Back from the PIR Late Night Drags... An SS got towed away

[Spiffyguitar]

Just got back from the Late Night drags here in Portland.... I wasn't planning on running, but my buddy had his car there and wanted to play, so who was I to say no. I didn't do the best... put in a few 13.2's. I was hoping to run a bit better, but it was only my second outing and I didn't get many runs... so there's always next time.

When I was waiting in line though, I saw a orange SS going through tech. I made my run, and when I came back up in line he was getting ready to do a burnout... I noticed his intercooler, so I was really curious to see what he ran. I sent a text to my friends and asked him to tell me what he ran.. and in response I got back: BROKE

Apparently he tried to do a burnout, but the tires didn't really spin (traction control ). Then when he took off, the car jerked slightly and he shut it down. Snapped an axle. :(

Didn't get a chance to talk to the driver, but perhaps he is on here? Hopefully there isn't anything else wrong.

[Apex Motorsports]

Wow. Supporting mods are crucial.

[Apex Paul]

Yup. Every time you increase strength/power in one place, the weak link moves to another location.

The traction could have been from slicks, a little too much grab and SNAP, there goes an axle or rear end. That's life at the drag strip.

[myold88]

I saw more than one M6 at the camaro5fest drags break down off the line. I heard it was transmissions, u/joint bolts, axles, etc but I'm not sure what really failed on these Camaros.

[agkelly73]

A friend of mine broke a halfshaft at the Fest and the only thing he had on his car was a CAI and NO tune. He was running stock tires when it happened as well. Luckily he was able to limp to the end of the track and was able to get some upgraded halfshafts put on while we were there.

[Spiffyguitar]

It looked like he was running stock wheels and tires... those stock tires get decent grip when warm..

[Apex Paul]

Originally Posted by myold88

I saw more than one M6 at the camaro5fest drags break down off the line. I heard it was transmissions, u/joint bolts, axles, etc but I'm not sure what really failed on these Camaros.

While that is unfortunate to hear, it's those kinds of things that lead to good products in the aftermarket. You need to know where the weaknesses are before you can improve.

That said, I'm not surprised that those parts would be breaking down on any stock car that had as much HP as the Camaro. Touting high HP numbers to the general public will help sell cars, telling the general public that you have strong U-joints isn't as sexy in the sales flyer.

[wbt]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

Wow. Supporting mods are crucial.

Yep. About $4K worth to be specific.

[wbt]

Originally Posted by Apex Paul

While that is unfortunate to hear, it's those kinds of things that lead to good products in the aftermarket. You need to know where the weaknesses are before you can improve.

That said, I'm not surprised that those parts would be breaking down on any stock car that had as much HP as the Camaro. Touting high HP numbers to the general public will help sell cars, telling the general public that you have strong U-joints isn't as sexy in the sales flyer.

Disagree. GM should build the drivetrain capable of handling the stock HP levels and then some. Anything less is a dis-service to the customer who just spent $30K+ on a performance car....

[Spiffyguitar]

Originally Posted by wbt

Disagree. GM should build the drivetrain capable of handling the stock HP levels and then some. Anything less is a dis-service to the customer who just spent $30K+ on a performance car....

+1

I see Paul's point... but if you're driving a bone stock car, you shouldn't have to worry about stuff breaking. I think for the most part GM has done a good job building a strong car, but like any vehicle, there are a few weak points.

[wbt]

Originally Posted by Spiffyguitar

+1

I see Paul's point... but if you're driving a bone stock car, you shouldn't have to worry about stuff breaking. I think for the most part GM has done a good job building a strong car, but like any vehicle, there are a few weak points.

No doubt. I think there will be a few here and there break at stock power levels. Most will be just fine at the strip unless they open the motor or add power adders.

[mstrfdsstr]

innercooler= warrenty void!!!!!!!!!

[IRONMAN_830]

Damn that really sucks, now I'm getting a little scared to run my car at the strip.

[axis]

Originally Posted by mstrfdsstr

innercooler= warrenty void!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure he took it straight to the dealership to have it worked on.

With the weight of these cars and add a sticky track to the mix, I can see a stock car breaking axles.