How much faster...
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
How much faster...
Do you think a C8 will run 0-60 on a prepped surface aka dragstrip vs on a typical street? Being it has much greater traction and the launch rpm/clutch release will be preset, will a drag radial really help much?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: North Dallas 40 TX
Unless you don't have enough power to spin the tires at least 10%, a drag radial will help. The summer tires are designed to maximize traction in all directions of the friction circle (accelerating, braking, and lateral, short stiff sidewalls). Drag radials are designed to maximize acceleration (softer sidewalls, and softer than DOT rubber). If drag radials don't make it accelerate harder, the makers have failed.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Unless you don't have enough power to spin the tires at least 10%, a drag radial will help. The summer tires are designed to maximize traction in all directions of the friction circle (accelerating, braking, and lateral, short stiff sidewalls). Drag radials are designed to maximize acceleration (softer sidewalls, and softer than DOT rubber). If drag radials don't make it accelerate harder, the makers have failed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
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From: North Dallas 40 TX
I could see them helping on an unprepped surface as I’m sure there will be some wheel spin on launch, not sure about 10% or how you came up with that threshold. I understand why a drag radial works, my point is the front engine C7 cut 1.6 60’s on the OE 285mm runflats and that’s around a 3 flat 0-60. The C8 will launch at a higher rpm that the C7 auto, but not sure exactly how much the clutch or throttle will be used to modulate wheel spin.
With the launch control and the DCT more than throttle and clutch engagement will be used to control will be used. Timing and eLSD will likely be adjusted on the fly as well. Point is that the traction control will adjust to the grip of the tire. More grip, more power applied. Now if there is insufficient power to spin the tires, traction control does not come into play. So you have to have enough power to spin the tires enough to trigger traction control. If you don’t there is nothing to be gained from more grip.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
I have read articles in the past that optimal acceleration on street cars was from about 10% wheel speed over ground speed, and that was about what the traction control allowed in track mode. I have not done that testing personally.
With the launch control and the DCT more than throttle and clutch engagement will be used to control will be used. Timing and eLSD will likely be adjusted on the fly as well. Point is that the traction control will adjust to the grip of the tire. More grip, more power applied. Now if there is insufficient power to spin the tires, traction control does not come into play. So you have to have enough power to spin the tires enough to trigger traction control. If you don’t there is nothing to be gained from more grip.
With the launch control and the DCT more than throttle and clutch engagement will be used to control will be used. Timing and eLSD will likely be adjusted on the fly as well. Point is that the traction control will adjust to the grip of the tire. More grip, more power applied. Now if there is insufficient power to spin the tires, traction control does not come into play. So you have to have enough power to spin the tires enough to trigger traction control. If you don’t there is nothing to be gained from more grip.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,574
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From: Springfield TN
I assume the reality of this car, like the last couple of versions, is that they are engineered and optimized for road racing. While quick, these cars are not drag racers, especially when on prepped services with drag radials. This seems like mechanical torture. It still makes sense to me that you get a solid rear axle, forged half-shafts, tank like differential, and massive wheel bearings, for drag racing.
Just my $.02.
Just my $.02.
Last edited by quick04Z06; Aug 1, 2019 at 09:07 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: NJ
i cannot imagine that they will not be HEAVILY torque managed out of the hole.. otherwise the strain on the components (being launched with almost full traction as if they were at the track or on a radial) will make for some interesting tow jobs to the dealer after a few months. this car is based on a $60k completed car... has to be some cost cutting somewhere...
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
So you think they’re going to limit the use of launch control like the original GTR after touting how fast it is? I figure the clutches being wet will help limit wear and the Z51 has extra cooling for the trans. It’ll probably have a fail safe were it can’t be used if too hot, just like the stock clutch doesn’t like to be hotlapped at the dragstrip after a high rpm launch. But it’s not like an automatic in that you’re going to get up to the line and power brake it to launch at the dragstrip and there will be owners who take them there. Torque management I’m sure is optimized since they’re pulling off such fast launches and it’s all being computer controlled. Here’s my point, I went 3.1 0-60 in my stock C6GS manual with just a drag radial and GM rated it at 3.9 from the factory. You’re not going to drop 8 tenths with a C8 by just strapping on a drag radial.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Elk Grove California
I would assume that you'll see 2-3 tenths of a second 0-60 time with drag radials on the car on a nicely prepped track. Some will probably be able to go lower too.
On the street I would also assume that your 0-60 will be closer to 4 seconds than under 3 with stock tires.
On the street I would also assume that your 0-60 will be closer to 4 seconds than under 3 with stock tires.