Taking a 21yr old car to the track for a baseline.....

I'm not much of a dragracer anymore (I prefer to spend my time circulating road courses), but I want to get a number to compare future modifications and improvements. This will be the first time I will pilot my bone-stock '86 GT down the 1/4 mile. Do you guys have any suggestions of shift points (the car hates to rev past 5Krpm) and launch rpm's (my first pass will be off idle)? In addition, because the car is 21 years old, are there any suggestions on what to watch for for possible damage or breakage? Currently, the motor-mounts show some wear and there is a whine from my rear differential (very likely the pinion bearing). I'm not too concerned if something does happen, but it is always good to know what to look for.

Mike

I appreciate the response and thank you for the suggestions, unfortunately I am just reading them this morning.

The car did well at the track, no breaks, no leaks, and no problems.

I found that launching the GT is a greater challenge than orginally anticipated. With no prior attempts, my experience in this car was greatly lacking. When you factor in my 60 ft times, it seems there is room for improvement. My best results were achieved by launching the car off idle and shifting at an un-inspiring 4,700 rpms. At the end of the 1/4 mile, the car was in the top of third gear, so only two shifts were necessary (does the car come with 3.08 or 2.73 stock?).

At the very least, I have my baseline to compare future modifications and improvements.

Here are the results (day started at 79 degrees and by my third run it was 94);

First pass (launched at 2k rpm = massive wheel spin through first gear ):
60 ft. 2.585,
16.03@89.45

Second pass: (off idle)
60 ft. 2.496
15.68@90.52

Third pass: (off idle)
60 ft. 2.382
15.41@90.98

Mike

ryan218 said:

best in the 86 gt of my dads was a 14.1.....

Click to expand...

Was that 1/4 mile time from a stock '86?

Mike

^^^^^
I will practice a bit more and hope that the next trip to the strip will net better 60 ft. times, which should also help with 1/4 mile et.

My tach reaches to 5,800 rpm in the yellow, but it won't go there. On my first pass I tried to make the car rev to 5K rpm in each gear, but it took too long and I decided to shift earlier for my next passes, which worked better for times. Maybe my tachometer is inaccurate?

Mike