[Codeman]

Ok, so I went to the track today for the first time.
I had a blast, the conditions were not exactly ideal, it was 90+degrees with 90+ humidity. So I know that hampered my times.

I have v6 mustang with a bunch of mods, and a 5speed tranny. Other v6s with these mods have ran around 14.3-15.0 range.

I was hoping for that, but managed a best run of 15.71
Here is the time slip info from that run, so you guys can tell me what I need to improve. I also am sure I could gain some with less humidity.
Reaction 0.586
60' 2.484
330' 6.768
660' 10.264
MPH 1 70.89
990' 13.144
1320' 15.715 at 90.80 MPH

I understand that this was my first time, so there is room for improvement.
I had a hard time keeping the tires from spinning. I am running street tires on 16 inch rims. They are general uhp exclaims. I ran them at 25psi and the fronts at 40 psi. I would drive around the water as best I could, except I could not avoid it all due to the way the water box was set up. I would then just spin the tires to get any rocks or stuff off them.

I tried all different methods of starting, and I stayed around the same 60'. I tried rolling out, I tried easing the clutch out. I kept spinning the tires. No matter what. The only suspension mods I have are Ford C springs, and subframe connectors. I have a tlok and 3.73 gears as well.

[casper gt]

you'll be needing better tires, Nitto 555r's should work very well for you (if they make a size that'll work for you). they last quite well for a d/r & have excelent street manners.
other than that, practice, practice, practice.

[K7cobra]

you need to cut down your reaction time leave the leave the line as soon as the second yellow bulb gets bright dont leave on green you should see some better times. im still new on the strip but i have been racing the streets. i found leaving on the second yellow works for me im getting like .050 to .009 it will take some time but find what works for you and casper is right tires will help out a lot

[Codeman]

That is what I figured because my 60' blows. I could easily cut .5 second off that if not a tiny bit more.

[casper gt]

don't woory about your reaction time just yet, there'll be plenty of time for that later, once you get a few other things figured out.
the ET clock doesn't start untill you clear the stage beam so you could technically sit at the starting untill next tuesday & not move, then once you did leave & clear the stage beam, run exactly the same 15.715.
for now, focus on the actual launch & finding some traction, don't worry about the reaction time.
then work on figuring out how to shift the car to get the best times.
lastly, be patient, you can't get eveything involved with drag racing figured out in a few trips to the track, it takes time & practice.

[Codeman]

Thanks ^

I know what you mean. At first I was all disheartened because I figured my car should run faster. But then towards the end I was just having fun. And at least I did improve that day. I went from my very first run of my lift at 16.22 to the 15.715. The conditions were not exactly ideal either with the weather. So hopefully next time they will be better. And as far as the launches go would it be wise to invest in some suspension mods? Or just wait another time to see if my current setup with practice can get my 60' down to around 2.0

[JTs03v6]

Slip the clutch. Your 60' should at least be in the 2.0 range. Probablly your tire holding you back.

[Codeman]

Ok, well what would be a good tire? I have 16 inch rims. And I could always buy a used set of 16s for the other tires.

[Codeman]

Ok, well I did some testing on my launches today on the street.

I tried just slipping the clutch like JT. I would hold the RPMS at like 2.5k to 3k. Then slowly let the clutch out to the friction point then smash the pedal while letting the clutch out slowly and it worked amazingly. NO tire spin what so ever. I can't wait until sept 25 to try it at the track. I hope it works and gets my 60' down to 2.0 or so

[HMERacing]

Originally Posted by casper gt don't woory about your reaction time just yet, there'll be plenty of time for that later, once you get a few other things figured out. the ET clock doesn't start untill you clear the stage beam so you could technically sit at the starting untill next tuesday & not move, then once you did leave & clear the stage beam, run exactly the same 15.715. for now, focus on the actual launch & finding some traction, don't worry about the reaction time. then work on figuring out how to shift the car to get the best times. lastly, be patient, you can't get eveything involved with drag racing figured out in a few trips to the track, it takes time & practice.

Good advice!

[saxmanJJ]

Launch her right and you'll get that 14 second (14.99) timeslip.

Good luck and have fun!

[Codeman]

Ok, another question. I was doing some practice, there were no times, but I think I have a better launch method.

I hold the rpms at 3k or so. Then I slowly let the clutch out and once it starts to engage I punch the gas while still slowly letting the clutch out. And it seems to work a little better.

Ok my other question is, is speed shifting worth it? I did a couple runs speed shifting and they were faster, is it worth the extra wear to the tranny?

[modularmustang]

I use to have general exclaims... I know your pain, lol. Honestly, even sumitomos are a better tire in terms of traction. The best 60' time I could get with the generals was a 2.2xx, with the sumi's I got a few 2.0x's. Your 60' is very important, also, where are you shifting? You want your next gear to drop to your max torque (ex. on mine, my peak torque is at 4krpm, so I shift at 6k, 5.6k then 5.6k.)

[1996mustanggt]

Originally Posted by K7cobra you need to cut down your reaction time leave the leave the line as soon as the second yellow bulb gets bright dont leave on green you should see some better times. im still new on the strip but i have been racing the streets. i found leaving on the second yellow works for me im getting like .050 to .009 it will take some time but find what works for you and casper is right tires will help out a lot

Cut down your reaction time by not worrying about red lining, try to anticipate it instead of waiting. my reaction time is .126 which is decent but pro dragsters i've raced with rail cars have .05 im like da fk?

[Blackbird1084]

I avg'd .04 at the last shootout i went to. But on another note HOLY DEAD THREAD BATMAN! lol

[allaboutcars101]

i did a .018 reaction time, i was shocked!!!!a buddy of mine once pulled a .005 i believe. it was that hair between redlight and perfect! lol.

launching on the street and track is gunna be different, the track is prepped and smooth, most street roads are smooth. watch how much throttle u have on the clutch, y may end up burning it up. i know in my 04GT i tend to stay at about 2k, when i see the third yellow light i hit it, try to not just dump the clutch, but just back my foot straight off, so it has that little bit of slip. i spin for about 6ft or so but then shes rollin! im still new, i raced the track 3 times now, so im still learning as well. im gunna get some 10.5 slicks soon and go from there.

[dcook_14]

Reaction time doesn't have squat to do with an E.T.

[stockfairlady]

tires and the driver mod are the best to improve times IMO.