First Time to the Drag Strip = Intimidating

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Old 10-04-2011, 05:36 PM
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First Time to the Drag Strip = Intimidating

Haven't ever posted in this section but had a 2000 cl-s for awhile till I let the wrong people work on my car.

Now I have a 335 with some mods and wanted to hit up the drag strip. I have to say, it's a blur when they get the cars moving and want to keep the flow going. You're waiting for your turn then move to the burnout section and then before you know it, you're at the tree.

I have to admit, I felt like a fool since there wasn't a clear cut line where you're suppose to line up. Now not until my 3rd run did I realize that it was electronically monitored and the tree would light-up when you were at the right distance.

Oh well, either way, it was a great experience and I'll look back to going once I get some more mods. Best time was a 12.95 1/4 and hope to hit 12.5 next time I go.
Old 10-04-2011, 05:48 PM
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Nice!

Mods list?

What was your best trap speed?
Old 10-04-2011, 05:51 PM
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Would love to do that sometime; two fears -

1) Looking like an idiot (never done anything like it before)

2) Blowing up my engine/trans

Neither fear is particularly rational, but human beings seem to have difficulty in the rationality area.

Questions - Is your 335 manual? How'd you do on launch?
Old 10-04-2011, 06:05 PM
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^ Hit me up when you want to go to Speedworld ttribe!

Congrats OP! It definitely is intimidating going for the first time... and the second... and the third... :wink:
Old 10-04-2011, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by SuperTrooper169
^ Hit me up when you want to go to Speedworld ttribe!

Congrats OP! It definitely is intimidating going for the first time... and the second... and the third... :wink:
Seriously? That'd be cool!
Old 10-04-2011, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
Seriously? That'd be cool!
hehe if you ever decide to go, have someone record your m5, i want to see it in action
Old 10-04-2011, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by JS + MS3
Nice!

Mods list?

What was your best trap speed?
I have the Procede v5, ets ic and bms filters for engine mods. Suspension I just have AST 4100s. About to pull the trigger on either a Meth kit or m3 suspension parts. I'm torn being I want more speed after being at the strip and meth would cure that addiction but I love a great handling suspension.

I'm an auto (I know, lame but had manuals all my life and wanted something easy.)

As for launching, it's easy for me since I'm awd and had no problem cutting 1.9x 60s. Just brake boost to 2500rpms and let it out.

As for trap speed, I'm a few mph slower than the rwd guys cause of the drivetrain lose. But my best was 107.9mph.

So for my best run

60 ft - 1.953
1/8th - 8.33
1/4 - 12.95
trap - 107.9

Last edited by pits200; 10-04-2011 at 06:23 PM.
Old 10-04-2011, 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
Would love to do that sometime; two fears -

1) Looking like an idiot (never done anything like it before)

2) Blowing up my engine/trans

Neither fear is particularly rational, but human beings seem to have difficulty in the rationality area.

Questions - Is your 335 manual? How'd you do on launch?

Ha, don't worry about all those. A guy grenaded his engine and spewed oil all over the track near the 1/4 end and it closed the track for about an hour while the crews cleaned up the mess.

I actually went alone being it was a Thursday night and being old now I got the answer from my friends, "What, we have to work tomorrow, hell no" and my wife was feeling under the weather or maybe I could have convinced her to go also.

Now I've been wanting to go all summer and have kept putting it off so I just got in the car and drove there alone. It was an experience being some highly modded cars and some ricers. But it was definitely something I'm itching to do again and if you keep finding a reason to put it off like I did, it just gets harder to find the time.
Old 10-04-2011, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by pits200
I'm an auto (I know, lame but had manuals all my life and wanted something easy.)

As for launching, it's easy for me since I'm awd and had no problem cutting 1.9x 60s. Just brake boost to 2500rpms and let it out.
Does the 335 auto have a "launch control" mode?

Originally Posted by CAgine
hehe if you ever decide to go, have someone record your m5, i want to see it in action
Lol! You and me both!
Old 10-04-2011, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
Does the 335 auto have a "launch control" mode?
No launch control on the standard 335. The 335is has a launch control feature but I'm not savvy on how that exactly works.
Old 10-04-2011, 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by pits200
No launch control on the standard 335. The 335is has a launch control feature but I'm not savvy on how that exactly works.
I found some online instructions for my car and tried it out. Let's just say...it WORKS!
Old 10-04-2011, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
I found some online instructions for my car and tried it out. Let's just say...it WORKS!
With all the hp you have and being rwd, you might do better launching in 2nd but 1st is probably more fun!
Old 10-04-2011, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by pits200
With all the hp you have and being rwd, you might do better launching in 2nd but 1st is probably more fun!
LOL! Probably.

What year is your 335?

Did you compare your times to any of the magazines when they tested that model new to see how you did?
Old 10-04-2011, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
LOL! Probably.

