Questions about Drag Radials

[2010 2-Tone]

When you guys run the 1/4 mile with a manual, what rpm are you leaving the line at? What psi in the rear tires? Are you heating the tires and then just dumping the clutch or rideing it out a little? Thanks,

[2010 2-Tone]

Bump. Anybody?

[Nine Ball]

It has a lot to do with your local track and how well they prep the surface. There is no right answer here. Just methods of figuring out what works best. The good part is that practicing and experimenting is the fun part.

Start out with 30 psi. If you have no traction issues, problem solved. You essentially want to have the most air in the tires you can have, while still maintaining traction. Keep dropping them 2psi after each pass, if you continue to have traction issues. For the bottom limit, I wouldn't go below 16 psi personally.

Drag radials just need a few heat cycles (two 20-minute highway drives, or two minor burnouts) to prep. No need for the John Force type burnout, you really only need to heat them up until you see smoke forming.

You'll do better by finding an rpm to hold steady, then finding the right balance of letting out the clutch as you apply more throttle. Dumping the clutch will likely bust something, and never works well on a street car. As with the previous rule, try starting out with something like 3500 rpm, and slipping the clutch out while applying throttle. Try to keep the nose of the car up, that is the goal here. This keeps the weight transfer to the rear tires, which results in more traction. Nose shouldn't dip until you are shifting to the next gear. Even that should be minimal, if you shift quick enough.

Tony

[mikepage0007]

agree with nine ball..what you did not mention was what kind of rwhp are you dealing with..stock ls3 ? really prob don,t need drs, drive around the wetbox , back in and wet tires,, do a good 2-3 second hard burnout..and most guys with 20,s are not having that much problem hooking on a good prep track....its when you start modding car and picking up rwhp is when the drs become a necessity..i have noticed most guys start @ 25 psi and drop down to as low as 18psi..good luck