Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - How do you get the 0-60 in 4 sec?

pd104eagle · 09-18-2002, 06:08 AM

Could somebody give pointers on how to launch to 60mph in the 4 sec. est.? I have tested my launching with a G-Tech/Pro accelerometter and at best achieve 6.5 sec's. Are these devices accurate? Do I just have a "slow Z" or maybe I'm not shifting correctly. Should I shift quick, approx. every sec.? My last question is, does frequent high revs and power shifting damage the parts? I apologize for the many question but would appreciate any suggestion or comments, thanks,

Ranger · 09-18-2002, 01:55 PM

The very best way to understand how to wring max acceleration out of a Z06 is to ride shotgun in a Z06 driven by a regular (proficient) drag racer. To see and feel the launch and violent movement of strong shifts have profound impact on your frame of reference. If you have the inclination, drive on down to Maryland and I'd be happy to show you.

So monkey see, monkey do. Then practice, practice, practice.

A rule of thumb is that a dragstrip 330' time of 5.2 translates to a sub-4.0 0-60.

Others will answer your specific questions.

Ranger

Jayzvette · 09-18-2002, 08:30 PM

Your gonna have to beat the pi$$ out of the car and clutch to get those numbers. I personally don't think the G-tech pro is that accurate but close enough

McRat · 09-18-2002, 10:47 PM

Traction is the limiting factor. 1.91 60 foot times require an average of 1 g forward acceleration. High School physics will tell you that you can't exceed 1 g acceleration on a friction driven vehicle.

What does that mean? You need STICKY tires and great traction to get there.

johnboy00 · 09-18-2002, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McRat
High School physics will tell you that you can't exceed 1 g acceleration on a friction driven vehicle.

WestoniumZ · 09-20-2002, 10:11 AM

Not to throw gasoline on the fire here, but I was able to pull 4.3 on my 3rd try ever after break in.

That was without touching the tire pressures, and with a 6'3" passenger (Cali).

6.5 sec is very sad. I used to get 6.7 in my 1992 Q45.

A 1/4 mile expert (like my Corona neighbor) would instruct better, but...

Traction control should be off
You'll have to dump clutch from ~1500-1800 rpm
The wheels will slip a little, as soon as you are clear of the spin, the pedal should be floored.

The 2nd shift must be quick and nasty.

A little practice, and there isn't much on the road that will embarass you off the line... except sport motorcycles. In general, its best not to mess with them because they will get startled by having a car so close behind them off the line. Any motorcycle jockey expects to be way way out in front - regardless of their ride (except cruisers).

With traction control on you should still hit below or close to 5 secs. Just be easy on the takeoff then pound it. If you are too hard on 2nd, traction control will kick in again and ruin your time.

EDIT: I realized McRat already posted. McRat- you'd be way more qualified to explain a good launch. In fact, if you did a full write-up, you could get it published. Your times are your credibility. You do have those trap times framed in the garage, right?

JBsZ06 · 09-20-2002, 11:51 AM

I thank you for the great post. I have run the gtech against the track for 1/4 mile times and the gtech was very accurate in my old A4..

I had to deal with a bad oil burning issue on my Z so I have'nt attempted any gtech runs with this car to date..plus..I figure some practice just getting used to the stick would make sense.

I would suggest that the Gtech timing begins with the first foward movement of the car..so..

you would find most Automatics will register a more consistant and representative time..unless you can launch the stick shift car with very little spinning of the tires and NOT even the slightest foward motion..(which sets off the clock in the g tech)

I hope this helps.. I hope people can give insight as to what they find works..

the track is a little different with a stick shift vs the g tech because even with a little foward motion..( I mean the slightest..will set off the gtech) versus the track light beams..

If you launch at the track but don't break the light beam..you won't start the clock..So there might be a slight bit extra flexibility..when looking at track et and traps speeds..

That G tech run to 60 is all about launch..and remember its that absolute first movement that sets off the clock..

I remember years ago....when I used the gtech a lot on my 99 A4....the one thing I walked away with..was..What felt really crazy fast..with tire spin and tail wagging.. was really slow..

And that light chirp..on the street at least..gave the best times..

Think of it as modulations of power..and balance for traction..

Your car is fine..Your desire to get the most out of your car admirable..IMHO its your enthusiasm to get really good times thats making the numbers drop into the 6's..

Try launches like you would if you were racing off from a red light relaxed..just as if you were in a real hurry....(no one around of course especially cops)

I bet as long as the car doesn't bog off the line..but just with a chirp..you'll be in the 4's..

Good luck and let us know what works best for you..

Hopefully some guys who run on the street can give us both launching techniques..

I always look foward to learning..

I think you asked a great question.

