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Feathering the throttle........?

Old 08-19-2002, 01:07 PM
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Default Feathering the throttle........?

I havent been able to get any tration in my car all the way through 1st! I am lauching on stock tires with 26 psi in em from idle! People ahve told me to feather it and I realize every car is different but how long would you feather a a4 with 3.23's normally? I have been punching it half throttle which doesnt help at all! Give me a step by step how much the push the pedal analysis please! Going to race a lightning real soon and need the traction! By the way should I go with a full tank of gas for traction of 1/4 to save weight?
Old 08-19-2002, 01:13 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

You may need to start saving up for some Nitto DR's.
Old 08-19-2002, 02:20 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

Nittos arent an options cause I still ive at home...havent graduated yet. So any tips on the questions about feathering it and everything? I really need to know how much throttle for how long....
Old 08-19-2002, 02:35 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

I'd tach up the R's to like 1200-1500... and when the track lights count down I would release the gas on the 2nd yellow and let the car go and give it gas SLOOOOOWLY while counting O-N-E...

I did that and cut 1.95's on someone's car with GSC's and no burnout.
Old 08-19-2002, 08:32 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

Wouldnt lauching at a higher rpm make me spin even more? How long should it take me to ease into the throttle? 3 to 4 seconds? And how much should I give it at a time?
Old 08-20-2002, 01:17 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

I would not add more gas, I would take the FLASH out of the stock converter by powerbraking. By rolling out as I have described and slowly getting into the gas, you will not shock the tires and crack 'em loose.

I went 12.85@110mph in a 00 Formula with FTRA, cutout, lid, filter and stock converter and gsc's in great air. I went 13.03 in a 00 TA with the same mods and also stock weight. Owner of the 00TA took my advice and removed jack and spare and ran 12.97 the next pass.

Try my street tire approach next time at least twice at the track. Just don't floor it too fast as you count O-N-E and I'm sure you will run some new bests.
Old 08-20-2002, 02:31 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

Thanks Pro Stock John and McRat! I was just going to post this question.

Think I'll try Pro Stock John's approach . . . that's exactly what GTOJohn in Edmonton, a bud, said . . . tach up the Revs a bit . . . on the 2nd yellow release the gas and give it gas SLOOOOOWLY while counting 1,001 . . . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

My only question is at what number should the pedal be riveted to the floor . . . 1,003? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

If that doesn't work then I'll try McRat's Flashing technique. I can't get over how different our LS1s are.

Thanks for the hints . . . you have saved us newbies a lot of exasperation.
Old 08-20-2002, 02:38 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

So my best bet would be to flash it and give it gas ooonnnnnnnnne one thousand....and thats how long its should take me to put it to the floor. How long will feathering it take in actual time 3secs? How much gas should I hit it with to begin? SO i know how much to nil it when i start. Thanks alot so far pro stock john!
Old 08-20-2002, 03:24 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

All tracks are different, so try different approaches and watch your 60's to evaluate.

We have a slippery track as well. I have noticed better 60's on OEM stock tires with some weight in the back, either gas or spare, M6 or Auto, running street tires. Borrow a spare tire or two and try a pass with them in the trunk. It's easier than draining out your gas if it doesn't work. Don't let the track officials see you, as putting unbolted ballast in the back is dangerous if you crash. Not Safe, do so at your own risk.

The reason for "Flashing" is to get the weight to transfer onto the tires. I had one guy with an Auto try it both ways (SS), and his 60's went from 2.5 to 2.3, but another guy stayed the same, 2.2-2.2.

The only way to find what works for YOU, is to try different things. Get info from others, and test it. It won't always work, but often it does. Keep a logbook or write notes on your slips. Especially if you run at different tracks.

<small>[ August 20, 2002, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: McRat ]</small>
Old 08-20-2002, 03:31 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

About "roll on"... One second is about right. Pretend an egg is under your throttle foot. Roll it down smooth then smash the egg. About 10 ft.
Old 08-20-2002, 05:44 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

Ok...that gave me a lbetter understanding of exactly how much and how fast to give it the gas! thanks everyone. Keep sending info. <img border="0" alt="[Firebird]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" />
Old 08-20-2002, 06:05 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

I would not add weight, I would remove it.

When you try to hook on stock tires, like GSC's or RSA's, it gets hard.

But I use the same technique to race someone on the street... I don't flash the converter if I don't think I can hook.

I'd tach it up to 1200 or more, and then count one-thousand as you push the gas to the floor. It might not feel as fast but I went 1.95-1.97's on GSC's.

You have to set a baseline. Go up there and get to the line and floor it at the second yellow. Probably end up spinning about a car length or more and cut a 2.2-2.5 60 ft which is terrible.

Now come back and footbrake it up to 1200 and get into the gas while counting O-N-E. If you hook great try to come out next time different, just change one thing. In this case floor it faster.

That day, I went 12.85 in that 00 Formula, handed the keys to the owner, told him what I did, and he went and cut a 12.80!
Old 08-20-2002, 06:27 PM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

Why doesnt lauching at 1200 ball the tires more then lauching them from idle?
Old 08-21-2002, 12:03 AM
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Default Re: Feathering the throttle........?

I'd run a full tank if I were you. Probably cost 0.06 seconds over a 1/4 tank, but you should mke it up on the 60' and then some.

There are three ways to launch an Auto:

Powerbraking- Hold brake and gas hard at the same time, then release brake.
"Flashing"- Barely rest foot on brake, no gas, then mash the gas quickly to the floor.
Roll on - Same as flashing, but your foot goes slowly to the floor, much like taking off from a stop light.

Most stock automatics do better flashing. You car will actually stall higher on the launch than powerbraking will.

Your results may vary.


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