It looks like I'm gonna run

[98ciHemi]

I am going to try and get out to the local 8th mile before the year is done. I had posted a thread similar to this many moons ago, but does anyone have any tips or things I should know? Also, What do you think she'll run? I am not an eigth mile person, so I have no clue. Fresh 1.9, four speed stick, 2000 lbs once I get all crap out of it 165/80 R 13s on the front, no tach, launching easy, shifting at about 5-6k. 1st will pull up to 25, 2nd till about 45 and 3rd till 70. Not worried about 4th. Also, can someone explain staging and line up to me?

[BangShift McT]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

OK...staging is lining up with the starting line. You have two sets of twin-yellow bulbs at the top of the Christmas tree. The idea, esp. with you as a first timer, would be to roll in just enough to light both sets of stage bulbs. Don't bother with a burnout, and stay out of the water. Launch at an RPM that is strong enough to get the car moving quickly without spinning tires.

As far as running, the closest comparable vehicle I can attest to is a '99 S-10 2.2 four/5-spd on skinny-ass 14's. My only good run in it (it was a roommates, and I was getting some karma in) I spun first and second badly, and crossed at a 18.7@71.

[Monster]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

I recently went down the strip for the first time and like Bryan said, the advise given to me was ...

- go around the water as you approach the burnout area,
- do not do a burnout,
- carefully approach the starting line, while watching the twin yellow lights,
- when the first set lights, very slowly inch forward and stop as soon as the second set of yellow lights light,
- be ready to punch the accelerator as soon as you see the yellow countdown lights come on,
- reminder: once you are staged (both sets of light on), do NOT take your eyes off the tree ...

Good luck Walt and let us know how you do.
;)

Thanks Buddy (Bigbuds1).

[DanStokes]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

I usually leave on the last yellow, but that depends on how the 'Scorts chassis reacts. I've never taken any FWD down so I'm not sure on the chassis but you'll just have to try it and see. Most important -

HAVE FUN
Dan

[BangShift McT]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

I usually leave on the last yellow, but that depends on how the 'Scorts chassis reacts. I've never taken any FWD down so I'm not sure on the chassis but you'll just have to try it and see. Most important -

HAVE FUN
Dan

Depends on what the Escort will do. I've ran a few FWD's...both W-bodies liked to be footbraked to either 2.0 psi boost in the Regal or about 2900 in the Monte and launched hard. A good friend's '97 Civic (with JDM Integra Type-R engine) had to be launched softly or he'd shred the tires trying to get the mass to move. Shelby CSX (Dodge Shadow on 'roids) hated any launch, so it was pray the torque steer wasn't too bad and leave a cloud of smoke.

[Schtauffer]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

Walt-- look for someone who looks like they have been drag racing a while. Ask them to explain how the lights work. If you watch a bunch of cars making passes with someone who knows what's happening you'll get the idea. Its pretty simple. Don't be afraid to take it easy for the first couple of passes until you get the hang of staging and launching. Nervousness kills; pressure build nervousness; too many new things at once builds pressure. Just focus on staging and launching for a pass or two, then start worrying about launch rpm, shift points, etc.

No idea what your car will go in the 1/8th. Let us know. Good luck, you'll be fine.

Gene

[milner351]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

Walt -
1. pay attention
2. be careful
3. have fun!

you may want to try out some different launching techniques before you get to the track.

Did you replace all your engine / trans mounts when you had the engine out? Drag racing starts wreak havoc on mounts.

I would think you'd want to "heal toe" to start.... it's a bit tricky - but you'll get it with some practice.

Some staging areas are not totally flat - so the car (especially if the rear drums are adjusted for minimal drag) tend to roll once they are staged - so - you have to keep a foot on the brake.... so, with the transmission firmly engaged into first gear and your left foot firmly planted on the clutch pedal --- put the inside of your right foot on the brake pedal - and the outside of your right foot on the accelerator - apply slight pressure to both. You just want enough pressure on the brake to keep the car from moving - and just enough pressure on the go pedal to raise your idle rpm up to your desired "launch" rpm - which will be another point of experimentation.

