Track procdures, tips, tricks, etc.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 837
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From: Newark, Delaware
Track procdures, tips, tricks, etc.
I tried searching for this, but no luck. Once I get all my mods installed I want to take my truck to the track and see what she runs. I've never run on the track before so I'm clueless. I was hoping that some of you experienced guys could go over some of the details. General track rules, prepping your truck, the line up, how to drive on the track, etc.
I don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go up there.
Thanks guys!
I don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go up there.
Thanks guys!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
Four wheel drive, pull up to the light, prestage, let the other guy pre and stage, then creep into the last set of lights.. After that, you have about 2-3 seconds to powerbrake the engine, to load the driveline up and build boost. Practice on back roads or something before you do it the first time, to know how much your brakes can hold. I think normally 20psi or so would begin to drive through the brakes back when i was stock-er. Leave on the last yellow as soon as you see it, dont wait for the green or your R/T will be a good half-second off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Because I have tried both as I did not believe it either. On the 1/8 4x4 was faster. Not sure about the 1/4 as the event was canceled in Bowling Green due to a few idiots.
Faster is better. 4x4 was faster.
Faster is better. 4x4 was faster.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
tried mine in both also and 4x4 was almost a full second faster just due to the launch, my 60ft times in 2wd were around 2.6, in 4.4 it was 1.95.
Also someone mentioned leaving on the last yellow, BUT watch the lights at the track you go to, if they run a sportsmans tree it will count down the lights .200 seconds apart, a pro tree goes yellow green in under .1 second (all 3 yellows light at once)
If they run a pro tree leave as soon as you see yellow, on a sportsmans tree you will have to get a feel for it, I actually leave when the second yellow starts to go out but that takes practice, try it on the last yellow and if your reaction time is more then .200 then leave on the second yellow just have to get a feel for it and don't worry about looking bad.
BTW last friday night I actually won the best reaction time of the night with a .007
Also and this is very important leaving in 4x4 you DO NOT need to do a burn out (it will actually hurt you and waste your tires for no good reason) and if you can try to drive around the water box but don't worry to much if you can't easily.
Also someone mentioned leaving on the last yellow, BUT watch the lights at the track you go to, if they run a sportsmans tree it will count down the lights .200 seconds apart, a pro tree goes yellow green in under .1 second (all 3 yellows light at once)
If they run a pro tree leave as soon as you see yellow, on a sportsmans tree you will have to get a feel for it, I actually leave when the second yellow starts to go out but that takes practice, try it on the last yellow and if your reaction time is more then .200 then leave on the second yellow just have to get a feel for it and don't worry about looking bad.
BTW last friday night I actually won the best reaction time of the night with a .007
Also and this is very important leaving in 4x4 you DO NOT need to do a burn out (it will actually hurt you and waste your tires for no good reason) and if you can try to drive around the water box but don't worry to much if you can't easily.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Drive around the water trap, not through it. Big truck tires with lots of tread slinging water all over the track tends to **** off the tech officials.
Like the others have said, race in 4wd. If you have ESOF, go ahead and lock the hubs manually. There's less chance of popping a hub that way.
It's going to take some practice to get the hang of building boost and launching in 4wd. If your still running a stock transmission (even with an upgraded valve body), it's best not to go too crazy with building boost for the launch. The stock torque converter just won't take repeated high boost launches.
For the first few times on the track, don't race the person next to you. Don't even race the lights. That comes later. Learn how to launch, and get a feel for the truck. If you have a slow reaction time, don't worry about it. You can work on the reaction time after you've made a few passes. Just learn how to launch first.
Like the others have said, race in 4wd. If you have ESOF, go ahead and lock the hubs manually. There's less chance of popping a hub that way.
It's going to take some practice to get the hang of building boost and launching in 4wd. If your still running a stock transmission (even with an upgraded valve body), it's best not to go too crazy with building boost for the launch. The stock torque converter just won't take repeated high boost launches.
For the first few times on the track, don't race the person next to you. Don't even race the lights. That comes later. Learn how to launch, and get a feel for the truck. If you have a slow reaction time, don't worry about it. You can work on the reaction time after you've made a few passes. Just learn how to launch first.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Don't sit there building boost for too long. The PCM will react poorly to it. It thinks that the VSS is faulty and will de-fuel the truck. I believe that happened to Kris at Smokin' last year.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Mine upshifted into 2nd gear once while sitting at the line boosting too long. That scared me to death.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,863
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From: Hoschton,GA
I tried searching for this, but no luck. Once I get all my mods installed I want to take my truck to the track and see what she runs. I've never run on the track before so I'm clueless. I was hoping that some of you experienced guys could go over some of the details. General track rules, prepping your truck, the line up, how to drive on the track, etc.
I don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go up there.
Thanks guys!
I don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go up there.
Thanks guys!
Launch in 4x4, keep it there until you slow down to turn back on the access road at the end of the track- if you are 4x2 good luck getting traction.
When you line up wait until the guy beside you trips his/her first yellow light at the top. Start building boost or you could smoke your torque converter holding it too long. I have seen some snap input shafts in a heartbeat not watching what they are doing. When both racers have tripped their top 2 yellow lights the tree will start counting down the lights. Go right after the last yellow light comes on.
Have fun!! Be safe!!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Yes. It has nothing to do with boost being too high, it has to do with the PCM seeing boost and there not being any perceived movement of the tires. It's a safety feature.