First time at track...

I just got back from the track with some embarrasing times. This was my first time, but it still sucked. I ran a 14.2 @ 102mph both times... My launches weren't that great, and I was shifting at 5k rpms. Should I have shifted at a higher rpm? Also, my tires are BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWS. A guy with a 2000 stock WS6 M6 said that his first time was a 14.9, and when he began shifting at 6k+ he got his time down to 13.0. I read somewhere that going over 4500-5000 rpm is pointless Whats going on?

Ahh...the 102 mph is good for a14.2. I think it is just your driving, and yes you should run it to 6000 to see the most of its potentail, that away your that much closer to your peak power when you shift up a gear. What were your 60ft times??

My first time at the track and best time to date is 14.0@102. I think the key is launching the car properly, and the car's power (A4)/your shifting (M6) will just take it from there.

I've got a quick tutorial on my web site at www.BlackWS6.com

The key? Launch as high as you can without breaking the tires loose. If you're not on sticky tires, feather the clutch ... don't dump it. When you can pull sub 2.0 60 foot times, you'll see great improvements in your ET.

Oh, and shift at 6K next time and see what happens. Also, you've got to shift harder and faster than you do on the street. If you're taking 1/2 second to do your shift, that's about 1/2 second too long.

Originally posted by Omega9
I read somewhere that going over 4500-5000 rpm is pointless Whats going on?

Where the hell did you read that?

www.minivan.com ?

shift a 6000

Originally posted by PhantomTA
Where the hell did you read that?

www.minivan.com ?

shift a 6000

LMAO

Originally posted by Omega9
I just got back from the track with some embarrasing times. This was my first time, but it still sucked. I ran a 14.2 @ 102mph both times... My launches weren't that great, and I was shifting at 5k rpms. Should I have shifted at a higher rpm? Also, my tires are BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWS. A guy with a 2000 stock WS6 M6 said that his first time was a 14.9, and when he began shifting at 6k+ he got his time down to 13.0. I read somewhere that going over 4500-5000 rpm is pointless Whats going on?


ya gotta get dyno runs to really know how YOUR engine makes power across the power band..
Mine drops off at 5600ish.. so I shift at about 5800 and that puts me in a good spot for the next gear..

Why only 2 runs?
Why would you only shift at 5K? Always go closer to redline than not...

Originally posted by psychocabbage
ya gotta get dyno runs to really know how YOUR engine makes power across the power band..
Mine drops off at 5600ish.. so I shift at about 5800 and that puts me in a good spot for the next gear..

Why only 2 runs?
Why would you only shift at 5K? Always go closer to redline than not...

I only made 2 runs because it was so crowded, and the track was about to close (also, it was a 3 hour drive back). I only shifted at 5k because I've read on a few websites (misinformation...) that the LS1 stops making power after 5k. So I guess I'll just practice on hole shots, and shift at 6k+. Hopefully I'll get a low 13 next time.

Since you said your launches werent that great your times could really benefit from some sticker tires. If you got Drag Radials you just heat em and dump the clutch. It would help out your 14.2

next time try this:
-------- at the track only -----------

* lower the pressure of your rear tires. 25 psi should be fine at the track for stock tires.

* 40 psi for the front tires.

* wait at least an hour before making the first pass, so your engine won't be that hot.

* avoid the water, and do not heat your stock street radial tires up. burnouts are a no no for stock radials, forget about a smoke contest for your friends. i know it looks pretty good, but avoid the water and burnouts :)

* for the launch, start with something like 2000 rpm and feather the clucth. you would probably have not so many runs, but you need to get the feel of your clutch/gas/rpms when lauching. you can practice this on an empty street. try 1800 rpm first, feather the clucth, and as soon as you feel the car is moving forward, step hard on the gas while releasing the clutch. then start increasing the rpm. you would find the right rpms with practice.

* shift as quick(sometimes hard :)) as you can. i don't know the max rpm on where you need to shift on a camaro, but i'm sure it won't be 5000.

* have fun, and get some videos, you would get better with some practice.

good luck