Best rpm to launch/Carlsbad Raceway next Sat. 01/31.

modu1ar tek

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Sep 15, 2003
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Hey guys, this is kinda a 2-message thread.

1) Im thinking of going to Carlsbad raceway next weekend, this'll be the first time I'm at a track, period. I've never really launched a car so there are a few questions I have so I won't embarass myself.
-What rpm is it best to launch at on a stock GT w/the stock wheels/tires?(im going to take off the cobra r's)
-how does the x-mas tree light work? When are you supposed to drop the clutch to have best reaction time but not red-light?

2) Also..any So.Cal Stangnet'ers willing to come and have a sort of mini-meet at the track? Also, i've heard that Fontana is a better track..which is the better track?Thanks
 
modu1ar tek said:
Hey guys, this is kinda a 2-message thread.

1) Im thinking of going to Carlsbad raceway next weekend, this'll be the first time I'm at a track, period. I've never really launched a car so there are a few questions I have so I won't embarass myself.
-What rpm is it best to launch at on a stock GT w/the stock wheels/tires?(im going to take off the cobra r's)
-how does the x-mas tree light work? When are you supposed to drop the clutch to have best reaction time but not red-light?

2) Also..any So.Cal Stangnet'ers willing to come and have a sort of mini-meet at the track? Also, i've heard that Fontana is a better track..which is the better track?Thanks
my first track experience was at carlsbad with my stock 02 gt. my best run was 15.5 thats with me launching at 2000 rpm and dumping the clutch and smashing the gas. I spun like crazy it was hella fun. i beat a vette off the line that run.

AS far as the x mas tree U GO WHEN THE 3RD YELLOW LIGHT IS LIT. DO NOT WAIT ON THE GREEN LIGHT. I REPEAT GO ON THE 3RD YELLOW LIGHT.
 
Thats about right. Right when the last yellow light hits go. it will improve your 60 times. Also dont just drop the clutch ease into it. youll have to practice to see what will be the best times on stock tires but i recommend 1500. dont just drop it at 1500. slowly let go of the clucth and right when you get to 1500 relase it completely. also dont just slamm it into 2 gear ease it into second gear and power shift into third and forth. your first time will suck but you will get better at it. only you will know what works perfectly with your car and your driving style. I dont know if you have modded gears but if you have 3.27 try to clear the whole quarter mile in 3rd gear. that will improve your times as.
 
Not just fontana, but any other quarter mile track has better traction than C-bad. Very hard to cut a good 60 foot at Carlsbad... anyway, i like to launch just below 2k, with a heavy drop at first, not a full clutch drop, but enough to really jerk the car out and transfer the weight. then i gas hard and ride the clutch a little till i feel i can let go and full power it. ive cut 1.9 60 foots this way, on stock Gt tires. remember to power shift, and in the return lane, turn your heater on full blast to cool the motor down a bit. dont bother doing much of a burn out before you launch, i just spin it up a little to clean them off. Launching on the 3rd light is agood idea, but at first you should just concentrate on getting a good 60 foot down. your reaction time has nothing to do with the times your going to run, so dont stress about it while you're learning.

On the 31st, im working down at the Monster Truck bash at the Q, my work is sponsoring it so ill be there showing some of our rides. Buuut, theres a little meet up on the friday night right before that, send me a message if you want to meet up.
 
You should be able to cut a 2.0 short time on stock goodyears. Or any otehr kind of normal street tire. Try launching at idle first. Either thing you do your not gonna hook. Might have to slip the clutch some for better traction. And do not warm up the tires, and don't drive your front tires into the water box.

Josh