Ran a few 1/8 races tonight

[mbell75]

So tonights little experiment of a softer launch (2000-2500RPM) didnt really go so well. My 60' times sucked and so did my 1/8 times, but my trap speeds were pretty good. I was trapping 3-4mph higher than the V8s running mid 9s with low 2s in their 60'. So bottom line is, I need stickier tires and better launches. Will be working on that next week when I go back. I got 3 runs in. First was a no go because I left before the green, didnt even get a time. 2nd run was my best, it was...

60' 2.812
330 6.892
1/8 10.053
MPH 79.33

3rd run, I lost traction in 2nd and slid a bit when I gave it full throttle

60' 2.790
330 7.186
1/8 10.412
MPH 78.13

My car was #4765
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3333/57259691.jpg

Run 2
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8740/41913197.jpg

Run 3
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/1184/15805932.jpg

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[Starman99]

Nice times! I'm impressed

[Bwinkelsas]

good mph!, deffinitly need to get some better tires tho like you said, that e.t. is suffering

[mbell75]

Thanks guys. Well I was trying the soft launches this time. I was only launching at 2000-2500RPM. I was staying out of boost in 1st gear and granny shifting it around 20mph. With a more aggressive launch, I should be able to get my 60' around 2.5 and get in the high 9s. I only have 150 miles on the new clutch too, so I didnt want to hammer on that as well, next weeks runs should be better. I think the 1/8 mile is too short. Its ending when my car is just starting to build up some steam. I can get to 90 in 3rd gear, so I am hardly getting halfway thru 3rd by the finish line and the car is still pulling hard. Will be nice to run the 1/4 again. Thinking about some 205/50 Dunlop Direzzas, which are some nice sticky street tires. Might get them before the next run. Other FWD guys have had alot of success with those 225/50 BFG G-Force drags, running 60' at 2 all day, but I am not sure I want to get that carried away

[SMITHBOY76908]

You DEFINITELY need stickier tires. That 60ft needs improvement alot.

My street tires are 225/45/17 Dunlop star specs and I will still boil them through the 330ft. My best 1/8 mile time on Dunlops was...

60ft: 2.11
1/8: 8.83 @ 85mph
1/4: 13.42 @ 103mph

That was slipping the clutch off the line, pull 1st to about 5k, then shift to 2nd and floor to build boost. Once it spooled, bye bye tires. Even the Dunlops couldn't hold it down. I finally switched to M/T 24.5 x 8 x 15 drag slicks and never miss a lick. 1.7-1.9 60ft all day. My best with them is...

60ft: 1.91
1/8: 8.29 @ 86mph
1/4: 12.93 @ 105mph

I got a 1.79 60ft one pass during bracket racing and went 8.13 @ 86mph in the 1/8 but let off towards the top end to keep from breaking out. I wish I hadn't now just to see the time but I would've been eliminated.

Get that clutch broken in, get some stickier tires, and work on that launch. You'll see those times get quicker. Remember that .1 off your 60ft time equals apx. .2 off your 1/8 mile time and .3 off your 1/4 mile time. The 60ft is where it's at.

[mbell75]

Originally Posted by SMITHBOY76908

You DEFINITELY need stickier tires. That 60ft needs improvement alot.

My street tires are 225/45/17 Dunlop star specs and I will still boil them through the 330ft. My best 1/8 mile time on Dunlops was...

60ft: 2.11
1/8: 8.83 @ 85mph
1/4: 13.42 @ 103mph

That was slipping the clutch off the line, pull 1st to about 5k, then shift to 2nd and floor to build boost. Once it spooled, bye bye tires. Even the Dunlops couldn't hold it down. I finally switched to M/T 24.5 x 8 x 15 drag slicks and never miss a lick. 1.7-1.9 60ft all day. My best with them is...

60ft: 1.91
1/8: 8.29 @ 86mph
1/4: 12.93 @ 105mph

I got a 1.79 60ft one pass during bracket racing and went 8.13 @ 86mph in the 1/8 but let off towards the top end to keep from breaking out. I wish I hadn't now just to see the time but I would've been eliminated.

Get that clutch broken in, get some stickier tires, and work on that launch. You'll see those times get quicker. Remember that .1 off your 60ft time equals apx. .2 off your 1/8 mile time and .3 off your 1/4 mile time. The 60ft is where it's at.

Yea, I am just on some basic 195/60 street tires I can probably get a 2.5 60' on them with a more aggressive launch. Might get those Direzzas for the next run though. About those 60' times, there are alot of factors. If you notice, I actually got a better 60' time on my slower run. Thats because I lost traction at the top of 2nd which slowed me down. So I can get a not so great 60' time, but make it up down the road with better shifting once I get the feel for this new clutch. Just got it a few days ago.

[SMITHBOY76908]

^With street tires, sure. Let's say that with the Dunlops you grip from the 60ft onward. A 2.5 60ft is going to yield you a much better time than a 2.8 60ft. Look at my times. 2.11 60ft = 13.42 1/4 mile. 1.91 60ft = 12.93 1/4 mile.

[underoath]

Originally Posted by mbell75

Yea, I am just on some basic 195/60 street tires I can probably get a 2.5 60' on them with a more aggressive launch. Might get those Direzzas for the next run though. About those 60' times, there are alot of factors. If you notice, I actually got a better 60' time on my slower run. Thats because I lost traction at the top of 2nd which slowed me down. So I can get a not so great 60' time, but make it up down the road with better shifting once I get the feel for this new clutch. Just got it a few days ago.

dont waste your time with shity dunlops.... get some 14x5.5 steelies and throw some 205/55/14 Nitto drag radials that cost 100 shipped each online, you'll hook alot better

[SMITHBOY76908]

Originally Posted by underoath

dont waste your time with shity dunlops.... get some 14x5.5 steelies and throw some 205/55/14 Nitto drag radials that cost 100 shipped each online, you'll hook alot better

Focus brakes require a minimum of 15" wheel.

This is my suggestion also though just with different informantion. Find a spare set of stock Focus 15" wheels and throw some 24.5x8 slicks on them. Use a small spacer to clear the struts and drive on. The stock axles and dif are pretty strong for stock. I know, I've pushed mine beyond my expectations and they haven't given way yet (knocks on wood).

[NX_Focus]

my 03 zx5 came with some stock steel 14's. so was thinking of putting them on my 07 zx3. but not sure on tires. heck my hp is around 125 to 130 then if i add spray it would be a 75 shot. not sure f i want to run my 14's or shop for other wheels.