Tips to get a good 1/4 mile

cartaa100 · 23-01-2012, 10:43 AM

Hey guys, im going to eastern creek this Wednesday, any tips to get the best time possible.

Tyre pressure
Launching
Traction on or off
Shifting rpm

I drive a fg xr6 5spd

But feel free to post tips for all fords and fpvs.
Cheers

Giant · 23-01-2012, 11:01 AM

Remove spare tyre
1/4 tank of 98 octane
24 PSI to 26 PSI rear tyres
Fit 16 inch rear wheels
Stall at around 2000 rpm and work your way to 3000rpm until your getting wheel spin.
Forget about the lights just take your time to get it right.
Front tyres 55 PSI

DBourne · 23-01-2012, 12:12 PM

For your first few runs it'll be all to quick for you to actually think of all those factors.

Simply, have fun. Once you get a few runs, start to take note of what RPM you're using to get off the line. If you find the car bogging, increase it slightly. If you find you get wheel spin, decrease it slightly.

buggo · 23-01-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

For your first few runs it'll be all to quick for you to actually think of all those factors.

Simply, have fun. Once you get a few runs, start to take note of what RPM you're using to get off the line. If you find the car bogging, increase it slightly. If you find you get wheel spin, decrease it slightly.

Yeah this is pretty much it.
The first time I went to wsid I was crapping myself when I staged up, just really nervous. You won't be thinking of what psi your left front tyre is at, you just hope you don't stuff up taking off.
By the third run you'll be getting into it and think more clearly etc.
It wasn't till I went another night that I tried to factor in techniques and tyre pressure etc, I think the thing that most effects your time is experience.

cartaa100 · 23-01-2012, 02:12 PM

Thanks guys, I am abit nervous, I'd also like to get below 15 seconds, I don't plan on doing the burnout at the start to warm the tyres either any safety precautions I should do, I'll check all the wheel nuts but is there anything else?

DENKO · 23-01-2012, 02:20 PM

what kind of wheels are you running it on?
being an auto, its all straight forward! rev to 2000-2500rpm, as soon as it goes green, dont worry about instantly launching to get a good reaction time, launch when ever your ready! Always do a big burnout

and run with traction control off! Remember a bit of wheel spin is always good!

buggo · 23-01-2012, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartaa100

Thanks guys, I am abit nervous, I'd also like to get below 15 seconds, I don't plan on doing the burnout at the start to warm the tyres either any safety precautions I should do, I'll check all the wheel nuts but is there anything else?

Mate if your nervous now wait till you're staged up haha.
I said the same thing (won't do any burnouts) so left my 19's on. Seeing everyone else do one changed my mind quick smart, call it peer pressure. I also got my best time after the biggest burnout of all my runs.

Just do things like clean the air filter, make sure you aren't over due for an oil change, there aren't any loose bits that might fall off etc. Because you aren't running some hugely powerful car if its in a RWC it should be alright.

cartaa100 · 23-01-2012, 03:41 PM

Just went to my mate who works at beaurepairs there gonna pump my tyres allround to 42 as im running the xr6t 19s and tighten the nuts, the tyres will be changed the next day to Dunlop sp maxx tt's

icer · 23-01-2012, 05:41 PM

just have fun and dont break anything.

That is the perfect first meet outcome. Dont worry about times and what not. Have fun!

xisled · 23-01-2012, 05:50 PM

Just the thread I wanted.

I am thinking about going to Calder Park next time the drags are on and running the GT down the quater. Never ran a car on the drag track before.

Some good tips in the post.

cartaa100 · 23-01-2012, 06:54 PM

yeah i agree icer and xisled, i dont think im going this wednesday anymore as sydney has predicted floods... haahah oh well next time!

DBourne · 23-01-2012, 08:01 PM

you don't need to do burnouts on street tyres, but then again, how often do you get the opportunity to do a burnout and it's perfectly acceptable?

kaniSS · 23-01-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartaa100

Thanks guys, I am abit nervous, I'd also like to get below 15 seconds, I don't plan on doing the burnout at the start to warm the tyres either any safety precautions I should do, I'll check all the wheel nuts but is there anything else?

You better do a burnout, or everyone will think you are a sissy...

Auslandau · 23-01-2012, 08:12 PM

Burn outs are fun at the drags. Its not a matter that you need to ..... its more a case you want to!

