So, I went to the track tonight, and figured that realistically, I, personally, might be able to pull off a 16.5-16.7. I've got intake, exhaust, good tires, and maybe -100lbs, but let's not even worry about that. Anyway, first run I ran a 17.7 because I was violently blocked out of 2nd, which was really good at pissing me off. 2nd run I ran a 17.2, and my third and final run was a 17 flat at 84.3mph. I was pretty dissapointed, but then again, I can't drive a manual to save my life. I redlined 1st and 2nd because i didn't take the time to look at what RPM was best to shift at, not to mention how god awful my launches were (best 60' was 2.69) because I suck at it. Also, my wheels are 17" Motegi MR7's, are these heavier or lighter than stock wheels? Just curious.

Just thought I'd post up novice times :) Think I could hit a 16.5 if I could drive better?

you should def. be able to hit 16.5 once u get the hang of it. i think people have gotten completely stock eclipses in that range
get some pulleys they might help ur lower end a lil bit for when ur comin outta the dig, which reminds me i really gotta get mine on before winter comes...

**Ebay intake w/ injen filter, 55mm TB, Thermal R&D NT Catback, F & R upper strut bars,
**Waiting to be installed: Hurricane GS lower tie bars, AFX UDP

My best was 16.9 my 1st time at the track, close to the same time as yours. Had intake, exhaust, and 14's on it then.

Practiced and changed my shift points got me to 16.6 the 2nd time.

Added a UDP and more practice got me 16.15 the 3rd time.

Practice will really cut down your times. Also, did you run with the big tires you got on there? Did you get rid of the spare and jack? Did you lower the PSI of you front tires? These things will make a difference as well.

Good luck!

No spare tire, no jack, even went as far as to take out the carpet/cardboard crap back there (just for that night). Kept my stock PSI, but I didn't launch hard enough to spin off the line, but now that I think about it, I did spin a little on the first to second shift. What RPM would you recommend shifting at? I'm a ricer and I just red-lined every one :)

Also, on my launch, I would take it up to about 2900 and slowly let the clutch out. Looking for some 2gnt advice, because the people at the track didn't seem to know/care how to help me with it. Thanks!

-Chris

RPM to shift at and how to launch is the 2 things for practicing.
No one can really tell you which is best for either of these because of each car is so different.

In general since your mostly stock, you are probably losing power going all the way to red line. If you really want to know when to shift, you can take it to a dyno and find out when to shift. If you don't want to do that (I personally wouldn't) just try different shift points (probably between 5700 and 7000) down the 1/4 mile and see what you get. Don't just compare the ET time, but also your mph and times at 60' and 1/8.

The launch will depend on temperature, track prep, your tire, your weight, etc. Basically if you spin too much then lower you launch rpm and if you bog then raise it.

Spinning inbetween 1st and 2nd probably means you stepped on the gas too early shifting. Lowering you PSI on your front tire will make a big difference on your launch.

Hope you find that helpful.

Originally posted by Eric
Hope you find that helpful.

I did, thanks!

I'm going to go next week, and if I can't break into the 16's (god that sounds sad, lmao) I'm going to replace some things and go again, but I'm running out of time, the track's getting ready to close :(. Thanks for all your help!

When I was stock I would shift out of first at lik 6K and grab 2nd right in the powerband. Redline 2nd and gate 3rd gear and hold it till your done. I actually think you'll have to shift to 4th by the end.

Launching depends on the track for sure. If it's sticky you'll have to rev a little higher to break the tires loose. I also found that mines times would be within an 1/8 of a second if I just rolled off the line and floored it compared to dropping the clutch at 4K and smoking the tires for 1st gear.

I doubt the shift to 4th, I redlined 3rd crossing the line at 6psi.

This is where racing motocross comes in handy..listen to the motor. Don't estimate rpms, If you listen to the motor you can focus on driving in a straighter line and you can feel where the power hits, etc. Your tach shouldn't be a like a t.v to watch when you drive, it should be glanced at when you reach your area of shifts (like i said, the MOTOR will tell you that). manual's can be tricky at first, find a back road like i did and practice launches with your buddies. Have them give you some feedback on the quickest ways to get off the line, or tips.. When you go for 3rd gear, push it straight away from you (like one straight line), its the quickest way i improved my 1/4 time. Ran a 16 flat w/ catback and intake...

You should be able to get low 16's. When i was bone stock i went 16.2 and when i had drag radials i went 15.9. Like someone else said, practice launching and shifting. I usually launch at 2500 to 3000 rpms on street tires. If you dont want to worry about the launch then buy some drag radials. Right now your not making enough power to spin them so you can launch at whatever rpm you want. I prefer around 5000 at least.

Here I made you a new sig. A little smaller though, but i really liked the picture, just wanted to improve it a bit :thumbsup

thanks man

My Avenger would run a 16.1 1/4 at like 90mph I think its been awhile
-AEM cold air
-Greddy Header
-test pipe
-APC muffler << LOL now thats rice
-cut stock shifter
-plugs and wires

ok Either way I lunched from 3500rmps with like 21psi in the front tires note Avenger is heavier car and I wouldnt harly spin I shifted at 6900 rpms and finished in 4th gear but that was right at the line at 7000 in 3rd