I got the car out to the track finally, it's not really tuned yet but i had to get some runs in before winter. I had never raced at a track before and i only had 3 runs before the track closed becuase of a massive roll over accident w/ a corvette. but all of my 60fts were a 2.4 and two 2.6's. I have some bald *** NITTO 555R DR's. every run spun till mid 2nd gear. my mods are in my sig.

first question- should i use the burnout box to heat the tires? I wasn't too sure if radial tires needed to get that hot. i heated them for about 10 sec in the burnout box then pulled up to stage the first run. didn't seem to hook well. 2nd run i drove around the water and just launched w/ out heating them. that's when i got the 2.4 60ft. I feel a major problem is that my tires are bald, but i'd like to know how i should launch when i have my new nitto 555r's on.

second- how long should i heat them up? i hear that if u heat them too much they get slippery?

also, i have a 5-speed any pointers for what rpm to launch at, should i dump the clutch or ride it a little, just any tips will help.

Thanx, Brad

 

also my tire pressure was at 16psi

 

Most guys do a good 30 Sec or more burn out with DRs

 

with 2.4s + 60 foots you must be stomping the gas preety good to spin that much! you have a combination of bald tires and giving to much power to fast, at least that what it seems to me..

try letting the clutch out at a lower rpm!!

i have an auto but i ease into it and when i feel it going loose i let out a tad.. and then later on i just stomp the gas wot untill the end...

i have never worked with drag radials before... i use my every day street tires and burnout out in the water box at the track just because its fun!!

have fun and take your time and pratice, believe it or not my first time with my car was a 15.3! ouch

 

my first time with my car Totally stock & over heating was 16s its a 87 Iroc with a 350.
I have gotten her down to 14.68 has been my best time. Mods to her are a Hypertech chip, a airfoil & bottom of the airbox cut out with K&Ns.
Best 60 foot times was 2.001
still racing on street tires

 

If the tires are bald, you could try heating them up. Chances are the tires are old and dried out and all the smoke created won't make them sticky. Get some new tires.

The key to doing a good burnout is to get into high gear to get wheel speed. With a 5 speed you should try spinning the wheels in the water box in 3 or 4.

 

I would have to agree with stephen, get some new tires and heat them up between 5-10 seconds.
I have BFG DR's and thats all it takes to get em sticky. I have an auto w/ a stall so i cant help you with the 5spd dropping question.

Gl

 

I am surprized no one mentioned the fact that Drag Radials need close to normal air pressure. If you are running 16psi, that is why you are spinning, along with not enough of a burn out.

See post https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=133363

Nittos perform best at about 28-30 psi. Go to their website and look at their recommendations.

 

What was the weather like during your runs. A cold track can really affect traction

 

So can a hot track, sea level, & if its muggy (air denady??? spelling?)

 

"...density..."

As in, "I am your density...". George McFly, 1985 (or was that 1955?)

Launch technique is probably the one thing that needs the most practice to produce both the most consistent and fastest runs. Part of that "technique" is air pressure. Another is launch RPM. With manual, clutch engagement is another.

Practice, practice, practice.

Oh, and have fun!

 

I knew I spelt it wrong lol But I was not sure on the spelling on it. lol

 

where you the one at byron?

 

I run Nitto 275/50/15 drag radials. From playing around with different tire pressures and burnouts, I found 12 psi works best for me. They're on 8" rims. I back into the water box, and heat 'em until I see a nice cloud of solid smoke. Not a monster John Force style burnout, but once they get smoking there ready. I pull consistent 1.80 to 1.85 60' times.

 

According to Nitto's web site, you should start at 20 psi and tune from there. They don't recommend running them below 15 psi, but after numerous passes at different pressures I've found 12 psi works the best on my car.

 

swap tires, make sure you smoke em good and have the right psi... that should improve your launch greatly!

 

i agress with all the above said.....as for launching a 5 speed car ive done it 2 different ways....the first way was "ridin" the clutch a little..its not really a dump or a torquein it out....you release the clutch fast but dont dump it....u leave a little above idle like 1,200...and immediatly floor it...and release the clutch fast....so u get a little wheelspin but u control with the rate u release the clutch....i got a 2.05 60' with that (although i had a little to much wheelspin PRACTICE)....the other way is no nonsense.....im not sure if your framiliar with the term...but this is the other way....hold the rpms at 2800 and "side-step" the clutch...its like a dump but its faster....u just slide your foot off the clutch pedal to the left so the clutch "pops" itself up....when the wheels spin (and they will) u keep the rpms at 2800 and let them drop a little while increasin the amount of throttle pressure and when u get to about 3/4 throttle hammer it (youll be at 1/2 when u side step to keep them spinnin).....i got a 1.997 60' doin this...

this was on street tires and stock suspension....

both runs i got a 14.63 and a 14.56...and my foot does not come off the floor when i shift...i side step the clutch when i shift

hope it helps and practice...THESE ARE THE WAYS TO LAUCH A STICK CAR!!!