What to expect

[1Gab Laser]

There's probably a ton of threads like this already, but here goes.

I'm thinking about taking my car to the last street night at the strip this year.

1g Laser RS, 4G63 naturally aspirated FWD, automatic.
aftermarket air intake with K&N Filter
4-2-1 header, test pipe, 2¼" custom piping and an aftermarket muffler.
Other than that, it's totally stock.

Also any techniques that'll help me out? Never raced at the track before. I figured maybe the footbrake launch would help but it actually feels like it takes off slower.

Also it says "radiator overflow can required." Can someone explain?

 

[boostedjay32]

Your reaction time also has a lot to do with your final time

 

[1Gab Laser]

Your reaction time also has a lot to do with your final time

Like I said I've never been to a drag before.

but I was under the impression that reaction time has nothing to do with your elapsed time? Does the elapsed time start when your tires cross the start line, or when the lights drop?

 

[boostedjay32]

Yea my bad for some reason i think it starts when the light turns green..

 

[SBstar]

Your reaction time also has a lot to do with your final time

Your reaction time has nothing to do with your ET.

Your 60ft time however (basically how well you launch) is probably one of the most significant factors to your ET.

 

[Phil1320]

Elaspsed time starts when you move, wether it's before, or after the lights drop. So no worries about reacting. I think you are better off just putting the gas to the floor when it's time to go and releasing the brake simultaneously....no gas while on the brake. Depending on your tires quality and condition of course....I don't think you will run into tire spin problems. If you do spin, start to drop pressure by 2 psi in the front tires every run until it minimizes the spin, I wouldn't run under 18psi on a street tire though. If the car bogs badly, if you want to , you could add some tire pressure to try to counter the bogging, don't exceed max pressure though, should be 44, be safe. Ultimately, for you first time out, just go mash the throttle and have some fun! The car being normally aspirated with an automatic transmission but with some mods would hopefully make an attack on the 17 second arena.....maybe 80 or so MPH. You have to have a radiator overflow tank in the car, if you haven't alterted the factory cooling system in any way you are fine.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.....I'm interested!

 

[1Gab Laser]

Anyone have any advice on the "radiator overflow" thing?

 

[1Gab Laser]

ok thanks for clearing up the overflow thing. I didnt want to have to buy and install something else just to get a run at the track.

As far as the tires go, it barely has enough power to break traciton anyways. The tires barely spin, it doesn't squeal or anything. I don't think I have to worry about that. But I feel like it should have more power than that.

 

[SBstar]

A local guy with his n/a ran a high 16, so low 17's to high 16's are possible.

 

[fst_4g63]

In general most n/a cars will run in the 17 second bracket, but with good driving you could be in the high 16's. Good luck and have fun..

Darren

 

[Phil1320]

A local guy with his n/a ran a high 16, so low 17's to high 16's are possible.

No doubt.....I was just leaving some space in there to account for the AUTO trans ratios...

 

[SBstar]

That's why I say it's possible, not likely or saying it will happen. But the n/a's do have that ability.

 

[1Gab Laser]

A local guy with his n/a ran a high 16, so low 17's to high 16's are possible.

So maybe I'm not over(under?)estimating the power of this thing.

My other car is a 1996 GTP, so when I go from that to the DSM it's like wooooah something's not right here. They run high 15s stock.

I figured sure I was dropping about 80 HP, but the GTP is such a tank compared to the little tiny Laser. I was expecting mid-16s would be normal for the NA DSM.

Anyways I got a call from the junkyard today that said the transmission for my Escape is uninstalled ready to be picked up so I might end up getting that tomorrow night instead of going to the track. But if I do go I'll drop an update.

 

[Phil1320]

That's why I say it's possible, not likely or saying it will happen. But the n/a's do have that ability.

My next project in line is actually an NA 4G63 build. I have the Borla 4 into 1 longtube header that was designed jointly with the Archer Brothers back in 1990 out in the garage.

Don't know if the project will ever get off the ground with what I've got going on in 14b world. Someday maybe.

Not many people run these cars at all so I'm interested to see what he will do....

 

[1Gab Laser]

My next project in line is actually an NA 4G63 build. I have the Borla 4 into 1 longtube header that was designed jointly with the Archer Brothers back in 1990 out in the garage.

Don't know if the project will ever get off the ground with what I've got going on in 14b world. Someday maybe.

Not many people run these cars at all so I'm interested to see what he will do....

Looks like it's getting rained out anyways. The only other one is Friday but I'm working. So I guess it's not happening .

 

[Phil1320]

Looks like it's getting rained out anyways. The only other one is Friday but I'm working. So I guess it's not happening .

Sorry man...that sucks...