Drag Racing Pointers?

[Grizzly]

Hi all.

This is mainly for the Experianced Drag racers, I am trying to get some pointers in the art of geting a powerfull Rx off the start line of a drag strip as quick as possable.

I know some of the basics but i'd love to get some tips off proper racers.

I guess being in the UK i want to learn how to launch a Rx in the wet! LOL.

Chris.

[Glenn Butcher]

Hi Chris!

How are you?

Well, what type of clutch/power/tyres do you have?

If you are going to Drag Race a bit, then I strongly recommend putting some slicks, or propoer soft wall street drag tyres on. Not recommended, but I use to find that re-tread tyres were quite good for traction mainly because of the height of the side wall. Forget it with anything lower than a 60 profile tyre.

You will just get too frustrated trying to launch the car on street tyres, as you will lose up to 2 seconds just getting it off the line.

...

Depending on the traction you have, I use to slip the clutch a little (even with a metallic button clutch) they are not designed to be slipped, but can really help you get it off the line.

But with slicks on, I was able to launch at 10,000rpm with a NA bridgeport and just spin the tyres - it is an amazing feeling when this happens!

I ALWAYS got the tyres as hot as possible, doing a good 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear burnout. Depending on the power and driveline you should be able to put the car in 2nd rev to 7,000rpm or so and drop the clutch. Move your left foot straight from the clutch to the brake so that you can hold it there (a proper burnout). Doing this serves a few purposes:

1. Cleans the tyres
2. Heats the tyres
3. Cleans any carbon/:censored::censored::censored::censored: out the engine for making good power
4. For the big drag racing boys, they actually lay a thin layer of rubber over the start line from their burnout to help with traction off the line.

Some great vids here http://www.realper4mance.com

Hope this helps mate!

[Grizzly]

Thanks Glen.

At the Moment my car is roughly 450-500hp and is running a stock Gearbox?, Kaaz Limited slip diff,Uprated drive shafts,OS Giken Twin plate Clutch with a 17lb's Flywheel,Full polly Bushings.

Basicly theres not alot left of the T2 running gear, The wheels and Tyres i'm running may not be best set up for drag racing? (225/40/18 ft and 265/35/18 rear) i was thinking along the lines of puting some stock Fd rims on with Nitto 555r II's but i would have to down grade the Brakes a bit.

I am thinking of doing a few runs this year before the New engine is put together just to see how far i can do a burn out? LOL

Chris

P.S. Loved your run at the Pod by the way ;)

[Glenn Butcher]

Sounds very nice mate. But, yep - you'll struggle with those tyres and amount of power.

No-one here running a rotary has invested in a good set of tyres, will be great when someone does??? (wink, wink!).

Let me know when you are going to be there - we'll have our own burnout comp!

.ps Ta mate! vid. here for those who weren't there:

http://www.fdrx7.com/videos/glennburnout.avi

[Grizzly]

Funny thing is i just build them does'nt mean i can drive it, LOL

Belive it or not we saw your Run first hand (Drove down from Manchester).

Chris