DR Noob looking for advice...

[Deke736]

Hey guys, I am a noob when it comes to drag racing and I am looking for some input. I have a 2012 ZL1 with an auto trans. I have been to the track a few times now and I am pretty much addicted. I am not looking for any power mods yet, just working on trying to harness the power I already have. I am nothing more than a weekend warrior having fun, but I want to get the most out of my car.

A little history, my best run so far is a 12.78 @ 114.27MPH. My 60' time on this run 2.131 (my PB is 2.106). This was on stock tires. I have found through trial so far that a little burnout is necessary to get the water off (there is no way to avoid the water completely at my track) with PTM 5 in Sport mode.

After thinking about my recent runs with this setup, I am wondering if I am launching in 2nd gear instead of 1st? I drop to "S" and do my burnout and then roll up to the stage line and launch at about 1200 RPMs. I had very little wheel spin on every run but the one where I changed up my launch methods (no burnout, PTM 2 in "S" mode, 1200 RPM launch).

I just ordered some Nitto NT05r DR's yesterday (305/45/18) along with some 18" C6 Grandsport wheels (18x9.5 w/ 40mm offset) which should all be here later this week.

I was also thinking about getting a line lock.

Based on the above info, with the new DR's how should I stage? How long of a burnout do I need? Is the linelock necessary? I assume it will help save my brakes and wear on the components. What RPM should I launch at?

Is there anything else I should be doing that I haven't mentioned?

Your thoughts and input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Pro Stock John]

I don't use a linelock.

My first burnout of the night is the longest, then I try to go about half on the rest.

Launch rpm is really trial and error for a combo. I've tried alot of little stuff helped me get down the last 2 tenths. Hope to get out again next week at GLD.

[Pro Stock John]

Not sure your comfort level, but I would run those tires no higher than 25 psi cold, and no longer than 20.

Have you tried to just roll out on stock tires, I think you should squeak into the 11's on stock tires.

[Deke736]

I've had eight runs on my stock tires and couldn't get lower than the 12.78 I mentioned earlier. I lowered them to 22 PSI and still sat and spun no matter how I launched.

I am also done with burning up my stock tires. The DR's will be here by Friday and are a lot less espensive to replace than the stock GY F1's. I'm just trying to learn what I need to do to get the best performance out of them.

As a note, the DR's will only be used for track duty. I live 20 minutes from the track and they will only be driving to and from and on the track.

[Pro Stock John]

Where do you race, Gateway?

Too bad we are not closer, I'm interested in throwing out some ideas to a ZL1 owner to see how good they can run.

FWIW, on stock tires you pretty much have to roll into the throttle to get any short times below 2.0, at least that's the case with an SS. I make a lot less power, but when after my round of boltons I got to 370rwhp and still went 1.92. I also have experimented with flashing the converter, bringing it up, launching off idle, etc.. I think I'm maxed out 60ft-wise with the stock converter, 1.86 might be it. I think with a converter swap I can go 11.9's but I'll probably have to change up the launch again.

[Deke736]

I do race at Gateway. Been a couple times so far and I am really enjoying it. My best 60' so far is 2.1, and that was rolling into it. As I mention in my original post above, I am really thinking that I was launching in 2nd gear. I am going to have to pay more attention to this next time.

I wish you were closer too, I'd love to have some hands on advice to help improve my times. My launch is definitely what i need the most work on, but I am getting a lot more comfortable in the staging lanes.

If you have any advice, please feel free to shoot me a PM or post here. I am eager to learn!