billthe3

Yeah, I know these things aren't drag cars, but my friends and I like to go to the local drags and they're going to want me to run to see what it can do, so I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience/tips for launching.



I'm just hoping I can do good enough to get my friend with his 97 M3 to shut up about how good his car is.

Then I'll get to move on to dealing with him on the track.

Guns951

5k rpm slow slip of the clutch gradually increasing throttle as you let the clutch out. Don't get too anxious at the light, he'll get the jump on you, just make sure you hook 'em up before you goose it.

Rogue_Ant

Yeah, these aren't the easiest cars to get a good 60'
My first time at the track with the 951, I think my best 60' was 2.5... :\


Rogue

Guns951

"when the turbo spins the bull**** ends..." in this case, he will win the battle (launch position) but you will win the war (1/4). Good luck and get ready for the stench of burnt clutch

Rogue_Ant

I think thats probably why I didn't try to kill it for a decent launch...


Rogue

SchnellerUmsetzer

I did it through the middle of the German town I live in twice and a both ends did 180's and started over. Yes, a crowed of people gathered at the curb to watch my 18 year old public display of immaturity. My Car is set stiff and all I did was light up the tires. I would just do the car, your friends, and the crowed a favor by letting them know the car is not a drag car, but if they have $15,000- $20,000 dollars they can buy it and turn it into one.

My thought!

2bridges

if the tires are melting, your not going anywhere........

Just as mentioned by others... walk if off the line firm but easy, don't let it get the tires spinning to hard.... If ya make a big cloud of smoke you will have lost before it started.

... unless you are heavily modded or on a greasy track you should no have to worry about tire spin after that...
For best time Don't short shift, let it get all the way to redline, quick shifts 1-2, 2-3... should be at the top of third through the traps....

RKD in OKC

Be careful not to overheat the clutch with that high rev easy out on the clutch thing. That's much worse time wise than spinning the tires. You want the clutch fully engaged by the time the boost hits.

Guns951

RKD: You're right, with the slow (maybe 1 sec) slip by the time the clutch is engaged you're looking at rev's slipping to around 36-3800 just at the beginning of the boost cycle for first. You should hear about a 1/2 second chirp and then nothing but the intake sucking in air and hauling ***. Good luck.

944V8inDFW

best launch you can do in "these" cars if your motor and clutch can stand it is stick the throttle to the floor and let the engine hit the rev limiter and feather tha clutch pedal rather than the throttle practice and good clutch material will give you a super clean consistant launch

billthe3

Ok, thanks for all the info. The car is stock except for some koni yellows in the rear and the lindsey racing boost enhancer (no lsd).

I was practicing on some back roads last night and was liking about 3500rpm and then slipping the clutch for a second or so, but it was my first real time trying to launch so I'll have to get out more and try some higher rpm's. I know that 5000ish was tire spinning, so I'll practice more. I'd been planning on loosing from the launch because he's been driving manuals for 5+ years while this is my first manual car and I've only had it for a little over a month.

sharky47

Best advice for dragging these cars?




Um - don't.

Go buy a mustang or something, these cars are meant for a more refined style of driving - dragging is like nascar, redneck sport. All you will accomplish will be damaged drivetrain components and less than exciting times.......

billthe3

^ Lol, I know. This most likely be a one-time deal. I usually only go to watch/race the crappy family cars or to see if my friend will do something stupid.

Trucho-951

If you're taking it to the local drag strip, then don't worry about getting a solid launch. Save your clutch!!!

At the drag strip, consitency is what wins every time. So even if all you can muster is a 2.5 sec. 60' time and a 15.0 E.T. You will win the race if you are consitent every time. Just leave at the last yellow in anticipation of the green light. "Dial in" a little above, but as close to your best E.T. so you won't "break out", and have fun, but save your car so you can drive it home.

billthe3

Oh yeah, I've been going for the past couple of years so I know how it all works, I just haven't raced in a manual before. Previously raced my dad's 96 740iL, my mom's 00 Chrysler minivan and my mom's 05 prius. I had a good time laughing at my mom and the prius after racing it because its even slower than my 93 camry i4.