I have owned my 04 GTO for about 2 1/2 months and I finally got to take her to the Drag Strip. I have never run on a 1/4 mile or on even an 1/8th mile, but for my first trip I ran a 14.6 at 97 mph with the T/C on. I know there is at least another second in there somewhere but I would like to know what do I need to do to get me faster time slips. I should mention that my Goat is a M6 with no mods except for Royal Purple 10W30 motor oil. Any help would be appreciated because I hated getting beat by some import with a trash can for a muffler.

Work on your launch, the mph shows that you capable of much better 1/4 times.

As Nocturn said, work on your launch.

Also, let a little air out of your rear tires for greater traction and overinflate your fronts to reduce rolling resistance. Ice your intake before the run. Dump any excess weight you carry in the Goat, it's already heavy enough. Spare and jack (although some say keep it as it aids in rear traction), floor mats, cr@p in your glove box and console and any extra junk your carrying. Some might ditch the front skid plate to save a few pounds at the drags. (Replace it when your done though).

I'd bet by ditching all the stuff I said above you could drop close to 100 pounds of dead weight.

Then practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect as they say. Being consistent and knowing how to get the most out of your car are what lead to good timeslips.

I'm sure you've got at least a full second in there and those traps ought to go up a little too. :)

Originally posted by Orbit Orange@Dec 9 2004, 05:16 PM
I'd bet by ditching all the stuff I said above you could drop close to 100 pounds of dead weight.

Also, don't go to the strip until you're on 'E'

turn traction control off :) btw is power shifting from 1-3 a viable option?

Power shifting is really not an option for me especially with the Traction Control off. My buddy tried it in his GTO and nearly put it into the wall. I'm not that concerned about the tenths of a second I lose, because I don't race for money but for the fun and adrenaline rush of racing.

Dont forget your pre race burnout :)

sorry, i'm a big fan of burnouts.

Slip the clutch at about 2500-3000 rpm depending on traction. Get some drag radials, turn TC off, and power shift (Never lift off of the throttle). Lastly practice, practice, practice. :D

last time i power shifted without realy letting off the gas (4k rpm) I ended up burning my clutch and coudnt figure out why I wasnt moving for about 5 seconds. Smelled like smoke afterwards.

Originally posted by JSU@Jan 3 2005, 02:39 PM
last time i power shifted without realy letting off the gas (4k rpm) I ended up burning my clutch and coudnt figure out why I wasnt moving for about 5 seconds. Smelled like smoke afterwards.
Powershifting can hurt the drivetrain is not done right, unless you are experianced racer I would suggest not doing it.

I'm finally getting a chance to go back to the drag strip this friday. I can't wait I have a couple of things I want to try and see if it will help my times. Like I have said before it hurt to lose to a car with a big wing and a trash can for a muffler! :flush: