RajDatta

So, someone from work setup a drag racing get together last night. This was in Englishtown, a well known 1/4 mile track and used by NHRA for one of its yrly stops.
I get there for tech inspection and the guy hears my car purring and asks if I have a turbo or something. I told him no turbo, just stock. I was given lane 5. There were lots of fwd imports and a group of "gamblers" with american hot rods. After the gamblers were done, it was our turn.
Now remember, I have never ever drag raced before so here we go. I was told to put my top up and have my windows closed for the run. I was given the right lane for my 1st run.
These are the times of my 1st run:
R/T: .543
60: 2.739
330: 6.894
1/8: 10.359
MPH: 69.94
1000: 13.279
1/4: 15.768
MPH: 89.98

As you can see I was losing a lot of time at the 60 foot mark. I ran the car by holding it at 3500rpm and letting it go. I also couldn't get it into 3rd right away due to the notchiness of the short shift kit.

On to the 2nd run, this time on left lane. The track was much cooler since they had to stop racing due to an accident:
R/T: 1.000
60: 2.777
330: 6.956
1/8: 10.304
MPH: 73.23
1000: 13.151
1/4: 15.549
MPH: 93.72

The guy running in the right lane (Dodge Neon SRT) had the following numbers:
R/T: .428
60: 2.500
330: 6.319
1/8: 9.462
MPH: 79.66
1000: 12.096
1/4: 14.474
MPH: 92.76

As you can see, he smoked me offline. I held the car at 4500rpm and let it go. It hit 6800rpm and kept smoking until I had some traction and then off we went. It settled backdown to 4600rpm after I had some traction and took off. This time I made sure I got 3rd gear right. I was happy to see that by mph was much better and even faster than the SRT. He was able to get his 1/4 mile in 14.4. Based on my terminal speed if I get my launch and reaction time right, I should be in the low 14's with a completely stock cabriolet and this is with just the airbox mod. I was happy with the outcome and was impressed how the car just purred after the run. Also better track conditions should help.
It just amazes me at how well our cars run even when you work them hard. I could only do two runs so I need to go at it again sometime soon. It was lots of funs. One of my co-workers brought his twin turbo dodge viper gts. He was sandbagging his 1/4 times (1/4 of 11 flat at 148mph). He doesn't want to be forced to run a cage.
I will try to post the video of my run on online so others can see it.
Regards.
Raj

968workaholic

R/T: .271
60': 1.882
330': 5.340
1/8: 8.273
MPH: 83.50
1000': 10.816
1/4: 12.977
MPH: 103.53
On street tires

Trap speeds aren't a good gauge for determining 1/4 time. Factors like final drive ratios and vehicle weight, as well as track conditions make for too many variables to make an acurate guess. Practice should help in getting your reaction time down. That will make the biggest change in you overall track time.

RajDatta

Thanks for the insight. As I stated, I am new to this so I will take everything with an open mind.
BY the way, what's an accurate guess? oxymoron maybe..
Raj

968workaholic

There are some formulas on the internet that claim to get you close. When i put my car in some said 14 sec or slower. It has a lot more to do with the power range of your engine, which is a factor that can't be used in a formula. Smoking your tires off the line makes you 60' times terrible. If you can launch your car at the point right before your tires spin, you will have much better results. A few tenths of your 60' time will make a big difference at the top. Mid 14's probably at best with your current setup. A trick is to start off in second gear. You won't spin tires as easily and thats less time that is lost in shifting. Its a little harder on your clutch but makes a difference in the end.

PorscheG96

Looks like fun Raj! I've never drag raced any of my cars but I'd like to try it once. Can't wait to see the video.

SpeedBump

I always figured the cabriolet was about a 15 second car so you are about where I would have guessed.

V2Rocket

if you figured how to get better traction and fix that notchy shifter i bet you could break 15..

hell, my car will do a 1/4 in under 16...

2000wrx

Wow, that is slower than a new camry...

I am currently looking at a new car, and on that list is the following...

MR2 turbo
951
968
Miata
S2000

The 951 being the best bang for the buck of the bunch. I like something about the 968, but if they are this slow that makes me quite concerned. My Subaru (which was just totaled) ran mid 13's and I would consider that less than stellar performance.

I like the look, and the 3.0L motor, but the lack of a Turbo is a huge drawback IMO...

This bums me out a bit.

SoloRacer

I ran in the low 15's with my 951 some time ago - but with a 3 second 60 ft time and at an altitude of 3438 feet. My speed at the end of the 1/4 was 101 mph. I just kept bogging off the line. Had a Honda Civic leave me at the lights and by 1/2 track I was blowing by him. Definately not an easy car to launch - if you want to keep the clutch intact that is. I read somewhere that each tenth of a second lost in the 60 ft time equates to 2 tenths of a second in the 1/4. IE: If you run 15 seconds with a 3 second 60 ft time you would run 13 seconds with a 2 second 60 ft time.

What subaru did you have? I don't believe it was stock if you were running mid 13's. I think even the STi's are a high 13 second car. The AWD of the subie gives it a great launch though.


P.S. If you are looking for a drag racer the best one on your list is the MR2 Turbo. If you are looking for a highway cruiser with good midrange power the 951 is great. For an autocross car I would go with the 968, Miata or S2000. Basically they all have different characteristics but I can tell you that modifying a Porsche will not be cheap on the pocket book. Keep that in mind.

SoloRacer

Raj: Next time take out the turbo, ok?

jeff968

Raj, I'm impressed!!! As soon as I get my Challenger finished I'll give you the keys and you can run some GTOs and Chevelles. Jeff

SpeedBump

We need one of the auto crossers to give us a heads up on the right launch method for the 968

RajDatta

It was all for fun and I know I have a lot of work to do. Heck, my launch was all up in smoke (no pun intended) until about 3 sec's into the run. I know I can get it close to 14 flat with some practice. I might have a new hobby. I guess its all trial and error.
Solo, the turbo is in its last stage of completion and I do plan to take it to the track when done. I would expect atleast a minimum of 117-120mph 1/4 times.
Guys, you have to try this, its a load of fun.
Raj

2000wrx

I like the 968 a lot, I am just concerned with its lack of power and if I could live with that level of power. I would imagine that a good header,exhaust, chip, and intake could help a bit.

I would think as a daily driver it would make a nice car, and allow for a second car to be the "fast" car. I am not a drag racer, but I do want a certain level of performance.

A 968 Turbo would be the ultimate IMO.


FYI STi often run 13.0-13.3 in the 1/4 stock. My Subaru had a few minor mods, still running stock turbo and fuel system.

Jim Child

As fun as that may be, you need to put the 968 on a road course to see what it can really do. That's what its made for.