SteveWs6

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys

Took my 1998 Trans Am Ws6 M6 to the track today for the first time. It was a last minute decision to go out and race it had:

-3 quarters of a tank of gas,
-full interior and
-no weight taken out of the car.
-295/35/18 STREET tires.

Made a LOT of passes. This is my first time drag racing a manual car and i've only been driving manual daily for about 4 months.

In a lot of the passes, missed shifts, and I had absolutely NO traction in first gear whatsoever, no matter where I launched at. Until I put the rear tires at 25psi and then I made my good passes, 13.9 and 13.8 but I still think the car could do better.

So I know I need drag radials, but where else do I go from here? My mods are listed in the signature. I do know I need to get better at racing a manual, and definitely improve the '60 foot.

Let me know what analysis you may have. I have attached a time slip from my best run.

SteveWs6

iTrader: (1)

I wasnt getting any grip on my 295/35/18 street tires...

I have a set of 245/50/16 nitto 555rs but obviously they are skinnier than the current ones on my car...

I kinda wanna try to nittos and see what happens, or should I just not waste my time?

guppymech

iTrader: (7)

M6 cars are tough to drag race. On street tires it's hard to do better that 2.0 60' times. DR or slicks will help but watch out for the 10 bolt. I kind of just watch my mph to track HP improvements. If you're like me you have trouble hitting 3rd gear. I've found that if I hold the shifter like a can of beer (kind of on the side of the ****) it helps with getting 3rd almost every time.
If you're still on the 3.42s try to stay in 3rd through the traps, if you can stay off the rev limiter. 4.10s are ideal for drag racing M6 cars with a 26 inch tire.

I see your in the Chicago area, the Density Altitude has been terrible around here. The high DA will effect your times negatively, your 13.8@100.8 would be more like a 13.5@102.x with better air. Enter your times in the DA calculator at dragtimes.com to correct it to standard day conditions.

Keep at it and have a good time at the track!

SteveWs6

iTrader: (1)

Stock and Mildly Modified Naturally Aspirated Engines
13.34 @ 104.446 MPH

That is pretty encouraging. DA was like 2776 or something... crazy.

3rd gear was so hard! Thanks a lot for the advice and encouragement, I really needed it. In the mean time i'll practice my shifting and stuff for next time I go to race!

96lt1m6

iTrader: (31)

Make a bunch more passes focusing mainly on launching and dont worry too much about speed shifting just yet..... radials and a 6speed are tricky!

I think you did very well for your first trip out there, keep it up

SteveWs6

iTrader: (1)

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate the encouragement!! It definitely is way harder to race a 6 speed than I ever imagined, but I definitely will take the challenge of driving a 6 speed than driving an automatic, no offense to anyone.

I will definitely practice launching. Oh and to guppymech, I tried your "beer can" shifting into 3rd technique today just driving normally on the street and it seems to be pretty accurate. But thats normal driving, its never as hard when your back isn't pinned to the seat

I did have my DREAM run going:

RT- .031
60' 2.045
330 5.820

and then I missed 3rd. And got pissed so I coasted through the traps... 15.1@64mph hahaha. Had I not missed the shift, it probably would have taken 1 or 2 tenths off the 13.8 run I had!! But thats racing for ya

SVTconfused

tenth in the 60 ft is 2 tenths in the quarter... just a rule of thumb...


and the like the beer comment... dont really trie to slam the shifter... guide it to third with your hand in C shape so to speak...

even try just flat palming it into third... i found with my short throw that 3/5 are tightttt together

moge11

THIS! I NEVER 'grab' a hold of the shifter... NEVER... "row" the gears, flat palm in gay/fairy action for 1st to 2nd, then rotate hand, with fingers pointing upward and push fwd...the shifter will practically FALL into 3rd....

s346k

iTrader: (4)

what shifter are you using?

98z28Quinn

Mph in the 1/8th seems pretty low. Should have been 83+