Thanks

JB

pd104eagle · 09-22-2002, 04:28 AM

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the advise, a special "thank you" to JBsz06 for the insight and heads up talk, I really appreciate your input. With these pointers, I will try the tests again and will update you on the progress. God Bless z06vette.com and its members!

WestoniumZ · 09-27-2002, 11:16 AM

Well, streetwise, I think you'll get pretty good times with the formula I posted above.

Once I got the car broken in, I started ramping up the abuse. Every red light became a light tree. The closest thing to keeping up with me from a light was a big nasty El Camino with monster rear wheels and a really aggressive cam. That thing sat at the light "wub wub wub wub{pause] WUB wub".

There aint much out there that can take a properly launched Z off the line. I think "DOT slicks" would throw you a little better, but even on the stock tires the wheel spin feels like a slingshot.

1500 rpm or so with no traction control, with WOT as soon as clutch pedal is up - I'm sure I can get 4-4.2 every time. I shift into 2nd JUST before the limiter kicks in.

Launching the Q45 wasn't much easier - I had to disable the traction control (TCU), neutral slam, floor-it. Killing stangs was more fun in that because they never in a million years would think a big car like that would be that fast.

Maybe if I gutted it, and supercharged the engine it could really be a menace...hmmmmm

Kat · 09-27-2002, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WestoniumZ
Well, streetwise, I think you'll get pretty good times with the formula I posted above.

Once I got the car broken in, I started ramping up the abuse. Every red light became a light tree. The closest thing to keeping up with me from a light was a big nasty El Camino with monster rear wheels and a really aggressive cam. That thing sat at the light "wub wub wub wub{pause] WUB wub".

There aint much out there that can take a properly launched Z off the line. I think "DOT slicks" would throw you a little better, but even on the stock tires the wheel spin feels like a slingshot.

1500 rpm or so with no traction control, with WOT as soon as clutch pedal is up - I'm sure I can get 4-4.2 every time. I shift into 2nd JUST before the limiter kicks in.

Launching the Q45 wasn't much easier - I had to disable the traction control (TCU), neutral slam, floor-it. Killing stangs was more fun in that because they never in a million years would think a big car like that would be that fast.

Maybe if I gutted it, and supercharged the engine it could really be a menace...hmmmmm

Off topic

Was that you Yesterday Thursday Morning about 8:30 am at the Intersection of Hidden Valley and Hamner in Norco? You wouldn't of noticed me I was in the Mini Van

pd104eagle · 10-07-2002, 06:15 AM

Last Saturday,
I ran another 0-60 test with the G-tech and saw an improvement, 5.2 sec. I believe I will get better times as I continue testing, once again, thank for the input, " JBsz06, WestoniumZ, and others". Questions: Do you guys think installing long tuber headers like "TIPIS" or "FLP"s will improve my 0-60 times?

**panzer** · 10-07-2002, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayzvette
Your gonna have to beat the pi$$ out of the car and clutch to get those numbers. I personally don't think the G-tech pro is that accurate but close enough

I have the new G-TECH PRO Competition model and it is pretty accurate and should get better. The model I have is pre-release and they are tuning the firmware now with use input.

ZO6LS6 · 10-07-2002, 06:49 AM

pd,
you don't say whether you Z is an '01, or an '02??..which is it?

The '01's ( on the street) are typically a 4.6/8 0-60, without a TON of practice........
THe '02's, should be easier..........

I haven't tried mine as yet.............no need.

I want to save it for the strip............0-60 times mean very little on the street.........

IMHO, they are abusive to the car, and are a calling card for Johhny L.........

You would be better served practicing launches, for a while..short 1st gear runs..

And Power shifts DO tear up parts...........save them for serious 1/4's.............

LT's will get you an additional 15/20 rwhp, and will add to your rwhp..and should help, alll things considered........

But, you need to do a lot more trial stock runs before the serious mods begin............

You need to be at one with the BEAST.........

WestoniumZ · 10-07-2002, 09:19 AM

I try to baby the car when it comes to maintenance, but I am just plain mean to it when I am driving.

I'm being more conservative, but I'm not sure if that is because my tread is wearing...

I had to replace the rears at 9K because one took a very large and nasty nail (un repairable).

They don't seem quite as sticky as the ones that came on the car although they are exactly the same model. Anyone else have that?

pd104eagle · 10-08-2002, 06:06 AM

z06ls6 and others .
Sorry not to mention, I have the 02' z06 model, Question: What does "IMHO" stand for? I assume "LT" stands for long tube header? I know 5.2 is not good for a z06 but I just began learning manual shifting this may. I'm thinking about getting TPIS Headers, is there anything I should consider before installing them? I read somewhere that some headers make it difficult installing clutches afterwards?