Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - Going to the drag strip for the first time

ADE 1000 · 10-23-2002, 11:32 AM

I will most likely be taking my Z06 to the dragstrip this Saturday and was looking for any pointers anyone might have. This is the my first time at the drag strip ever.

I was mainly looking for the following information: What RPM should I launch at? Where should I shift? Should I change my tire pressure?

I would appreciate answers to these questions or any other usefull tips anyone might have.

Thanks

ZO6LS6 · 10-23-2002, 11:54 AM

DE,
No more tha 2500, shift at 6200/6300.........1-2, 3-4 6400..........
Make sure you are not in reverse when staged.
Make sure you are in COMP MODE.......
Do NOT turn off AH / TC..........
Keep wheelspin to minimum...........do not powershift 1-2, unless you have GREAT taction, and or DR's.........ET Streets........
F1's, run 40 ish pressure front, and 24#'s rear............or there abouts..........

chrissdoug · 10-23-2002, 05:04 PM

Drive like hell. Dont be suprised if your fast car, goes real slow. the dragstrip is a new way to drive. Every car, every track is different. As for where toi shift, REDLINE baby

Jim · 10-23-2002, 05:12 PM

ADE 1000 where is the dragstrip located?

ZO6/Les · 10-23-2002, 05:54 PM

You've gotten some excellent advise already, I would add:

1. Remember to have fun, don't get too hung up about times the first time out.

2. Drive around the water box, spin the tires for 1-2 seconds to get them clean and warm, 25 PSI is a good first time out pressure, 45 in the fronts.

3. Don't worry about reaction time yet, wait for the green light and concentrate on your launch - the race is won/lost in the first 330' for most races.

4. On your first race launch off idle like you are at a stop light and a mudstain is trying to get ahead of you. Add RPM after you get a few good passes in this way, 2200 is optimum for most. When you add RPM remember to LIFT up on the clutch, and PRESS on the go pedal as the car grips. This takes a LOT of practice.

5. Shift around 6200 RPM, don't try power shifting until you are "as one" with the car

6. Practice, practice, practice. My third time out in the car I ran a 12.8, 12.7, 12.6, 12.5, 12.5, 12.4, 12.3, 12.2, 12.1. I know some will say BS, but it is true. Son't try to put up a big number at first. Improve SOMETHING between each race, don't try to think about too many things at once.

7. Did I say have fun?

Write and let us know how you did.

Les

Quote:

Originally posted by ADE 1000
I will most likely be taking my Z06 to the dragstrip this Saturday and was looking for any pointers anyone might have. This is the my first time at the drag strip ever.

I was mainly looking for the following information: What RPM should I launch at? Where should I shift? Should I change my tire pressure?

I would appreciate answers to these questions or any other usefull tips anyone might have.

Thanks

Baron · 10-23-2002, 05:57 PM

Stage: Windows up. COMPETITION DRIVING set. Radio off. AC off. I spin the stock F1SC tires for a second or two to clean them off. I was running 23 lbs in the rear and 42 lbs up front. I shallow staged, barely tripping the second set of bulbs.

Launch: I hold 1800-2800 rpm, depending on traction/track conditions, and quickly release the clutch with full engagement occurring in the first 2'-10'. I let the tires hook before going to WOT. I can usually get to WOT leaving less than 10' of rubber. This takes practice that's best done away from the drag strip.

Shifting: I'm running the stock shifter. I do some slight throttle lift on the shifts particularly on the 1st-2d where it's easy to spin a lot. Was shifting 1st-2d and 2d-3d at an indicated 6300, because it revs so fast and need to stay off the limiter. The 3d-4th shift is at an indicated 6500. I've experimented with lower shift points and found it costs me a couple tenths in ET.

ADE 1000 · 10-24-2002, 06:11 AM

Thanks for the great responses guys.

It looks like it is going to be chilly out so I am a little concerned about traction. However, like many of you said, I will just take it slow at first and get used to the conditions.

Jim,

I am going to Byron in Rockford with a bunch of other vettes. See the link below for more info:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=403445

NinjaZ06 · 10-24-2002, 06:29 AM

Lots of great information. I would agree with everything stated here.

The main point is to control wheel spin. The colder the temps out, the less RPM you can hold at the line. You really can only take a guess the first time, until you run and see how the car reacts. In really cold temps, you may need to drop to the lower end of the numbers 1800 - 2800, depending again on traction. On a bone cold track, even 1800 may be too much, if you are the first to run.

I think the advice to run a few times before going all out is a good one. Until you know how the car is going to react in these temps, you are better off getting down the track then into the wall. You need to learn the car first!