Hello everybody,
I recently did a cam/heads swap on my TA, specifics are in my sig. I plan on taking it to the track sometime in July (can't do it sooner because I'm far, far away right now). On the street, I have absolutely no traction whatsoever until 3rd gear, and slicks/drag radials aren't an option, as I'd like the rear to last awhile. I tried starting in 2nd gear on a whim and it seems to help a lot. Basically, my question is do any of you guys do that on the track and does it help your ETs? TIA.

 

Back when I had a stick, I used BFG Drag Radials. Why can't you use a drag radial? They helped significantly.

I did not launch in second gear. I always launched in first. I would time the "count" on the tree and be coming up in rpms when I would sidestep the clutch so I had just a very little slip (not a complete dump). Provided the tires were clean and the track was prepped and the driver had lined up in the groove I could consistently cut 1.8 sixty foot times.

I never had any use for street tires at the track.

The rear can be broken if you hook up solid regardless of what tires you use. It is the launch shock that is so bad for the rear. If you keep a slight strain on the driveline before you launch you can lessen the shock but with a M6 it is still a lot of stress.

For me it was no fun smoking the tires of going slow so I ended up finally getting a 12 bolt and ET Streets and have not had a problem since.

"Probably" you will be ok with a few passes evry once in awhile. I am at the track every weekend and ran multiple classes so I severely abused my ride more than most other people. Before the 12 bolt I would have to rebuild the rear on an anual basis (400+ passes per season).

 

Thanks for the reply, tnthub .
The reason I say I won't do DRs is my frequency (or lack thereof) of going to the track don't really justify buying them. I haven't raced my car in over 4 years . I just more or less want to see what I can run. I'm just hoping that I don't go something like a 13.2@114, meaning no traction/driver skill whatsoever.

 

Well brook, unlike Texas, it rains in Washington. Therefore, no DRs on the street for me. I know, I'm making this difficult for you guys, huh?

 

I'd see if you can borrow a set of wheels/tires from a friend. I'm sure someone would be willing to let you try them for one night. Don't worry if they match either. I don't notice wheels when a car is going 100mph.

 

To be honest with you Nitto dr are very good in the rain. Actually I had some Firestone Firehawks which are a very expensive and good street tire and the Nittos did much better in the rain than they did. I was very suprised at the way they drove in the rain. If you can just go check out the pic at their webpage and you can see they are designed to pull the water through the treads. In my opinion I would buy a set of these tires if I could afford them cause they are an all around great tire for the street and not so frequent track appearances.

Glenn