Most likely - if you leave at too low an rpm - the engine will bog / lug when you release the clutch and drop the hammer.... if that happens, raise your engine speed a bit - and try again.

Most of all don't listen to any naysayers - if there are any there - they'll probably make fun of an escort --- don't pay them any mind - you're there to have a good time and a great learning experience - not to impress anyone.

You may also have to "feather" the clutch pedal to keep from spinning the tires or getting wheel hop, listen to the beachboys song "shut down" carefully - and you'll hear them singing about power shifting, then riding the clutch to keep the wheels from spinning and the "pressure plates burnin and she's too much".... man I love that song - anyway - the song is about drag racing with a stick - very much coolness.


boy - that was a ramble -- sorry!

[Silver68RT]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/42298_drag_racing_tips/index.html

Here's a good set of tips for the beginner, with pictures and diagrams.

From my personal experience, I'd say first check the safety rules of the track where you're going to run, and make sure your car is meeting all the basic rules. If they've got a website, it's probably on there somewhere. Getting all the way out to the track, and failing tech inspection, kind of sucks. Things like oil leaks, missing battery hold down, missing coolant overflow reservoir, and others will fail tech. Make sure your helmet will pass.

Make sure you know where the finish line is, know where the turn-outs to the return road are, know where to pick up your time slip (usually a shack on the return road). Know which staging lane to line up in. They usually keep street tire cars, and cars with slicks in different lanes.

When staging, generally, the first car to stage will light the top light, then the second car in will light their top light. Rolling all the way in and lighting both staging lights before the other guy has lit their top light can piss some people off, because it feels like you're rushing them. Pay attention to the starter. Have your windows rolled up before you get up to the starting line.

If you're driving it to the track, it's usually a good idea to have a plan for how you're going to get the car home if it breaks. AAA has some pretty good packages with free towing, and one tow home can pay for the membership a couple of times over. I've got a friend with a turbo Talon who's had to get towed home twice, and it was expensive.

Have fun, and be safe! If something doesn't feel right, abort the run. There's always next time.

[67prostreet]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

Some of you did remember to say "Have fun" but you all forgot the most important thing.
Just after you leave you are supposed to yell out WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :D ;D

[Caveman]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

IGNORE THE GUY IN THE NEXT LANE!!

Its YOUR race, against the TREE!!

Use your EARS for launch rpm... which will work out fine, since you have no tach.

inch forward by feathering the clutch to light both staging bulbs... no brakes needed.

KEEP YOUR EYES on the TREE.

PLANT THE RIGHT FOOT & LISTEN TO THE WAIL.

When the last yellow goes out before the green-----SIDESTEP THE CLUTCH.




Don't forget to write down the temp, humidity, density altitude, what you had for breakfast and what color underwear you are wearing on the timeslip. You may also want to write down what color bra/panties your girlfriend is wearing.

You'll need this information later for consistency purposes.

[98ciHemi]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

So, if I under stand correctly, a neutral safety switch is that little wire that was cut shortly after the car left the factory, and and I now have to find and wire into my electrical system again? Along with another switch so I can shut it off as soon as I leave the strip?

[Monster]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/42298_drag_racing_tips/index.html

Here's a good set of tips for the beginner, with pictures and diagrams.

That Jeff Smith article is great.
;)

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

just pay attention to the staging lane crew and the starter

[Brian Lohnes]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

just pay attention to the staging lane crew and the starter

Agreed. Plus, do the one thing that virtually no one does....ask for help if you need it!! Roll down your window or motion to the starter to bring you into the beams your first time or two until you get the feel of it.

These people want to help, but if you act (and I know you won't) like Warren Johnson on your first visit to the track, you'll get nowhere. Ask me how I know.

Brian

[98ciHemi]

Re: It looks like I'm gonna run

I wasn't all that serious before, but now I am concerned since I can't find one, what is a neutral safety switch? I am assuming that it is the switch that keeps the car from starting in gear.