First time at track...

[AsILayDying]

Alright, so Kansas DSM's and Subaru's are meeting on the 6th of Sept. at the track and I've never raced at a track before... Is there any helpful info I should know to get the best 1/4 mile time possible. And with the few mods that I have, how high of psi should I run? I have a MBC but it's turned down really low, so I'm at 10 psi right now. I'm kind of low on $$$, so are there any cheap mods under like $100 that would really help my performance?

 

[Spooling99]

My suggestion is to purchase a couple gallons of race gas and WITH a logger raise the boost to a safe level. Or get some octane booster. Strip the interior and give it hell! haha. Good luck let us know how it turns out.

 

[Jeff822]

I heard that octance booster stuff is junk and doesnt really do anything, never used it myself though but just have heard that, taking some interior parts might help, spare tire and such. Btw. As I Lay Dying is an awsome band , good luck at the track. Jeff

 

[bmwisthekey]

do some boost leak tests and make sure your running in tip top form, dont get nervous when the lights on the tree drop and it goes green, when it turns green they arent going to start counting your time until u move off the line ever so slightly, so take your time and launch when you feel ready, of course dont go before it turns green as you dont want to red light . u could get a decent downpipe for 100bux and take off your cat and rest of the exhaust just run the downpipe, then whatever cat back u choose in the future will bolt up to the downpipe you will get some pretty good power gains with that, nail your launches and shift quick im guessing your still on t25 so dont take it too high in the rpms or it will just slow u down. good luck to ya!

 

[AsILayDying]

Alright, thanks you guys. I'll look into the downpipe, octane booster and race gas... I have a carbon fiber hood, so that should help with weight, and I'll take out my seats. Other than that, As I Lay Dying is an AMAZING band haha. Thanks for the advice.

 

[1990talon]

Ok I can help you with the track part. I come from a family that is really into drag racing. These things will help you with reation time and have a faster mile per hour when you get down the track. When you pull up to the line go slow wait for the first light to come on then inch forward very very slowly be patcient and right when the second light comes on slam on the brakes this will give you a couple miles per hour role before your time starts because it wil take the entire surface of the tire to turn before it breaks the beam. Then you are further back and still want a good reaction time so you have to leave a little early this is differnt for every one but for me I start right as the second light shuts of just remember dont leave on green this will give you a horrible reaction time. Also the track has much more traction then the street from all the rubber and the stuff they spray for traction so this will allow you to leave at a higher RPM. Also many people are disappointed in there first run or fist time out because they havent gone and figured every thing out. So practice before the meet it will help alot trust me. If you have any questions about the track feel free to ask I ussualy know the awnser and if not I can most likley find out.

Good luck have fun and try to go practice before the meet!

 

[nitroushane]

practice,practice,practice

 

[MyBeatGSX]

Just keep in mind that the car is your STREET car and you have to drive it home. This is the most important thing. Don't try to race the person in the lane next to you, they just happen to be there. You do your thing and let them do their thing, even if you have to wait a few seconds before leaving the line as someone else mentioned. Like you, my car was mostly stock my first time out so just expect to be smoked by everyone there, don't get upset about it. Also, in my experience Suby guys are crazy. Don't try to out launch them. Nearly every one I've seen at the track does rev limiter clutch dumps with no regard for anything, even in bone stock cars. I saw one guy in a mostly stock STi do a 4 wheel burnout in the water box and proceed to sidestep the clutch at WOT coming off the line and snap his driveshaft in half. I've also found that alot of them can be jerks because they think their cars are invincible or the shyt. Kinda like DSMers are to most non DSMers.

So go easy on the launches, the goal is to make it back home in your car, not the cab of a tow truck. And race your own race, its you against the clock, not you against the 11 second STi in the other lane. Don't get stressed if people make fun of you, it happens. But everyone had a first time out so screw them.

Buy a 5 gallon jug of unleaded race gas, if only for the extra safety. Try to go with as little gas in the take as possible. This is by far the biggest weight savings. If I remember correctly 12 gallons of gas weights 80lbs.