Folks, I'm as green as they come.

I've never put my mess on the rollers or participated in a legal race.

I'm planning on joining the folks of DTR down at the Coastal Plains Raceway this Sunday (11/12/06) and make a pass.

I realize you guys have never seen my heap so you've really nothing to go by performance wise. Other than that listed in my Sig, I'm running a full TransGo kit in the 518 automatic (stock TC for now ), 5' ladder bars, and LT305/70R16 BF Goodrich all terrains.



For what it's worth, on dry standard highway asphalt:

From a stand-still, release the brakes and stand on the throttle, it will not break traction (OEM Dana 70 with OEM posi-traction, 3.5'something gears).
If I power-brake, and build about ten pounds boost and launch, it'll brake traction for a short distance.
Who knows if I build boost any higher.

I don't know if the track sprays any takifier (SP?/glue) on the launch-pad, but assuming it's at least the typical sticky bed of rubber, ya think I should build a little more boost for launch?

Is there any need in my considering launching in 4WD?


As far as tire air pressures, I've always just looked at my typical tire spin marks and adjusted pressure so as to arrive at a uniform pattern for the best grip.




Any tips for a rookie/wannabe?

Thanks folks,

David (BC)


(I did a search and didn't find anything specific . . . . . )

 

Most who have 4 wheel drive launch with it engaged. You'll have plenty of chances to test which way works best. See you there.

*Tip* Leave on the third yellow light and stay in the go pedal all the way through the traps.

 

I ran my truck up at the schied diesel extravaganza. From going on what i did, i left on the last yellow light on the rev limter in 4wd. On the speed shifts from 3rd to 4th i disengaged the 4wd, no burn out and stay out of the waterbox

Ratts

 

Thanks for the replies folks.


Well I went out tonight and played for a moment.

BIG improvement in launch in 4x4 at 10psig boost with no wheel-spin!

I found out real quick though I need to practice throttling to keep the boost under control while holding the brakes as I saw it jump to 25psig before I could say EASY!!


On that note, I figure the touchy boost is a result of my having the W/M kick in around 15 to 20psig (ramps up). So what might be a good launch boost figure? (Without destroying the 518 immediately). Should I raise the set-points of the W/M to gain a little control?


Any tips on controlling things at the line?

 

Nothing like practice I have found. I have been racing mine on the track for over 2 years now and I still have room for improvement. I roll into the pre-stage light. Then start power braking slowly to build boost. When mine gets to around 10psi I bump forward to light staged light. I try to keep the boost at that point raising slowly while waiting for 3rd yellow to go on. Sometimes I get it right and leave with around 20psi and climbing and sometimes I don't. My problem is similar to yours in that the II SPS66 lites around 12psi and wants to jump to 30psi before I am ready for that launch. It has happened a few times and although scarry hard launch that has definitely been some of my best 60' and 1/4 ETs. I do not shift out of 4wd until I am slowing down to turn off the track, mine will not release anyway until I let off the throttle.

The best launch psi will be what does not break the tires loose or nuke something. Mine is probably 22psi, but still have not found a consistent way to have that happen everytime.