I just got through reading ovrclck350's post and it inspired me. I plan on going to a local track this summer (friend wants to race me in a '01 vette and another wants to go at me with a '97 Eclipse), anyway, I have never drag raced before. I need some tips. Anything goes, whatever will help. Launching, any technique to driving, etc... My theory is not to push the gas all the way to the floor, but MOST of the way down because it seems to slow down near the top of the gear. Post away!! I plan on printing this out. ------------------ The famous "one wheel peel" My only mod: Flowmaster 40 series

My last answer is a great foundation.
Practice the reaction time at the light is the best way to go.
Rest I listed.
Enjoy the drags. Racing a Vette, it would be so cool if you beat him, cause he was lousy at the light!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

Don't get nervous and throw it into neutral from OD halfway down the track. LOL, I had it to the floor and forgot it doesn't shift into OD at WOT, and forgettin my stick was in OD, I threw it up thinkin that it'd shift into OD. I dunno what RPM i got up to, but I let off quick. Anyways, practice reaction times, also find out where your car launches better from. Automatic: Hold brake and stall up the converter. I was launchin from about 2 grand. i think it was too low tho. Kinda unsure on a standard, I'm guessin you'd just dump the clutch. If you know the weight of your car, then from your MPH at the end of the 1/4, you can get an idea of your RWHP. LOL, if my car weighs 3500 (probably lighter) I'm pushin 128 HP w/ my speed. DON'T GO THROUGH THE WATER.

[This message has been edited by Ovrclck350 (edited April 01, 2001).]

Also, don't brake before the finish line (saw a guy) and don't (if you start spinnin) keep ur foot to the floor (me...that's right, it was my first run and I was nervous so :P ).

KED85: I'll have to go over to the other post and print that up. I'm hoping that my friend in his dad's Vette dumps the clutch and just sits and spins the tires.
Ovrclck350: would I have enough track for it to shift into OD? I've gotten on the highway, floored it, and got to a little over 70 in second. (BTW, I have an auto). It didn't have anything left, but it wouldn't shift. That's why I asked if it is necessary to have it floored. I could keep it in it's powerband. I bet if I had let up a hair, it would have shifted. I don't have a tach so I'm gonna have to guess where stall is. My car?? Spin tires launching??? I guess it's possible. About the water thing... I heard from Hot Rod TV that radial tires don't need burnout anyway. I guess you could for show
Keep 'em coming guys! I need all the help I can get against a Vette!!

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The famous "one wheel peel"
My only mod: Flowmaster 40 series

to loose .02 off your time do the TC lockup

weight reduction, take out stuff like a spare tire, passenger seat, top part of the back seat. and thing you can think of, trust me...it helps... as far as launching...you could probably get away with 2 grand like ovrclck350 was doing at the track, maybe even 2200rpms...but it is just a matter of testing...definately work on that reaction time...it can kill ya...i know about that lol... and most of all have fun...it's addictive

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E.T.F.A. Member #9
www.etfa.net

Near the end, i was just kinda hangin at 5000, and if i woulda let off, then it woulda went down into OD. OD won't kick in at Wide Open Throttle, so you won't get into OD if you have it floored. Kinda feel for that point where it'll finally kick down, and learn it. I'm still tryin to get there. I would just feel for the point RIGHT when your tires are about to start spinnin when you're tryin to learn your stall. I'm launchin a little low (get away w/ 2 grand, hell, I'm boggin down at 2 grand after I release). I watched the video of my car, and I need to stall higher. What are you guys stallin at at the track? 3.1 Firebird, lil help here?

Oh yah, don't forget, VTECH stickers add 50hp.

Try to launch at 1800RPM...Stage Deep and as soon as you see the last yellow light slam the gas and not the break, yes as soon as you see the last yellow floor it...It ish ard to think it is yellow so go, but GO... I have yet to red light yet and my best reaction time doing it that was is .6something.... Also remove all floor mats, drivers side is very important.. Remove the spare and jack and stero crap. Drain the washer fluid, remvoe the back seats, over inflate the front tires 4PSI and under infalte the rear 2-3psi... Run with 4 gallons of gas in your beast....

Oveclck350: I know it won't go into OD at WOT, but I was in 2nd and it wouldn't shift. Weird. The clear tail lights and the exhaust tip might help too
Brian K: does the tire thing work??


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The famous "one wheel peel"
My only mod: Flowmaster 40 series