I will be going to the track for my first time this next weekend and I really need advice on how to launch my car. I have a 97 Maxima GXE 5spd with an intake, y-pipe, technosquare ECU, and stock GXE wheels (hubbies; the tires probably aren't the best). Please, give me your advice.

Also, what times do you think I could possibly run, that is if I lived at sea level? Thank you.

 

well im not sure what other people are doing, but I might would try 2000 rpms and work my way up on the launch. Im launching around 2500-2600 rpms but you have to factor in the track, clutch and tires to see what each car can do. good luck,
i just got back from a dragway today and had some good fun, went 3-2 verus some mustang gt's.

will put some videos up tonight... have a good one

 

Thank you Ceasar. By the way, I remember seeing an in cab video with you at the track. Is there any chance I could see that one again? Because I think it is a good video clip to observe. Also, are you saying you have it reved already at 2500 rpms the whole time until it hits green, and then you press the gas pedal down and release the clutch? Do you feather the gas pedal at all?

Thank you again.

 

got an in cab camera on this page

http://www.ceasarschariot.com/drag.html

when you are staged, i have i am pressing the gas down( causing the car to rev up to 2500, and i try to stick it there) remember clutch is engaged. when i see the light (3rd yellow) i let off clutch while stomping the gas ! LOL !

 

Thank you Ceasar. Good stuff.

 

The problem with me is that I get really bad wheel spin. I can't seem to learn how to launch even on the streets. I know you should launch around 1,800 rpms on the streets right? Well I always get too excited and end up launching at 3,000 rpms. It's horrible, and it just feels like I am going to launch horribly when I get to the track. Can someone give me some advice on how to feather the clutch or gas or whatever? Thanks.

 

what kind of tires do you use and what kind of shape are they in ? launching is still going to take some time.

i dont think you should worry about reaction time as much as just going through the motions of line the car up, get ready, get rpms ready... and GO !

start at 1800-2000 area and see what happens.

are you spinning the tires a bit to get the water and grit off ?

hopefully neal, dave or mike will check out the post and give you some more pointers ?

 

I have those ugly stock GXE wheels. The tires say NEGOTIATOR NH 65 on them. They are the tires that I have had since I bought the thing back in October of 2003. The tread seems to be fine for the most part. Could be a little better I suppose.