How do you launch a ZO6 w/ OEM tires? Any helpful hints?

[Z OOH 6]

Do you guys rev up to 3k or what?

Just wondering what I should expect on my first trip to the track.

[Ranger]

Here's a quote from a post in Apr 2001 by none other than the Bowerboy, a famous Corvette drag racer. I'll post a little follow up specific to the F1SCs later.

Begin Quote
With an old/stock clutch your options are limited. You will have to hold your RPM's below 3K and slip it slightly. If you had an upgraded clutch (not stock or Z06) I would recommend launching at 3500 to 4000RPM with a slight slip. The type of Tire you will use will also drive your launch.

If you are running stock tires, keep your launch below 2500 RPM regardless of clutch type. If you are running a drag radial, make sure you sufficiently heat them with a burnout before staging. Either way make sure your stage shallow.

The following is a description of staging shallow: The are 2 yellow lights which indicate the staging area. They are separated by 7 inches. When the track worker waves you up you approach the lights and as your car rolls you will turn on the top light first (pre-stage). As soon as the first light goes on, stop. Then slowly nudge your car forward until the second light goes on (staged). Stop immediately! When you launch your car, the clock does not start until you break the beam of both the pre-stage and stage lights (the starting line).

As soon as both lanes are staged (The staged light in each lane is lit), the first of three large yellow lights will light. On the third yellow light begin your launch. With a shallow stage. your car will have a few inches to begin rolling before the stage lights are triggered indicating you official start.

Once under way, quick shifts improve ET and MPH. Be sure to max out your RPMs without hitting the rev limiter. I shift at red-line minus 300 rpm. On your 1st to 2nd shift, power shifting (leaving your foot on the gas to the flow as you depress the clutch and make your shift) is not recommended do to traction. The 2nd to 3rd shift can realize a significant gains with a power shift however, this is the trickiest to maneuver (directional angle of the path between 2 and 3). The 3rd to 4th shift is the easiest to power shift.

Here are a few links that also may provide some info:

http://www.nhra.com/basics/basics.html

http://sl.rconcepts.com/

http://www.corvettechallenge.50megs.com/

End Quote


Ranger

[Ranger]

From the Corvette Program Office:

"First an optimum launch rpm must be established which is a function of ambient temperature, sun load, track surface, tire temperature, vehicle loading .... An optimum launch will allow enough wheel spin so that when the tires "hook up" to the pavement there is not a loss in vehicle acceleration."

[Ranger]

Found something I wrote last year that wraps it up fairly well:

Competition mode. AC and audio system off. Windows up. Tire pressure all around at 30 psi. Some would say 44 psi in the front and 24-28 psi in the rear.

Try 2800 rpm. Increase or decrease the rpm 200-300 each run until you find the sweet spot for that pavement for that moment.

Engage the clutch over the first 2 to 10 feet of movement depending on conditions. Go WOT ONLY once the tires are hooked, and do so by squeezing the pedal progressively to the floor.

If you do so practice on old blacktop and ambient outside temp is around 75, you ought to be able to launch leaving only about 10 feet of rubber.

Another key is on the 1st-2d shift. Ease the throttle just enough to avoid a lot of wheel spin, which would hurt your time. I shift to 2d at an indicated 6200 and to 3d at 6300-6400 and to 4th at 6400. Objective is to shift as high as you can without hitting the rev-limiter.

I find that what I'm after is developing the launch "touch" that's based on input from all yours senses. I can feel the tires spin in the steering wheel, clutch foot, and seat of the pant. Sight and sound help too. But the F1SC tires don't make much of a squeal when they spin.

I use Competition mode to rather than "AH/TC off" because I want AH to intervene should the rear end get substantially out of line. Just some insurance that limits "the worst that could happen."

Two last things you probably already know. Be sure your oil is above 155 degrees (preferably above 170) before you do launch practice. Also choose your spot wisely. John Law and John Q are pretty adept at recognizing and exploiting any pattern you might set as to where and when you practice.

Ranger

[BAD 06]

That was great Ranger, thank you.

Chad

[MSiska]

What can ya say? Ranger is the BEST! When he does a 12.16@117 with a stock 02 Z06 and I mean with 550 miles on it!

[Speedracer]

Thanks guys. I'll be trying out these techniques tomorrow.