Well, Last night, was the first night to the track for me. I've got a 97 GXE five speed with a budget y-pipe and an intake. I ran a .925 RT, 2.5 60', 9.8 1/8th mile, and a 15.2 ET trapping at 92 mph. I don't have the exact numbers, but thats what I recall off the slip. My struts are blown, and I'm running crappy 15" tires, so all I was doing was spinning. I'm also running a stock clutch for right now, so there was no power shifting going on. I still thought I should've been around a 14.6 with that trap speed though, so any help would be appreciated. I think the struts and tires are a majority of my problem. Help!

David

 

Get the 60' down and you will see 14.6s. I ran a 14.67 with only 91 mph. My 60' was a 2.1? It's all in the 60'!

 

I realize that, but how can I keep the spinning down? I'm launching off of idle cause I'm a little scared to fry the stock clutch, but I still spin the tires. My friends say the car really sinks in the back at launch, and I think its due to the blown struts. Would that make sense, and if so, do you think they'll help that much? I've got another friend who is donating some 275/40-17s to the "Poor David Foundation", so I'm thinking that'll help considerably as well.

David

 

thats alot of rubber... don't know if that will help or hurt you.

 

I know!

I've also got access to some 17X8's with 245's on em. Are you saying that might be a better bet?

David

I'm running 225/60/15s now.

 

First day I went to the track last year I ran 16.2 and I was a little disappointed too.

It will get better.

 

See d_warner it is hard. Next time I go to the track I am going to try to get a 15.5 with same mods.

 

i hit a 60' of 2.0 with my crappy bald BFG all season HR4s when i had them. i also ran a 14.3 with just my JWT pop charger and budget Y as power mods. number one thing you should do to get better numbers is to lower your front tire pressures to at least 15psi. that will help a big deal. as far as launch technique, since you're already used to low rpm launches, try holding it to 1,500rpm then when the third yellow drops quickly mix the clutch (don't drop it, but merely release it quickly with the weight of your foot holding it) and wide open throttle. you should get a few chirps off the line (maybe some wheelhop) and you'll find yourself running down the quarter mile faster. also redline 1st-2nd gear shift. from 2nd-3rd, shift at an indicated 6,200rpm. visualize your shifts beforehand and make your motions with the clutch and shifter as quickly and smoothly as possible. i doubt you will be able to shift into fourth so don't be afraid and run through the finish line at redline if you have to. sometimes you'll hit the rev limiter crossing the line, other times you won't, but unless you've got more modifications, don't shift into 4th. my very first run was 15.1 with the intake, so don't feel so bad. hope this helps.

 

Ya when I went to the track I had brand new tires on and they were not broken and in and to slick and they would not stick. They were like 33 psi too, I am going to try to make it 15-18 psi next time I go. Hopefully the won't pop.

 

Thanks man. I really appreciate it. The AGXs are on their way, as well as the 245s. I'll try launching like you said and drop the tire pressure way down. I was running at like 28 psi which is Way too high from what I'm reading. I appreciate your help guys. We'll see what happens next time.

David

 

I run the same pressure at the track as I do on the street. The only time I lower it is if im getting insane amounts of wheelhop. I don't think I've ever gone lower than 25psi on street tires.

 

im sure you're a very good driver, but those launches also have a lot to do with the conditions at your track. from what i see, thats basically impossible at the track i went to. of 5 maxima's, i think the lowest 60' was a 2.3XX, with everyone averaging 2.4's. btw it was very cold (as in you need a winter jacket).

d_warner, don't be disappointed comparing your time to others at different tracks (elevation, weather conditions, track conditions and preparation) because they factor in a large difference in times.

i was only able to hit a 15.08 with an intake, tho my traps were pretty high (93-95mph).

 

You trapped 95 mph with JUST an intake?

 

That's a sign of a lot of weight transfer from the front of your Max to the rear. That reduces the weight on your front wheels and therefore traction. You'll want to tend to that. Here's something you might want to try out. See pic 1/2 way down thread Credit: Jime

 

Cool thanks. Also though, just below that he stated that the spacers did not help alot. Looking at this, it made me wonder about the coil spring spacers at auto zone and all. Would several of these spacers on the rear coils stiffen out the car enough to reduce the weight transfer enough to cause a significant increase in traction? Just a thought.

David

EDITED: OK, he says the store bought spacers didn't help much, but his homemade ones did. Sorry bout that.

David

 

I think Jime had said the front straps were a bit more bother than they're really worth so just the rear spacers is what he'd focus on. I haven't gotten around to making some myself. If you do, let us know what difference you notice. I'm not able to head out to the track anytime soon with the freezing rain that's out there. Maybe I could get 40 sec @ 60 mph in the 1/4ET??

 

yeah...i was averaging about 94mph

here are the stats from one of my runs...

r/t .708
60' 2.521
1/8 9.934
1/8mph 74.14
1/4e 15.127
1/4mph 95.00

that run was with no weight reduction, and 32psi on stock g/y rsa's all around.
performance mod was a jwt filter