Drag Racing Tech - running a 14.1 :/

So I recently picked up a 02 Silver Firehawk (stick) with like 18000 miles on it.

Over the weekend I went to the great lakes dragway (union grove wisconsin)

Im on bfgoodrich sports. I couldnt break into the 13's its the first time I took the car to the track.. My first run was a 14.2 then a 15... (I tried to launch it a little harder, but it just wouldnt hook.) Then my last run was a 14.1 at like 104mph...

Wat....??? I'm thinking to myself, I'm coming out at around 2500 prm trying to launch the car without spinning them tires. I'm very aggrevated i know this car is capable of mid 13's...

Can anyone give me any pointers or tips for next time I go.. And I'm also looking for a better tires should i go with the nitto 555's or mickeys?

I wouldn't put mickey's on it unless you plan on replacing your rear end.. You may be able to get away with nittos a little while but its a ticking time bomb also with the manual trans. As far as your times.. well your MPH sounds about right 104-105 is normal for a stock car, but I'm assuming your 60 was 2.3+. What ya need to do (which is easier said than done) is slip the clutch out aggressively but slow enough to keep spinning to minimum. Also go around any water that they have for burnouts if you can, then just do a tiny burnout to clean the tires.. hope this helps.. its gonna take practice..

yea... I'm just gonna keep practicing anybody else have any advice? should I do a burnout with street tires.. ? also wats the ideal rpm rev for launching 2500?

I ran a 12.9 something my first time out in my silver 02 firehawk. I don't have a manual trans tho. I just powerbraked it to about 1500 RPMS then let her rip. Your car def has the potential.

I ran a 12.9 something my first time out in my silver 02 firehawk. I don't have a manual trans tho. I just powerbraked it to about 1500 RPMS then let her rip. Your car def has the potential.

jese 12.9 that would have been great.
mabye rev at a lower rpm will help....
u said 1500.. were u on street tires..?

With that mph it defiantly has low-mid 13s in it. I'd get a set of stock firebird/camaro rims and throw a bias ply 26x10.5-16 ET Street on it, and go back. The bias-ply will be a little more forgiving on your 10 bolt.

i would make sure the street tires have the recommended tire pressure. i think it is 28 psi from the factory. on street tires my cars have always hooked much better with this pressure. if you drop it like many do, then the traction went down hill.

Don't do an excessive burnout.. just enough to clean the tires.. otherwise your just burning off miles.. They don't get sticky like slicks etc..

Don't do an excessive burnout.. just enough to clean the tires.. otherwise your just burning off miles.. They don't get sticky like slicks etc..

i really want to mickey's man, why dont u think i shouldnt get them, I wouldnt launch over 3 grand

i really want to mickey's man, why dont u think i shouldnt get them, I wouldnt launch over 3 grand

As I said in my above post, you will be fine for a little while on a slick or et street. I'd stay away from a drag radial for now.

i really want to mickey's man, why dont u think i shouldnt get them, I wouldnt launch over 3 grand

Bro do whatever you would like.. I'm just saying your rear is going to regret it, and so will your wallet.. It may or may not last with sticky tires, but if history repeats itself it won't last long

my rear lasted 3 trips to the track, et street radials, easy launches and a little n20. The first time i got the least bit aggresive with it, i had parts all over the track.

my rear lasted 3 trips to the track, et street radials, easy launches and a little n20. The first time i got the least bit aggresive with it, i had parts all over the track.

Your fault for putting a drag radial on it over a slick.