Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks ---

[alwayscode390]

I am planning on meeting up with my buddy at the track next week. ( 06' SRT8 Charger w/ 7lbs boost )

I have taken two 13 second vehicles down the track before (1 auto, 1 six speed) ... but I hope to get my first 12 second pass in the Viper.

People have told me they have seen Vipers eat the wall at the track , and I have seen vids of people losing control of their Vipers.

Are there any tricks to heading down the 1/4 mile or tips so I can make sure this is a safe trip?

I really respect the power of the car and honestly havent even had it WOT since I bought it a few months back.

Just wanted to ask people who actually own these things their opinions ... thanks ---

ps. my car is a 425rwhp / 460rtq 2001 GTS with new Nitto 345/25/20 rears ... 3.73 gears ... and Eibach lowering springs ---

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

In my 2000 Gen II dynoed at 434 RWHP and 474 RWTQ (full Belenger exhaust) with 3.55 gears on PS2's @ 22 psi air pressure (rears) my best times were 11.98 & 12.04 at sea level with a 1.82 60' time. Once you get the launch down just floor it an hang on. With stock 3.07 gears you can hit the traps in 3rd gear, with 3.55s I had to shift into 4th you definitely have to hit 4th with the 3.73s. I've never had the Viper snap on me but if you run M/T slicks you have a chance of snapping so I don't think you have anything to worry about with the Nittos. The launch is the key with similar RWHP and close gears here is how I launch; I do a dry burn out, water only makes the tires greasy, I line up rev to about 2,000-2,500 RPMs and dump the clutch. It is REALLY easy to spin the tires that's why I start with such a low rpm. The viper will bog a little then you floor it all the way to 1,320 ft. mark. I don't power shift but concentrate on making the fastest shifts possible, I put in a MGW short shifter on probably saved me a quarter second in the run. Good luck.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Thats really good info ... with the dry burnout , just a couple seconds to clean off the rocks and debri? I heard street tires wont get hot or sticky.

Snapping?

I guess I wasnt sure if I should be worrying about a strong 1-2 or 2-3 shift ... if there is a chance that the rearend will get loose on me (main goal is to NOT eat the wall).

If you dump the clutch at 2500 you dont lose traction? I was going to try to blip the throttle and ease into the clutch off the line ... but if it can take a more aggressive launch I am all about trying that too.

Thanks for your time ... its going to be a blast to get that first 12 second slip!!! ---

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Thanks for your time ... its going to be a blast to get that first 12 second slip!!! ---

Wait until you get that first 11 second slip. 11.98 really jazzed me, I only got 1 but that's good enough, the launch is everything play around with it.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

OK sounds good ... I will find a place to do a little practicing. If I can hook on the street ... the track should be no problem I would think.

CONGRATS on that 11 second slip !!! ---

 

[StoleIt]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Unless you have slicks stay out of the water. That might mean driving around and then reversing a bit into the top of the burnout box.

Otherwise, just make sure you are straight when you get to the tree.

 

[Ataim]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Snapping?

Half shafts?

 

[gb66gth]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Advice.....Go straight, fast.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

Half shafts?

On street tires with close to stock HP half-shafts are not an issue, I probably have 50 passes with no problems if you're worried about them Unitrax has some that will handle 1,000 HP.

.

 

[Timnineside]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

I had pretty much the same car. 99 GTS 20" wheels lowered. Go around the water, dry burnout, give it hell. Becareful on launch and if you feel yourself losing control push the clutch back in and run again. Does push beyond feeling comfortable. Once your into 2nd you will be fine.

FYI mine ran a 12 flat all stock wiht 20" wheels. Happen to be running 87 octane that day as well lol.

-Tim

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Heading to the drag strip next week ... any tips appreciated / heard of wrecks --

You guys made me feel a lot better , thanks

I doubt there will be driveline problems with the power I am pushing... but I am curious, where is the weak link ( clutch, tranny, shafts, rearend, ect)?

What RPM are you all shifting at? Just go to redline? These engines are overbuilt for the RPM they push, so really no worries there either ... right? ---