desired_speeds

My friend convinced me to go to Infineon for Wednesday night drags this week. It was a beautiful day, but that meant it was hot, and it got even hotter when I got to Sears point. Since it was short notice, I had 3/4 tank of gas and was sporting Pirelli all seasons nearing their wear bars on my heavy 19in. Lorinsers. I only managed to take out my spare tire and jack. It was a terrible day to run, there was significant headwind, and it was around 90 degrees when I rolled through the entrance.

This was the first time at the track with this car, my first time launching it, and the first time I had been out there in almost two years.

1st run: 13.747 @ 102.95 (90°F)
2nd run: 14.265 @ 103.51 (87°F) launched with traction on, big mistake!
3rd run: 13.774 @ 103.90 (81°F)
4th run: 13.701 @104.14 (78°F)

Here's the video of my 1st and 3rd run: http://youtu.be/WlfU1b5vrQM

I might head back up there next week if the conditions are better, I'm not satisfied with my results this week. I'm pretty sure everyone was doing terrible as the silver ford lightning in the video ran a 14.3 next to me.

mtnhouse

Did you reduce the air in your tires? It helps you on traction. That track is kinda uphill so your time might be off a little bit. Sacramento raceway has also Wednesday night drags if you get a chance try your car there and compare the time.

mtnhouse

I forgot to ask did you beat that camaro?

desired_speeds

I was running 24psi on my tires. I wasn't too comfortable with going much lower because they're 30 series sidewalls. Last time I went up to sac we got there at like 6pm from traffic and the track was prepped poorly so traction sucked. I'd like to go up to sac for test and tune when I get the chance. And no I didn't beat the Camaro he was a tad quicker than I was up top.

And just for reference, when my friend had his old 02 E55, ran a 12.9 bone stock at infineon with Bridgestone RE-01 tires years ago.

mtnhouse

maybe you should put back your stock rims if you still have it.

desired_speeds

I actually traded wheels with my friend when he sold his car. Not such a wise move, but oh well haha

tsquare

What technique did you use to launch off the line? Did you shift the car manually or just keep it in drive?

I've never driven my car at a drag strip.

desired_speeds

I hold my left foot on the brake and bring the revs at 1100-1200rpm and roll into the throttle. That was the hardest part for me to get right as I'm not used to launching with wire throttles. I seemed to have gotten it down as I would spin a bit then catch and take off. I just need to work on my reaction time, it sucks. haha I let the car shift by itself. I always felt that it would lag a little if I manually shifted it.

xlr8tin

Yea, I've noticed during normal (hard) driving that it seems to be a little faster for me to keep it in D. but if I'm already going, say 30, and going to like 60 and need that quick burst, then manuallly shifting is best.

I need to get a sprint booster, and see if that really helps

desired_speeds

My return to the track today yielded slightly better results. I had 1/4 tank of gas and cooler weather on my side. However, there was still head wind.

1st run: 13.587 @ 104.51 mph
2nd run: 13.695 @ 103.95 mph (was testing launch technique)
3rd run: 13.580 @ 105.52 mph
4th run: 13.959 @ 104.59 mph
5th run: 14.222 @ 104.05 mph

It got really ugly quickly towards the end because the temperature was getting too cold for my tires to get any traction. The head wind was terrible by the time I was doing my last run. Overall, I'm till disappointed at my results. The heavy 19in. wheels and the worn low profile all season Pirellis are probably to blame. I don't think I'll be returning to the track until I get my headers and tune. I will also have new tires by then. I guess I will have to rely on my trap speed to use for comparisons as I feel that the 1/4 mile times are an inaccurate assessment of the car.

gandalfthegray

Actually these are better than my car did. My best pass was a 14.03 @ 103.9 I made about 6 or 7 runs that day but could not get a 13.xx.

This is another reason for my skepticism in regards to the mods.

desired_speeds

Is it possibly your elevation? Where are you located? Running 14s with these cars makes it sound like something may be wrong with yours