1st time @ drags; results / input

[Daffy]

Went to the drag races for the first time in the snake, here are my results of 3 runs are below. I'm looking for input on the times, but more on the mph considering my mods (see signature). I got there for test & tune & the three runs were made back to back, immediately, it was a pretty hot day, the thermo was just above 190. First run was a slide fest, the track was very slippery, second was nasty slick, but third was very scary, on first run I slid from near the rail to near the center on a 3rd gear change. Last two runs were made short shifting at 5K rpm into second and third to control sliding. Second run third hit the rev limiter (ouch), third run I had to shift into fourth just before getting to the lights at the end - I guess this was due to short shifting?!? Any input is appreciated.

Dave.
First
R/T .619
60ft 1.970
1/8 8.47
1/4 12.96
mph 111.97
Second
R/T .650
60ft 1.971
1/8 8.30
1/4 12.61
mph 117.04
Third
R/T .502
60ft 1.978
1/8 8.25
1/4 12.53
mph 117.54

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I think you are pretty much on target for your MPH. I know that with pretty much the same mods (Snake Oyl rear muffler delete instead of Belanger catback) my trap speeds are very similar - usually in the 117's. I have had a few up in the 119's and 120's (best of 12.04 @ 120.5). In your case, I am impressed with two things:

1. Your reaction times. Not your first time on the strip, eh? A .502 light is phenomenal no matter how you slice it.

2. Your 60' times are the most consistent I have ever seen on a Viper and incredible for the first time out with it. Most people tend to experiment with different launch techniques to whittle down their numbers. They usually start out with 2.20's and 2.30's and go from there. In Kansas City, it is VERY tough to get below a 2.00 because of the poor track preparation. The fact you pulled off three 1.97's is awesome!

There are more experienced drag racers here that can give you better advice (I am a novice myself). The one thing that I can tell you is with stock gearing (3:07) I ALWAYS go through the traps in fourth gear. I am completely wound out by the time I finish third gear - holding onto it through the traps hurt my times the few times I tried it early on. With a slippery track, be VERY careful of accidental down shifts, especially with the stock shifter. You can sometimes go from 3rd back to 2nd in the excitement and that can be BAAAAAD on a slick track. Keep that clutch foot at the ready just in case.

Again, great times!

Chris

 

[Tom Welch]

Daffy,

By the looks of the consistancy of your 60' times, Id say you are on your way to be one bad asp drag racer!

Your times....last run....seem to be in order for the 60' times that you posted. A slippery track KILLS, elapsed times. Your MPH is good.

Several vipers ran similiar times at our SE regional VOI this weekend where the track was very, very slick, temps were in the upper 90's(over 110 on the track), with humidity around 97%.

Keep up the good work, practice launching at higher rpms while slightly slipping the clutch to avoid excessive wheelspin.

Tom

 

[Daffy]

Some extra points.

My rear tires were at 42psi when I checked them just before the first run, I hadn't driven the car since my last Solo II event a week earlier. I didn't want to mess with the psi as I didn't really know where to put it, but I know 42 is too high for dragging.

I also wasn't sure of the best shift points for my nearly stock snake. Because of traction I was shifting by 5K rpm every time (with a granny shift, slow & controlled), any input on shift points?

I really wanted a "low twelve" at "nearly 120mph" run, not "mid twelves". But I guess I'm man enough to say I was afraid to drive it any harder with the 2nd & especially 3rd gear lack of traction. Just like when I autox, this car has so much more than I do, I feel like I let it down.

Dave.