First time at the strip (03)

[bgates1654]

The car is stock except for an OBX catback.
I went to Dragway 42 today and left in a funk and some not so good results. I got in a total of 4 runs before I decided to call it quits. Anyways... here they are in all their granduer.

Run #1
Reaction 2.025 (explained below)
60ft 2.801 (explained below)
330ft 6.966
1/8ET 10.317
1/8MPH 73.78
1000ft 13.094
1/4ET 15.510
1/4MPH 93.57

First time at track and first run ever. I staged badly and broke the 2nd beam and thought I would back up between them. However they dont seem to care that much and really dont give you much time to prepare. Once the second car is staged, badly or not, the lights start. They give you almost no time at all to prepare. Anyway I was trying to reverse when the light hit green so I shifted, gunned it, and popped the clutch inducing massive wheelspin.

Run#2
Reaction 1.321 (man those lights go fast)
60ft 2.319
330ft 6.423
1/8ET 9.771
1/8MPH 73.78
1000ft 12.548
1/4ET 14.974
1/4MPH 93.16

Run #3
Reaction 0.521 (Hell yeah)
60ft 2.375
330ft 6.436
1/8ET 9.742
1/8MPH 74.62
1000ft 12.497
1/4ET 14.883
1/4MPH 94.56

Run #4
Reaction 0.783
60ft 2.296
330ft 6.344
1/8ET 9.653
1/8MPH 74.40
1000ft 12.417
1/4ET 14.816
1/4MPH 93.96

So as you can see I cant launch worth ****. Honestly they felt like **** too. I think it was possibly that I was jsut jumpy and nervous since it was my first time. I honestly thought I would do much better than that. I fully expeected to cut a 2.1-2.2 60ft and 14.5 in the 1/4. Normally even when I first try something I tend to be better than average at it right off the bat, so you can imagine my disappointment with my times. I think I have a handle on how to properly launch now so all I should need is practice.

[bigdo26]

you're a 6 speed right? 14.8 is a good time. that will come down significantly with practice too. Hows the OBX sound/work for ya?

[Darth Vader]

Wow, that is pretty good for your first time. I have yet to go to the track, I bet I won't come close to that.

Great job.

[CullenJ76]

Don't be so hard on yourself buddy

[bgates1654]

I was not so sure about teh OBX catback at first but now I am enjoying it more. The sound at first was kinda buzzy and ricey between 2000-2500rpm and kinda upset me becuase I had heard on here that it did not sound ricey. However after having it for a while it has acutally become not only quieter but the buzzy sound is almost completely gone and sounds much nicer now.
The install was a cinch. My brother and I put it up on a lift at his work and 25minutes later we took it off and fired it up. Everything hooked up easily.
There was a mildly noticeable power increase (butt dyno) and the dyno confirmed it. You can see an indepth analysis of the dyno at this thread link:
i suck at driving...
As for the looks I was unsure about getting it at first becuase of the 4.5in tip. It just SCREAMS RICE!!! My original plans were to hack off the tip and put a 2.25in (the diameter of the rest of the exhaust) tip back on it. However the way the muffler is made and the way the tip is welded on prevents that. If I cut it off and tried to go with eth smallest diameter tip it would probably be 3.5in. Not a big enough difference to warrant the action.
Also recently I have been having a problem with the tip hitting my bumper everytime my back right tire hits a bump. I am going over to my bros house tonight and we are going to heat up the hangeers and bend them down about a half an inch and see if that is enough clearance.
All in all for 273 its a nice catback. Knowing what I know now I would have made the same decision to get it.

I had thought 3.5L 6spds mostly stock did something around 14.2-14.5... thats why I was dissapointed.

[1TyteMAX03]

Practive makes perfect... and i know what you mean about being nervous. My hands were shaking when i was about to take off from the line at the track.

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by bgates1654

I had thought 3.5L 6spds mostly stock did something around 14.2-14.5... thats why I was dissapointed.

14.6-14.7@95mph is average for a stock or mostly stock 6 speed. It's very rare that a 6 speed will do 14.2-14.4 stock, it's been done, but it's rare. You're doing fine.


Dave

[Ceasars Chariot]

dang fine job ! keep it up !

[Ferbs02SMMax]

Originally Posted by Dave B

14.6-14.7@95mph is average for a stock or mostly stock 6 speed. It's very rare that a 6 speed will do 14.2-14.4 stock, it's been done, but it's rare. You're doing fine.


Dave

Dave is right. I've seen intake and exhaust 6spds do 14.4 and 14.5's in 60 degrees, nice gummy track... With a good launch and great 60', no reason you shouldn't be able to do mid 14's consistently. Again, IF weather is good, track prep is optimal...Hell, last time I went to the strip, we had some freak air and decent track prep, I was doing 93-94 mph traps all day. So many little things. Argh !

Don't count on 2.1xx 60's, that's out of the realm on oem tires. You should be able to get 2.2xx all day everything being optimal. In my Auto, I've gotten 2.1xx only once...And I've got new tires too.

Speaking of which how was the weather and track prep ? Were other cars getting dissapointing times too ??? When I go to the track, I tend to talk to the f-body guys, they will be straight with you and tell you if its good race weather, track is gummy, etc.

As far the being nervous, next time you go, that will be in the distant past, you will be more assertive and ready to stage, launch, etc. Oh, and unless you're in a grudge race, I wouldn't worry about the rt. That isn't function of your et.

Good job

Keep on dragging.