I beat a 2003 Cobra!

[The Deuce]

I knew that would get you to look at this. I did, I have the white slip to prove it. Well, ok, so he redlighted. I was just past the 1/8 when he trapped though.

Anyway, I thought I'd post my slips from my first time at the track.

Run #1 This one was not so good.
RT: 1.121
60': 2.627
1/8: 10.267 @ 72.37
1/4: 15.793 @ 89.74

Run# 2 (sat staged for about 15 minutes, fell asleep, woke up and ran. The guy next to me was a complete idiot)
RT: 2.491 (that's what happens when you launch in neutral)
60': 2.786
1/8: 10.487 @ 72.61
1/4: 15.996 @ 90.21

Run# 3
RT: 1.145
60': 2.415
1/8: 10.066 @ 72.12
1/4: 15.546 @ 91.46

On run #3 my car started cutting out up top, turned out when I got home it was just my #8 wire, and not my fuel pump as originaly thought. I was starting to figure out how to launch on the gravel track, but for some reason I was really distracted at the tree.

Next time I'm going to try and redlight. Sounds dumb, but it doesn't cost per run, and I probably still won't.

Any advice other than sucking less? I'd like to get my rt and 60' down so I can get a good base line of what I can do in the car before I start modding it.

[Dark_5.0]

Damn that 60ft is really bad.................That track must have sucked or...............well..............we wont go there

It took me a few trips to the track before I learned how to launch the cobra on street tires.

You have a high 14 second car with a 2.1 60 ft which is attainable on regular street tires. I get 2.1 60fts all day in the cobra on stock tires and I have IRS.

It just takes practice. Lots of people are surprised to find out the street hooks better than the track with street tires.

1st time I took the cobra to the track the best I got was a 14.2 and now I got it down to a 13.79 @3000ft

The 1/4 mile is an obsession..........Youve been once now your hooked.

Try revving the car to 3000 rpm's or so and slip the clutch gradually giving it more gas. Thats what I do.

As far as reaction time goes. Dont wait for green, leave on the last yellow.

Later,

[302 LX Eric]

Originally posted by Dark_5.0
It just takes practice. Lots of people are surprised to find out the street hooks better than the track with street tires.

As far as reaction time goes. Dont wait for green, leave on the last yellow.

Later,

Exactly.

Deuce, where you spinning really bad out of the whole or what? Seriously, how were you launching the car? Try what Dark_5.0 said.

E

[Ty'97Cobra]

Originally posted by Dark_5.0


It just takes practice. Lots of people are surprised to find out the street hooks better than the track with street tires.

No joke.... It felt like I spun the whole way (1/8) down the track. It sure is different on the street vs track with daily driven tires...

[The Deuce]

Originally posted by 302 LX Eric
Seriously, how were you launching the car? Try what Dark_5.0 said.

I was lauching pretty conservativly, between 1,000 and 1,500 rpms. I get out of the clutch pretty quick, no I don't just dump it.

If I got into it before the 60' I could brake em loose again. So frustrating considering the hp my car makes. 46stang was having the same issues with his 03, but that makes more sense.

There are a couple of Ford events coming up that I will attend at least one of, and try to run on a track that has better prep.

It's real upsetting to be one of the faster guys on the street, then get handled at the tree.

[Dark_5.0]

Originally posted by The Deuce


It's real upsetting to be one of the faster guys on the street, then get handled at the tree.

When you stage just barely make the second light come on, then leave on the last yellow and your 60ft and reaction time will improve quite a bit.

Practice, practice, practice

[JaxTheDJ]

Best advice I can give you is,lower tire pressure to 15,launch at 2500 and go when the third yellow STARTS to light,that should get you in the 5's at least on launch,as far as 60's use the track time to find out exactly what RPM your car likes to go at,I run a T-5 myself and launch at 4500 w/ 1.65 60's on Mickey Thompson ET's,that tranny will hold more than you think. Also,do you have subframe connectors? if not get those first. good luck

[NO SLO PK]

Hey Deuce,

The mph seems kinda low, even for stock. As you know, mph shows how much power you're making, even crappy 60 ft times shouldn't hurt mph too much. Where do you shift?

Also, where did you run...LACR? That can explain a lot!

Russ

[The Deuce]

I ran at Carlsbad, was shifting about 500 rpm before redline, and on run #3 the car started cutting out about 5,000 rpm.

