drag shifting?

[mustangcam]

i was thinkin of goin to the drag strip with the new cobra to get some times with some buddies of mine. This is my first manual car and i have never been to the strip before so I was wondering if there was a certain time to shift to each gear to get the most power. and do i start in 2nd? cuz someone said that first is a waste of time or someting, i didnt really understand. thanks

 

[Uncle Meat]

First time at the track with your car... Always start in first, whoever told you not to is an idiot. Shift the car at redline unless you've got a dyno sheet handy that we can analyze. 99% time though shifting right at redline will result in the best times.

U.M.

 

[BadMoFo]

they were probably telling you to do your burnout in 2nd. but defiantly launch in 1st. try different rpms to see what works best with your car and tire combo.

 

[mustangcam]

thanx...so i shift at redline every time? like into every gear? ya it turns out they were tellin me how to do a burnout in 2nd. is a burnout really necessary cuz it sounds complicated and bad for tires.

 

[Dan_Soprano]

thanx...so i shift at redline every time? like into every gear? ya it turns out they were tellin me how to do a burnout in 2nd. is a burnout really necessary cuz it sounds complicated and bad for tires.

It really depends on what tires you are running. If you are running Drag Radials or Slicks, then yes, you need to do a healthy burnout to heat the tires if you want to cut a decent 60' time. If you are running regular street tires, then just a quick spin of the tires to remove any debris (so you don't spread them down the track--read BAD!) will do.

 

[Uncle Meat]

Additional info if you're running street tires... STAY OUT OF THE WATER BOX! Drive around it... No need to fill your treads up with water and spread it around the starting line. You'll make enemies quickly if you do...

U.M.

 

[MangledAxle]

so why do burn out in 2nd gear? what the advantage and technique to this?

 

[Uncle Meat]

so why do burn out in 2nd gear? what the advantage and technique to this?

If the car has enough balls and clutch to handle a 2nd gear burnout the reason for doing so is that you won't have to rev the engine as high to create the wheel speed necessary to heat the tires properly. This is especially helpful on supercharged vehicles because it reduces the amount of heat you build up in the blower/motor prior to launch.

U.M.