Alright I know this is going to sound like a newb question but hell with it, when it comes to drag racing I am a newb. I've done it before with my old 06 cobalt LS, my high 18's made for good chuckles. Well now I've got an 09 SS sedan and tonight I'm taking it to the drag strip for the first time. I know this is a bad term to use but I need a "crash course" in drag racing. I've got some advice from some of my friends but I know people on here have had experiences with the same car I'm driving so help me out. How the hell do i do this? lol

 

you mean how to drive this car compaired to your old car, or how does a dragstrip work??

 

Simple:

Clean tires off (No Need for a HUGE John Force burnout)
"Creep" to the line
Pre-Stage (Pre-stage lights if there will come on)
Stop
Stage (Stage lights will come on)
Stop and Wait...

Depending on type of "Christmas Tree' they have (most are .500 lights) Wait for the ambers to drop then Go on Green! But not too early or you'll foul out and Red Light!

 

yeah, its an ss turbo. i'm not askin how the dragstrip works, i remember that much from my old car. this is my first manual car and i'm trying to avoid, though i'm sure i'll do it anyway, looking like an ass out there tonight. just the basics on when i should shift, how to launch, no lift shift. things that that are what i need to know

 

oh haha sorry just didnt pick up what you were saying!

As far as i do it just stage - hold up ebrake (or if you can heel-toe) and go with a nice easy launch (1500 rpm for me).... but as far as your TC mechnics im not sure.. im sure someone w/ an SS/TC can help you with that

 

Drop the front tire pressure down to around 20psi.
Make sure traction control is off and do not use the launch control.
Like what was already stated...no need for a massive burnout...just clean the tires off.
Stage as shallow as possible and line in up in the groove.
Leave when the second yellow goes off.
I found my best launch was leaving at 2000rpm like i'm pulling away from a redlight...but quicker (if that makes any sense) Don't dump the clutch...ride it out alittle.
Shift out of first at around 5800-5900 using NLS and then 6000 for 2nd and 3rd gear
Depending on how good the run is you will want to shift into 4th at the end...if you mess up on the launch or the track prep isn't there it may be best to leave it in 3rd at the end.

If your car starts wheel hopping just let out of it and abort the run. No reason to break the new car for a timeslip.

Good Luck!

 

now is the NLS only for 1st-2nd gear or does it work all through the gears?

 

Number one rule, turn off the traction control, in fact since you have the SS/TC, push the button a second time and go into competition mode. Make sure you see it flash up on the dash saying competition. Now, if you want (after you stage), you can floor it and the computer will keep the RPM at about 4,900 RPM. Only try this if you are in competition mode though. This allows you to build up boost. When the light turns green, don't dump the clutch, but feather it out rapidly to keep from spinning the tires too much. The more experience stick shift drag racers can probably launch better starting the old fashion way.

Ok, you're rolling now and hopefully didn't spin too much. Watch your tach because you'll hit the shift RPM before you know it. Try not to bounce off the rev limiter or you are losing precious time (not to mention it's hard on the car). Now as long as you're in competition mode, keep the gas pedal all the way to the floor and hit the clutch and slam the shifter to second gear. You only have a split second to do it. I highly advise some practice launches before you arrive at the drag strip. I screwed up my first no lift shift, but then hit the next ones no problem. NLS works at least up to third gear, that's as far as I went and probably as far as you'll need at the track.

Some other basic things to remember. Drive around the water box if you have street tires. Just do a quick dry hop to clear the tires before you stage. Stay in your assigned lane. Don't lift until you're sure you crossed the traps (finish line). Do not drop front tire pressure to 20 psi like Slowstang says, because with the new SS/TC that have TPS (tire pressure sensors), that will put you into limp mode. It's ok to drop pressure a little, maybe 28 psi, but don't set the tire pressure alarm off. Put a little more air in the rear tires, like 35-40 psi (just for the dragstrip). Most important, have fun.