Car was running hot and it was sticky outside. Everyone was running a little slower than they should have been.

I need to get his figured out. I'm going back to the track in Rocktober. I think at LACR with some guys, I'll figure out the time and let you know.

[gilmoujr]

My Opinion / Diagnosis

I have put my car down the track over 90 times this year (I bought it new in March 02). Before the DR's I got a 60ft of 2.076 and was running a 14.2 pretty consitent. I got DR's and Gears (3.73) about the same time (two weeks apart) and am now turning in consistent 13.8's with a best of 13.760 @ 98.22 - I have had two better mph readings but they did not best my 13.760. I could get into the 13.6's given a good cool night - which I hope to see soon.

As far as advice, follow the above for your reaction (beginning of last yellow = GO pedal). For improved times, red-line it - well as close as possible without rev limit (if you are comfortable with that) from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd then (if you are on 3.27's take third off the end of the track) 3rd to 4th (I have 3.73's remember) at about 200 before rev limit. Off the line (before DR's and Gears), I would rev to about 2500 and "slip" the clutch. Slowly let it out while increasing the gas - hook up and rip the @$$-fault off the track the rest of the way down. One thing that was not mentioned that I have seen quite a bit is people new to the track like to burn out. Do Not Do It On Street Tires. They are made of a rubber compound that emits oil when heated beyond a certain point. Spin them a rotation or three just to "dust them off" and AVOID the water. Without the heat of a real burnout you will just drag water up to the line with you and give you wheelspin (as well as anger the person behind you if they know what you did). Hooking up is a science. It takes practice. Another thing I like to do is get behind a car that runs slicks - you hook up great most of the time.

Now get out there and get us more slips to talk about! We love the white one's but we like "personal bests" timeslips as well. One more thing. Dragging your car is like chess. Every move is toward a goal - your personal best - strategize - study what you did (write it down if necassary), Launch RPMs, shift points, tire pressure, heat/humidity. With every accomplishment - you follow up with the thought - I think I can squeeze one more tenth out of it if I just... It is a rush and an addiction... My name is Jim and I am a Drag Racer....

P.S. I do know how to spell asphalt.

[fastang]

yeah, launchings a *****, I was yankin 2.0 60 ft times with one wheel motion on one bald drag radial. You just have to practice and relax yourself. The first 3 times or so I was SOO damn nervous at the line that my left leg was literaly shaking.

If you improve on that 60ft you should easily see low 15's which is about average for a fox with a few miles on it. Dont sweat it. If all you want to do is get a decent timeslip just get a 100 shot and a set of slicks. Good luck and go as soon as you see the second light go out.

[NO SLO PK]

Deuce, Carlsbad stinks for 60 ft. times. The launchpad is asphalt. I could swear that on hot days, the asphalt gets a little greasy.

At Carlsbad I leave at 2000 rpm on 275 drag radials, and I still light 'em.

Was the '03 Cobra you ran against Sonic Blue? If so, I may know the owner, his name is Luke.

Let me know when you're going back...I may have my Cobra by then.

[The Deuce]

I didn't do anything to prep the car (ie ran at street pressure) and I have the almighty 2.73's out back. I'm suprised I have trac-loc and yes I avoid the water. It looks cool, but I don't want to buy new tires all the time and it doesn't do any good.

The Cobra I ran was white, and the guy posts on SVTPerformance. Nice guy, just was a little quick on the draw that time.

I want to run again soon, but I'm starting to think this car is cursed. I might have to sell it and buy a Mach 1.

Wouldn't that be a shame?

[NO SLO PK]

Originally posted by The Deuce
I have the almighty 2.73's out back.

Want a set of FRPP 3.55 gears, new in box? I can make you a good deal.

[Skyman]

Russ are you keeping the LX?

Skyler

[The Deuce]

Originally posted by NO SLO PK
Want a set of FRPP 3.55 gears, new in box? I can make you a good deal.

I'm listening.

PM me with details.

[NO SLO PK]

Originally posted by Skyman
Russ are you keeping the LX?

Skyler

Sky, I'm not sure. Btw, regarding tuning, I got a few issues sorted out since the last time at Carlsbad. Remember the slow shifting? I didn't know at the time that my clutch cable was going south. A buddy gave me a 3.55 rear end assembly that I'll be installing soon.

I'll be going back to Carlsbad at least one more time whether I sell the LX or not.