Starting Over

[frankstang]

After getting my Aod equipped 91LX to a best of 14.09 on street tires with only exhaust, UD's and gears, I'm going to a test-n-tune in the next couple weeks with a completely new setup.

The car now has a used 306 w/GT40 heads, tubular GT40 intake, stock cam and bottom end. It has shorty headers, off road H-pipe with Flowmaster catback. It also sports a T5 in place of the AOD and retains 4:10 gears.

I've never raced a manual tranny car before so this should be interesting. I had maybe 30-50 runs with the AOD, so I'm still basically a rookie.
Rather than going balls to the wall with redline launches I'd like to get a feel for the new launch procedure. I'm using Nitto 27.5 DR's.

What rpm should I start with to launch?
What would you expect this combo to run with an experienced driver?
Any tips?

[altoona]

Test & tunes are great for sorting out launch procedures. I don't know how crowded it is where you go but at BSD I usually make 15 passes at a T&T day. That's a lot of useful information that can be gained in one day.

I don't know what kind of suspension you have, or what kind of torque you're making, but I'd probably start at around 3k or so and slip the clutch a little, as opposed to a pure clutch drop. If the engine bogs, up the launch rpm a few hundred next time till you run into problems with excess tire spin. Somewhere between tire spin and bog will be the right launch rpm.

Depending on track prep, I usually launch between 2.5k and 3k. Anything higher produces too much tire spins and hurts my et's. I have completely stock suspension, 3.73 gears and M/T 2.55/15 drag radials. I'm running a 393 T5 combo, and have a lot of traction issues.

If you've never raced a manual trans car before I think you'll have a blast. I can't imagine racing an auto, even if it was faster. Rowing the gears is a large part of the fun to me.

[OCRnotch]

On a tnt at prp ull get about 3 passes lol thats why i go to beaver too

[frankstang]

On a tnt at prp ull get about 3 passes lol thats why i go to beaver too

The most I ever got at PRP was 5 I think.
I'm not looking to turn the car into a drag car, but want it to run high 12's to low 13's. Don't know if that's a possibility with the way the car is set up right now. That's why I'm going to the track, to see what it'll need to reach those numbers. I only hope my learning curve as far as launching a manual goes quickly so I can concentrate more on what the car needs.

The suspension is stock with FRPP C springs. Not the best setup for weight transfer but I don't want a real loose spring on the street. And this is after all a street car 95% of the time.

[altoona]

On a tnt at prp ull get about 3 passes lol thats why i go to beaver too

That's nuts! I'm not real happy that I only get 3 time trials on race night, which means if I lose in the first round I only get 4 runs total, and you guys only get 3-5 at test and tune?

I could easily run 30 times at test and tune if my car and I were up to it! Guess I'm spoiled.

[Martin0660]

That's nuts! I'm not real happy that I only get 3 time trials on race night, which means if I lose in the first round I only get 4 runs total, and you guys only get 3-5 at test and tune?

Ha! Yeah, mostly 3 passes at TnT. We only get two time trials on a regular race day, loose 1st round and you got three passes in unless you buy into the second chance race, then your likely to get your clock cleaned by a full on race car. I've been lucky enough that I've been getting 5+ passes on race days.

Bob Myers

[Martin0660]

Rather than going balls to the wall with redline launches I'd like to get a feel for the new launch procedure. I'm using Nitto 27.5 DR's.

A few things to consider.

First of all, go with the intent of having some fun, the rest will come with laps.

The track prep is pretty poor for TnT, and has been worse lately than usual. Add to that the number of real street tire cars, FWD cars. 4x4's, diesels, and what not, and it's hard to learn anything at a TnT these days. Even when there is some bite, it can go away with the wrong car in front of you.

I'm no fan of the Nitto's and they can be more hit or miss.

As best I've seen, for stockish type suspension and DR's, I've seen guys start at 2500 RPM. If it holds (or bogs), work up, if not work down. The type of clutch is going to matter. If it's a better clutch, you might try to slip it a little off the line, but if you arent sure, you could fry a clutch.

See above, go to have fun, and the rest will come. To be honest, I tell most new guys NOT t olisten to anyone and do what feels right. There will be lots of suggestions thrown at you, some of them will conflict, and confuse you. If your main purpose is to have fun, the ET will come :D

Bob Myers