Hey everyone,

I had a really good time at the track. Seeing all of these 11 second cars was just awesome. And seeing a 9 second bike was cool too.

Anyway, here's a link to my times:

http://home.attbi.com/~chriswax/times.html

I'm very disappointed with how I did. I did find some excitement though when I beat my 15.8 time with a 15.7.

Here are some comments just so you guys can help me get better times and trap speeds:

- Launching came easy to me, but then again, I'm not sure how I can improve. Help?

- I've never chirped 1->2 in all of my driving and all of my runs. Anyone know why? Am I shifting too slow? I've tried to speed my shifting up quite a bit but no luck.

- Do my 17'' really make me slow? I hope not, I would like to get very decent times with the wheel/tires I'm currently running.

- I took the spare tire out after the 3rd run. Hmm, looked like it worked. I got my 15.7 w/o the wheel but then I got my slowest time on the following run.

- Weather was at least 85+ F when we got there. It gradually cooled off, and by the 5th run, it was pretty cold already. I didn't know where to get exact temp and humidity.

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I would appreciate help, advice, and comments on my first time at the track. I'd say I did pretty well with launches, but once I got going, it looks like I didn't gain the speed I should have. I'm wonding if I might have an exhaust leak somewhere.

Thanks,

Chris

 

It was your 1st time so don't worry too much. I checked the historical weather for Davis,CA and it looks like the temps were in the 80-70 degree range with 50% humidity during your racing. Davis is very close to sea level so elevation isn't much of a factor. In cooler and drier fall weather, you should see a drop of .2-.3 seconds and gain of 1-2mph in MPH.

Your 60 foots were okay for your 1st time out, but if you could get them into the higher 2.2s, you'd be looking at 15.4-15.5s.

The wheels are slowing you down somewhat. I'd guess they are taking out .15-.20 and 1-2mph in ET/mph.

Your only mod performance mod is a intake, correct? Well the wheels are off-setting any gains from the intake (ie you're pretty close to stock).

You're biggest improvement will come from more track experience. When I drag raced my Maxima the 1st time (Y/I/muffler/17s) I was getting consistent 15.5s@91mph. Later on in cooler weather, better driving, and the same mods and except the 17s, I got down into the 14.7s@94mph. My 60 foots went from high 2.3s to mid 2.2s.


Dave

 

Dave,

We were actually deep in Sacramento, about 30 miles or so more east than Davis. It was hot, but we had a nice breeze, so it was bearable.

I'm still wondering if my car has any problems. I will check for an exhuast leak the next time I drive my car. I'm suspecting one because sometimes when I first start the car, I notice a different sound note coming from underneath the car in comparsion to my other Max. I find myself filling up for gas quite often too, but maybe it's just my lead foot.

Also, I fouled out on my very first run. I felt pretty bad about it, and that's why I didn't take any chances on my reactions. I made sure to see green before I went.

Is it possible that I am NOT going all the way to the optimum shift points? I get so caught up in the adrenaline rush that I might've shifted too early on many of the runs.

thanx for your help.

 

An exhaust leak wouldn't hurt you much at all unless it was a significant leak. And if the leak is that bad, the noise would be unbearable.

Redlighting doesn't affect your 1/4 mile. Once the tree is triggered, you can go and the timers will start no matter what. You can have a .001 reaction time or a 10 minute reaction, but you'll still end up running the same 1/4 mile.

As indicated by the tach, shift at the 1-2 at 6500, 2-3 at 6200, and the 3-4 at 6000. If you're only going 86-88mph in the 1/4 then try winding out 2nd and 3rd and see what happens. MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT LETTING OFF TOO EARLY!!!! Verify the end of the track and keep your foot in the gas past the finish. I've watched too many guys hit the brakes too early.


Dave

 

Hmm you know what Dave? that could be it...I probably did let off too early on the shifts. And I let off FULLY (granny shifting I guess?). I'm not too experienced with shifting at redline, but I do try my best to shift in the shortest amount of time possible.

About the reaction times...They didn't give me a timeslip for my first run, and that's why I took my time on the following runs.