Auto FG XR6? Put it in 'D' and plant foot ..... 2nd time ..... put it in Performance and plant foot ..... 3rd time ...... go manual and see what happens. Then decide what was better and more fun.

My BA XR6 ran 15.3 in D, manual, performance, air con on, air con off, radio on, CD on, .... took the spare out ..... 15.3

..... just go out and have some fun.

**ebxr8240** · 23-01-2012, 08:15 PM

Concentrated where to stage..
Creep up until TOP light comes on...
Then creep up a little more till the other light
under lights up...
DON'T go past and stage on your rear tyres..
If anything wait a second till the guy starts staging
in the other lane...
Street tyres are all different..
Generally you get better grip with slightly LESS
tyre pressure than you would on the street...

We may be there too with new engine...

dylby1 · 23-01-2012, 08:20 PM

Any one got any tips to add for a ba xr6 5 speed manual?
Mainly launch technique and best way to change gears so I do look like a dick there haha

**ebxr8240** · 23-01-2012, 08:28 PM

Manual ?? Work out where you get the best 60' with out too much wheel spin...You'll be surprised how inconsistent a manual is...
Slow - fast seems faster than fast - fast...
Being accurate and quick is the key...

Auslandau · 23-01-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

C
DON'T go past and stage on your rear tyres..........

Doesnt matter if you do ..... even those who have done 100 passes sometimes do

Dont try and beat the lights ..... just launch on green and doesnt matter if you are not first out of the blocks. Better than red lighting the run. You are racing for your best time .... not necessarily to beat the bloke next to you.

dylby1 · 23-01-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

Manual ?? Work out where you get the best 60' with out too much wheel spin...You'll be surprised how inconsistent a manual is...
Slow - fast seems faster than fast - fast...
Being accurate and quick is the key...

I was told ages ago that pretty much the best launch to hope for on street tires is for them to chirp on take off, is that right or wrong? He isn't the most reliable guy I've ever spoken to lol

**ebxr8240** · 24-01-2012, 06:01 PM

Yea pretty much .. Clutch take up has alot to do with it too....

tankclare · 12-04-2012, 12:35 PM

Took my brothers stock na FG XR6 to the drags last night.. Best of the night was a 14.440 @ 156km/h.

crymoarpls · 04-07-2012, 01:59 PM

any one here go to the willowbank drags they have on wednesday nights occasionally? any advice for a noob thinking about going for a first go?

prasac · 05-07-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crymoarpls

any one here go to the willowbank drags they have on wednesday nights occasionally? any advice for a noob thinking about going for a first go?

bit late, but most important thing is to have fun and don't worry too much if you do/dong something wrong.

greenfoam · 05-07-2012, 10:15 PM

In my experience the best pressure on a good strip with 15" street tyres is between 32 and 38 psi, anything less usually means less traction on street tyres, I always had the best 60 foot times and 100% traction at 38 psi. Stage as far back as you can so you get a run up before the timer trips and set the passenger seat as far back as it goes and set the drivers seat as far back as you can still safely drive the car, just of the more common tips there for you. Oh yes, pump the front tyres to 40psi++++, that's worth a fraction in itself. A small burnout just quickly up to say 100-110km/h is usually enough heat for a soft street tyre

STINKY NINJA · 10-07-2012, 02:05 PM

Have fun with it,dont get your expectations too high and you wont be dissapointed.
Ive done over 100 passes and still learn get a wee bit nervous,try different take off techniques and go with the best.
Next time i go down will be in a manual turbo and my first time down the strip in a manual so it will be like starting over again.
More than anything,just have fun.

seowebdesign · 10-07-2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant

Remove spare tyre
1/4 tank of 98 octane
24 PSI to 26 PSI rear tyres
Fit 16 inch rear wheels
Stall at around 2000 rpm and work your way to 3000rpm until your getting wheel spin.
Forget about the lights just take your time to get it right.
Front tyres 55 PSI

thanks for the tips, ill try it out next time im at the track

+1

HULK EF · 11-07-2012, 10:37 PM

Tonights results at Eastern creek. WSID.

13.0
13.0
12.8
12.7
12.7
12.8

All between 106mph and 114mph. -A PB over my 111mph previously.

BF MK11 XR6 Turbo.
6psd ZF In "D" mode.
traction control off
Bit over 3 quaters of a tank of 98.
Full interior.
no spare
Running on my Dailys (8.5 x 20 inch fronts 10 inch x 20 inch rears.)
24psi in the rears. 36 psi in the fronts.