Launching with a T56

I have seen it asked about on a few different forums, by many different members. Some trying to learn from scratch, and some others just trying to get that tenth of improvement out of their 60 foot times at the Drag Strip. Whether you are at the track or on the street, it takes a certain amount of control with your right foot when launching a 4th Gen Camaro to hook and go !!!

I will start with my experiences on the street. Usually it boils down to control of your right foot...yeah the gas pedal. Normally, depending on horsepower level, I find that rolling into the power band is the best way to get the power to the ground without lighting up the tires, this is of course with street tires for rear hoops out back.

Now throw on a set of DOT Drag Radials and let the fun begin. I have run the 275/40/17 Nitto Extreme 555r drag radials, as well as the beefier 315's out back. These tires get the job done! To be able to pull 1.7 60's at the track just by dropping a few pounds of air at the track, is rather impressive. As well these are about the only Drag radials I would drive around in the rain, I have even driven them in the snow! (Although I don't recommend it) On the street the are a bit of an equalizer as far as your right foot would be concerned. This is when you can be a little more forceful on the gas pedal without leaving in a cloud of smoke.

My experience with Slicks at the track consists of over 300 passes, I am by NO means an expert, but I feel I do have something to contribute. I have gone as quick as 1.27 seconds on my 60' launch and regularly am able to run in the 1.3x's. The 4th Gen Torque Arm design is really kick ass! It is rather impressive to see how quick cars can run with bolt in replacement parts, such as offered by BMR Fabrication as well as Madman Co. & Racing.

Depending on horsepower, and type of slick. I have found it best to start a bit on the higher side of the tire pressure range, and work your way down. Monitor your 60's, and if you can have a friend watch the tire revolutions when you launch the car. 1.5 - 2 revolutions should put you in the ballpark.

My $64,000 tip....... Don't DEADHOOK the car, I don't believe there is anyone who has broken more transmission parts in the last 3 years than I have. My biggest mistake was trying to run an aftermarket Gearset. I have had great success with stock gearsets produced for mass production. Being in the Automotive Industry, hands on working for the O.E.'s and now a Tier 1 supplier, I am fully aware of the tight tolerances that parts are produced to!

....remember tire spin is your friend, wheel hopping is NOT

regards,

9.0 @ 155 mph.....Street Legal and Street Driven!