle until you hook.
Good luck man, let us know how you do,
Turn off traction control and do a burn out to get some heat in your tires. Set your suspension to Touring Mode, will give you the best weight transfer. Try starting at around 2k to 3K rpm's. Should be able to get out of the hole pretty quickly and modulate throttle until you hook.
Good luck man, let us know how you do,
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 1,300
From: Fort McMurray Alberta
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Hey man, I remember my first time at the drag strip! I went from a Hyundai Tiburon with little to no performance to a C7 Corvette haha. I was terrified and super nervous my first time at the strip!
Just stay relaxed, turn traction control off completely, do a short burn out in the water box, then like the others said, launch around 2-3K rpm while rolling into the throttle! Should hook nicely and rocket you down the track! I also suggest lowering your tire pressure a bit if you have a way of pumping them back up at the end of the day. That's my advice.
Good luck!
Just stay relaxed, turn traction control off completely, do a short burn out in the water box, then like the others said, launch around 2-3K rpm while rolling into the throttle! Should hook nicely and rocket you down the track! I also suggest lowering your tire pressure a bit if you have a way of pumping them back up at the end of the day. That's my advice.
Good luck!
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
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From: Russia
Hey man, I remember my first time at the drag strip! I went from a Hyundai Tiburon with little to no performance to a C7 Corvette haha. I was terrified and super nervous my first time at the strip!
Just stay relaxed, turn traction control off completely, do a short burn out in the water box, then like the others said, launch around 2-3K rpm while rolling into the throttle! Should hook nicely and rocket you down the track! I also suggest lowering your tire pressure a bit if you have a way of pumping them back up at the end of the day. That's my advice.
Good luck!
Just stay relaxed, turn traction control off completely, do a short burn out in the water box, then like the others said, launch around 2-3K rpm while rolling into the throttle! Should hook nicely and rocket you down the track! I also suggest lowering your tire pressure a bit if you have a way of pumping them back up at the end of the day. That's my advice.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 297
From: Plano TX
Here's a Corvette club in your area, that looks like they have drag events on their calendar.
http://www.corvettesofsandiego.com/
I race with my local club. They're great people and don't mind at all helping out new people. Makes it more fun for all.
http://www.corvettesofsandiego.com/
I race with my local club. They're great people and don't mind at all helping out new people. Makes it more fun for all.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 88
From: NJ
You might want to go watch a few guy's run their cars before you run yours. You can see what works and what not to do. Find out where the finish line is so you don't slow down to soon, and where the end of the track is. I don't use traction control on my M7, tried it and had bad wheel hop. I haven't tried launching at 2000-3000 rpm yet, only 1000-1500 and the car dead hooked but bogged all three runs. My best run was 12.09 @ 119.43 with my best 60 ft. a 2.06. After a little research I've learned that the Base model only has 2:66 first gear and 2:97 second, I realize I should have launched at 2k-3k rpm. I recommend the same as the others, start out at 1800-2k and work your way up in 200-400 increments. When it comes to launching, the higher the rpm, the lower the air pressure. Depending on track prep, temp, tires etc, I run anywhere from 18 psi to 28 psi.
Last edited by phantom1; Aug 14, 2016 at 09:19 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
From: Russia
You might want to go watch a few guy's run their cars before you run yours. You can see what works and what not to do. Find out where the finish line is so you don't slow down to soon, and where the end of the track is. I don't use traction control on my M7, tried it and had bad wheel hop. I haven't tried launching at 2000-3000 rpm yet, only 1000-1500 and the car dead hooked but bogged all three runs. My best run was 12.09 @ 119.43 with my best 60 ft. a 2.06. After a little research I've learned that the Base model only has 2:66 first gear and 2:97 second, I realize I should have launched at 2k-3k rpm. I recommend the same as the others, start out at 1800-2k and work your way up in 200-400 increments. When it comes to launching, the higher the rpm, the lower the air pressure. Depending on track prep, temp, tires etc, I run anywhere from 18 psi to 28 psi.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 297
From: Plano TX
Here's the SoCal forum. You might post in there to see if any forum members are planning a trip to the strip.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...california-45/
Drag racing forum...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/drag-racing-90/
I keep forgetting there's other sections of this board than just the C7 section.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...california-45/
Drag racing forum...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/drag-racing-90/
I keep forgetting there's other sections of this board than just the C7 section.
Last edited by bigsapper; Aug 15, 2016 at 08:10 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
From: Russia
Here's the SoCal forum. You might post in there to see if any forum members are planning a trip to the strip.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...california-45/
Drag racing forum...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/drag-racing-90/
I keep forgetting there's other sections of this board than just the C7 section.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...california-45/
Drag racing forum...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/drag-racing-90/
I keep forgetting there's other sections of this board than just the C7 section.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 568
Likes: 41
From: xyz VA
Guys, I need some serious help. So tomorrow in San Diego there is a race night at Qualcomm stadium. I have a Z51 manual. the other day I tried launch mode on the rode (track and hit twice on the button aka competition mode). revved up my engine to 5k rpms dump the clutch and for 30 yards I laid rubber. I was spinning and burning. it was cool but now I need time not smoke and boy did I smoke some tires. This is week two with my first ever sports car. I've been driving stick since I was 15. I need some insight from some C7 stick driving racers. I want to not look stupid or slide (I started sliding at one point the scared me a tad bit but easy to come out of). I used to race go karts so sliding isn't that much of problem but this was so different even tho I handled it like a champ. If someone can give me insights or a video of how they do it with their 7 speed I'll be so grateful. Also I'm glad to finally be part of the corvette brotherhood at 31 years old! I love you guys!
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
From: Russia
I have the same car as you. I recommend NOT using launch control except to play around with it. Experienced drag race guys don't ever use it on C7s at the track. I've done the launch control mode 'correctly' on a previous C7 and it always just ripped the tires off. I think it was designed around an ideal pavement type, surface temperature, outside air temp, tire temp, etc...I was much faster doing it myself and easier on my tires and drivetrain. Turn TC off, dial it up to 2-3 rpm range, slip the clutch, ease (but quickly) into full throttle, and you're off. I would practice the NO LIFT SHIFT feature if anything to improve your times. Have fun!
Thanks! What's no lift mean?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 243
C7 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
One of the most fun features in the car imo. When you are near redline... clutch in, slam into next gear, clutch out... all while leaving your throttle foot 100% on the floor.
The computer will keep the car from bouncing off the Rev limiter. This is tough to do on the 1-2 shift because the rpm's climb so fast and it is tough to be 100% WOT in 1st gear.
2nd to 3rd, I do it every time when I am drag racing. Honestly, I have missed this shift before on the track and it is a little embarrassing.
3rd to 4th is a good shift to practice a no lift shift. At the end of 3rd you will be going more than 100mph BUT there is no reason you can't try the no lift shift earlier in the Rev range. Try it 3rd to 4th and tell me how much fun that is. =p
Also, I am 29 and in norcal. Kinda far, but hit me up anytime you want to talk corvettes.
The computer will keep the car from bouncing off the Rev limiter. This is tough to do on the 1-2 shift because the rpm's climb so fast and it is tough to be 100% WOT in 1st gear.
2nd to 3rd, I do it every time when I am drag racing. Honestly, I have missed this shift before on the track and it is a little embarrassing.
3rd to 4th is a good shift to practice a no lift shift. At the end of 3rd you will be going more than 100mph BUT there is no reason you can't try the no lift shift earlier in the Rev range. Try it 3rd to 4th and tell me how much fun that is. =p
Also, I am 29 and in norcal. Kinda far, but hit me up anytime you want to talk corvettes.