Im fairly new to driving a stick, and just recently bought my 2009 cobalt ss/tc, and i can drive and power shift like nothing, but iv never really had a spot on launch like you would need at the track. Any tips with how to launch effectively, and what type of throttle and clutch feathering needs to be done. I know the car inside and out and all its corks, i just need a little advice seeing as im a newby. Any and all advice concerning running down the strip would be much appreciated!

 

O mi. good luck. ultra low rpm launch and stay out of power hop. Better yet, dont drag race a FWD.

 

They are really tricky unless you have slicks. What mods do you have, and are you tuned? Makes a huge difference. If not tuned- feather out of the hole at 2,000 rpms, and only use nls 1-2 and 3-4, don't use it 2-3. If tuned, and 1st gear limited to 15psi boost, do the same, and get out of 1st a little early. Have fun with lighting up the tires when you hit 15psi in 1st, and most of the way through 2nd, and don't nls 3-4th. Don't use launch control unless you either want to spin all day, or kill the car, if the track is sticky ( or break something)
Drag radials help a little, but not alot, will help you to get traction in 2nd a little better. 3rd gear is fun.
Like powell said- fwd sucks at the drag strip.

 

Slicks, cabs and rotated mounts

 

Previous owner had the gm stage 1. And other than that nothing, but i do have plans for the car so adding hp wont help the case.

 

But it's fun John. Def launch at 2k at the highest, you'll just spin or get wheel hop

 

1. Trans mounts.

2. Drag radials/slicks

3. Return to thread and re ask question.

 

If it's your first time to the strip don't listen to all the drag fanbois and go out and waste your money on slicks.

Launch at 1500-2000rpm so you get a chirp of the tires and maximum forward movement, other than that its just practice practice practice.

Don't expect much, everyone has a hard time their first day on the 1/4.

Also Powell ftw. Cobalts where meant for corners.