Launch technique question.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Launch technique question.
Just getting into racing the vette after 12 or so years of racing my Nova every weekend. Difference is the vette is a 6-speed.
On Firestones, I have gotten high 1.90 60'times and gone in the 12s. I am going to Drag Radials (BFGs) this spring.
Two questions.
1) Air pressure?
2) Launch RPM?
Any ideas to get a baseline?
Thanks! I am used to foot braking and automatic that hooks. This is a little different for me.
On Firestones, I have gotten high 1.90 60'times and gone in the 12s. I am going to Drag Radials (BFGs) this spring.
Two questions.
1) Air pressure?
2) Launch RPM?
Any ideas to get a baseline?
Thanks! I am used to foot braking and automatic that hooks. This is a little different for me.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Launch technique question. (LT-4 CE)
Start at 24psi and work your way down.
As for RPM, too much could be too much, I had best luck right off idle.
As for RPM, too much could be too much, I had best luck right off idle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 24
From: Freehold, NJ
Re: Launch technique question. (LT-4 CE)
For the drag radials, try 18 PSI.
For launch RPM, launch as high as the track will take. When the track hooks, I have launched as high as 6000 RPM in my Dad's CE when it was stock. First gear is numerically low in these cars and combined with the stock gears, there is not much torque multiplication to get you moving off the line. If the track is not hooking then too much RPM and the tires will spin. Too little RPM and the car will bog. A compromise for me was to launch somewhere in between and slip the clutch a little to prevent a bog. I was able to get a 1.80 short time when the car was stock and on drag radials.
BTW, if you are able to get consistent 1.90 short times on street tires then you are doing VERY well :cheers:
For launch RPM, launch as high as the track will take. When the track hooks, I have launched as high as 6000 RPM in my Dad's CE when it was stock. First gear is numerically low in these cars and combined with the stock gears, there is not much torque multiplication to get you moving off the line. If the track is not hooking then too much RPM and the tires will spin. Too little RPM and the car will bog. A compromise for me was to launch somewhere in between and slip the clutch a little to prevent a bog. I was able to get a 1.80 short time when the car was stock and on drag radials.
BTW, if you are able to get consistent 1.90 short times on street tires then you are doing VERY well :cheers:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Re: Launch technique question. (Eric Fischer)
BTW, if you are able to get consistent 1.90 short times on street tires then you are doing VERY well :cheers:
Thanks to everyone for the tips. I am no novice at the drag strip as I have literally 1,000s of passes over the years. Just never really raced a standard before and always was able to tune a chassis to take a good hit. I bought the vette and sold the race car because I thought I was burnt out. Now, after a couple years off and getting to where I can cut decent (pretty consistent .520 - .550) lights in the vette, I am getting the bug to do some more bracket racing. The only reason I am buying to DRs is to help be a bit more consistent.
Thanks again!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
From: Jamison PA
Re: Launch technique question. (LT-4 CE)
With 275 BFG's launch rpm was 2000-3000 depending on hook. I went with 18 to 14 PSI with them as well. With 315 BFG's launch rpm varied between 2500 and 4500. Ran 18 PSI with the 315's.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 1
From: Jupiter Fl.
Re: Launch technique question. (Tony.96LT4)
If you are running the 315 DR's (18-22lbs.), I would do a 5-7sec. burnout to heat them up good, then leave at 3,500-4K rpm. I've done 1.70's-1.80's with this technique. Of course, your shift points would be different but the launch would be similar.
Damn, that still shot in your sig is nice. :thumbs:
[Modified by Greybeard ZR1, 9:12 AM 3/6/2004]
Damn, that still shot in your sig is nice. :thumbs:
[Modified by Greybeard ZR1, 9:12 AM 3/6/2004]