So what's the final conclusion for launching with the stock F1's?

[Z0650TH]

Hi Guys,

Just got my '03 EB/Mod Red Z and man this car is awesome. I was hoping to take it to the drag strip in the Spring for some 1/4 mile runs on the stock F1's. I am planning on keeping the car bone stock and have been reading several strings regarding the best launch techniques.

Please let me know if I am correct in my conclusion:

1. Competitive Mode on.
2. Windows up, A/C off, Radio off, etc.
3. Rev to 4,000 rpms
4. Let the clutch slip out a bit until the grabs and then release quickly but smoothly (no dumping of the clutch or the wheel spin will kill the launch).
5. Once you feel you have good traction, let her rip.
6. Shift in all gears at about 6200-6300 rpms to take maximum advantage of the Z's power band.

I know I am trying to be sinplistic but that is the only way I will get it right. Also, I realize even this "simple" approach will take some practice to get it right.

Does this launch sound right? If not, what should be corrected?

Again, we're talking stock tires on a completely bone stock car.

Hoping for low 12's!!

[MSiska]

4000rpm will ensure maximum wheelspin on the gy SC's! If you have D/R's 4000 would probably be ok depending on the stickiness of the track (how much vht they spray on the lanes). With the stock tires, I normally launch at about 1500-2000. Have gotten 1.84-1.9x 60' doing this. 12.21@117 best so far. Gonna hit 11's or bust this coming season!! Good Luck!

[panzer]

Here is a link to help you The Staging Light

Add this
Avoid the water in the staging area that the attendants put down, this is for drag radials and slicks not street tires.
Keep the A/C off when you are moving up in the lanes and to the staging area as you will drip water. When you get to the end of your run turn on your A/C to force both radiator fans to come on and get rid of the excess heat you just generated. I hope this helps.
Smile when you get your time slip. The majority of drivers don't have the nerve to make a run down a dragstrip, you just did.

[MikesZ06]

I have to agree with Siska, here. I think 4000rpm is too high a rev for street tires unless the box is ultra sticky. I would opt for about 2500-2800 rpm's (and that's assuming you have lowered your rear air pressure down to low 20's).

[MikesZ06]

One last thought here....
Don't worry about 'beating the light' your first few times down the track. Chances are you will beat the car in the other lane anyway so I would concentrate my efforts on just hooking, hitting your shift points and having a ball.
Worrying about your 'reaction times' can come later on.

[panzer]

Originally posted by MikesZ06
One last thought here....
Don't worry about 'beating the light' your first few times down the track. Chances are you will beat the car in the other lane anyway so I would concentrate my efforts on just hooking, hitting your shift points and having a ball.
Worrying about your 'reaction times' can come later on.

I agree 1000% speaking as a rookie. My biggest mistakes so far have been to trying to get too much at the line/staging lites. Stock tires even drag radials can not take all the immediate power output of the LS6. You have to get rolling and hooked up and use the power to pull you to victory. This car wins in the midrange of the race although that is not to ignore the impact of poor reaction times. It is very tempting to try and get it right away. The best I can say is pretend that you are at a street light and drive like you would accelerate hard there. Do not even look in the other lane, treat it like a game of golf where you are in competition with yourself. I learned all this the hard way even though I knew this before I started I still screwed up and made the mistake. SO be humble and have fun not many people in this country get to drive a machine like the Z06 much less take it down the track. As Ranger taught me, Practice ,practice, practice.It's good to drive the King

Also check your clutch fluid reservoir and brake fluid reservoir. The fluid should be clear if not change it.

[Z0650TH]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. Looking forward to getting to the strip and trying out some of these launch techniques. Most of all, I expect to have fun!

This is a great forum and I must say that I am glad to be a prt of it.

[Royalshowing]

John Connaly from Texas of Turbo Fame with Grand Sports and Syclones. Taught me, the hell with the light, the hell with the other guy, get pre-staged, staged, get to how you want to launch and let her go, Red Light , but who cares, get the launch down first. Get your times, don't race the light or the other guy, race yourself. After, you get the launch perfect then worry about the light and the other guy. My thoughts, which are few. Phil

[Kat]

I have to agree with the guys here At our local track anything over 1500-2000 will do nothing but fry the tires.

My reaction times sucks:( I will work on them after I get the Magical 11 sec slip

[zul8r]

Yeah I have tried letting mine go at 3500-4000 rpm's and I get nothing but wheel spin. I am waiting also to take mine to the track this spring- cant wait. By then though I will have the Borla's and t1-c- so it will not be 100% stock but still very close. I think once I work on my launch I will end up buying some dr's for the track. I would get et streets but I dont want to have to buy 16" wheels and grind the brakes.

sg

[panzer]

Originally posted by Royalshowing
John Connaly from Texas of Turbo Fame with Grand Sports and Syclones. Taught me, the hell with the light, the hell with the other guy, get pre-staged, staged, get to how you want to launch and let her go, Red Light , but who cares, get the launch down first. Get your times, don't race the light or the other guy, race yourself. After, you get the launch perfect then worry about the light and the other guy. My thoughts, which are few. Phil

Clearly stated, good.

[J-Rod]

Once you have the feel of the clutch you can leave at any RPM. Start out and work your way up. Track prep will also play a role. Drop your rear pressure down to about 22 psi. 50 in the front. If you know how to ride the clutch in the car, you can leave at 4000. But, I would make my first few passes off idle to get a feel for the car. Work up to 2800-3000 , and once you have that down move to 4000. After that you can get really ambitious and go for the 4700-5200 and beyond....

[Z0650TH]

J-Rod, that sounds like great advice. Thanks for the tip. Looking forward to trying it out.