 

thanks for all the help guys. i'll be checkin this again before i head ou to the strip so if anyon has any other advice for me please post it up

 

Launch control does not build boost. Do not use Launch Control at the track...it bogs the car down. You do not need to run the car in Competition Mode to use NLS.

There is no limp mode with dropping tire pressure. I know for a FACT.

 

For someone that has never raced with a manual tranny, launch control will probably help and yes, it will build some boost. I admit, if you are experienced with a stick shift, you can probably get a better short time (60') without launch control.

As for conducting NLS when not in competition mode and whether low tire pressure causing limp mode, I've seen conflicting info both ways. It's probably safe for him to do what I told him. If he wants to experiment later, than so be it. Besides, 20 psi with street tires is too low in my opinion, you risk causing sidewall damage.

 

Boz, yes NLS works for all gears but I wouldnt recommend trying to use it for 5th lol.

I'll say it again...launch control does not build boost. My best 60ft using LC was a 2.41...consistant high 2.1s and low 2.2s without it and the occasional 2.0 60ft. I've went 13.5-13.7 without Comp Mode and not using launch control.

If he damages the sidewall of a tire at the track with running 20psi he will be the first person ever to do so.

I've ran my car and speak from experience.

 

Slow, you certainly have impressive times with the SS/TC, so I will defer to your experience in that regard. Did you have a low tire pressure warning light on the dash? I've seen another thread that claimed low tire pressure put the car into limp mode. Didn't Bill Hahn have problems at the strip last year? I have no personal experience with the SS/TC (I have been running my GTO for the last few years).

Heck, I run 20 psi with drag radials, but I'd never run regular street tires that low. Even small changes in tire pressure can make a significant difference how a car handles going down the track and how the car leaves the starting line. I recommend making small changes in tire pressure until you find what's ideal for track conditions, ambient temp, and humidity. Drop pressure a little at a time to get a feel for what works.

 

here's another newb question, how do i do a lil bit of a burn out?

 

Use the parking brake, give it a lot of throttle and pop the clutch briefly.

 

Yes, the low tire pressure light was on when I was running around at 20psi. But having said that it doesn't effect the car's straight line acceleration. It may however trigger the ECS to act different...I dont know?

Tire pressure should be adjusted in small changes and I agree with it playing a big role in how the car goes down the track. I was just stating what personally worked best for me at the track.

 

so slowstang, you just hold revs at 2k whle stopped to build boost before launching? I was under the impression that using launch control (~5k rpm) would easily build boost. Though Ive never used it yet so Im not sure

 

You can't build boost while the engine isn't under a load or free revving

 

I have never seen launch control build any boost at all. Also at the track launch control will make you bog off the line like no tommrow. Trust me I tried it 3 times before I just gave up on it. Also like slowstang said you can drop the tires down and not go into limp mode.

But the number 1 thing....... Have Fun!!!!!

 

oh i fully intend on enjoying myself tonight. good times or not at the track i'll end up back home for beers with my boys.

 

I thought the TC came with a 2 step that let you build boost before launching? Forgive my ignorance

 

I'm not trying to be an ass hole but since this is your first stick car, I just don't think going to the track will be safe. What I'm trying to say is, if you know someone with a stick beater car...you should learn how to do a burn out before doing it in a brand new car. Chances of you breaking the clutch are high imho. Just have fun and do the best you can. Thinking about to much your first time will only be frustrating. If you do burn out, like others say just enough to clean off the tires. Don't forget to take your e-brake back off after the burn out.....

 

Good luck and post your results with pics if you can! I'd get some more practice with launching before you head to the strip but I don't know how comfortable you are. Just a heads up, you may be disappointed the first time you hit the strip, but don't let it get you down since every time you go you get better.

Follow slowstangs instructions, our methods are pretty much identical and we had great results. Only difference in our methods was tire pressure. He ran with 20psi and I ran with 26psi. Use your judgement. Have fun!

 

Yes! Post your results!

 

put on a dress and a wig and a little bit of make up .
ive always been told to go around the water box with stock tires