What year is your 335?

Did you compare your times to any of the magazines when they tested that model new to see how you did?
My car is an 09 sedan so its the facelifted model. My times are faster than the mags because I have a tune and some other mods. I probably have around 350awhp now compared to 250 stock.
Old 10-04-2011, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by pits200
My car is an 09 sedan so its the facelifted model. My times are faster than the mags because I have a tune and some other mods. I probably have around 350awhp now compared to 250 stock.
Excellent!
Old 10-04-2011, 06:51 PM
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My TL is no rocket by any means but I would love to take it down the strip once or twice.
Old 10-04-2011, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by CLtotheTL32
My TL is no rocket by any means but I would love to take it down the strip once or twice.

Ya, I've never really floored a car for so long. I've done some red light racing, not like weaving through traffic, like 0-40. But its a rush to just floor your car for 14 seconds.

There were plenty of fast, middle and slow cars there, you should try it at least once!
Old 10-04-2011, 10:06 PM
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id love to take mine to a track some time.
Old 10-04-2011, 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by CAgine
hehe if you ever decide to go, have someone record your m5, i want to see it in action
I'd definitely bring my camera and record his M5 going down the track!
Old 10-04-2011, 10:32 PM
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I hated going with my CLS6. I could never get traction or launch the manual right. I was always put to shame by the other cars that ran. The big V8's or the turbo imports. Now I have a more track geared car I'm looking forward to running my 13 flat or below. Just waiting for the weather to cool down a little. Still hot down here.
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Old 10-04-2011, 10:36 PM
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Great time for your first run!

I've also been itching to go to the track. I don't have a drag racer by any means, but it sounds like it'll be fun in any car, and you're really only competing against yourself.
Old 10-05-2011, 12:21 AM
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Ive never been one for straight line racing...but I have been very interested in running my car to see what it can do...

But I have same fears as everyone else...Looking like a dumbass.

I also have a 6spd...and I doubt I am very good at launching, and the 6spds aren't as fast as the autos with my car.

But I am curious what I could put down in my current state.
Old 10-05-2011, 12:22 AM
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Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
I hated going with my CLS6. I could never get traction or launch the manual right. I was always put to shame by the other cars that ran. The big V8's or the turbo imports. Now I have a more track geared car I'm looking forward to running my 13 flat or below. Just waiting for the weather to cool down a little. Still hot down here.
Hit the right conditions, and you have the auto...I think you could break into the very high 12....12.9 or so.
Old 10-05-2011, 12:55 AM
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Its been a while since Ive seen you post Pits! I assume the Bimmer is treating you well.

What track did you go to? I was supposed to hit the track two weeks ago but had some setbacks. Nice times!
Old 10-05-2011, 01:02 AM
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It's always intimidating racing for the first time. As your time gets closer you look at others going up to the tree, going through the burnout box and then start to stage, you can't help but wonder if you're going to look like a fool. In the end you make your pass and realize it wasn't so bad.

Just take your time and do what makes you comfortable. Not running slicks or drag radials, not much sense heating them up. Go around the water and take your time staging. First set of lights you are "pre-staged" or your wheels are very close to the starting line. Second set of lights, then you're "staged". Don't bother looking at your opponent, just keep focused on yourself. First yellow, second yellow, then third yellow. Then green and go. After some practice you'll actually be stomping the throttle just before the green.
Old 10-05-2011, 02:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
Ive never been one for straight line racing...but I have been very interested in running my car to see what it can do...

But I have same fears as everyone else...Looking like a dumbass.

I also have a 6spd...and I doubt I am very good at launching, and the 6spds aren't as fast as the autos with my car.

But I am curious what I could put down in my current state.
for everyone that says this, I bet you arent the only one that would be at the place thinking it

I'd totally wanna try it out, but not really with my acura.

First I wanna try autox whenever i get a different car.
Old 10-05-2011, 03:04 AM
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I've been to the drag strip a few times, but I always feel a little nervous when I'm getting myself lined up at the tree. It's normal.

AutoX is also very fun, but I'm hoping to go to a road course later on.
Old 10-05-2011, 07:41 AM
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Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about looking like an ass. Most people there have only been there a couple times themselves... so you'll be fine. I've only been maybe 2 or 3 times, and that was about 8 years ago... but it was a blast. I had my 2002 TL-S with all bolt-ons running high 13's (best was 13.7). Not bad for that little car. Couple of the CL-S were running 13.5's or better. Think one person turned a 13.3. Don't remember what mods he had though, but it was a CL-S.
Old 10-05-2011, 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by teranfon
It's always intimidating racing for the first time. As your time gets closer you look at others going up to the tree, going through the burnout box and then start to stage, you can't help but wonder if you're going to look like a fool. In the end you make your pass and realize it wasn't so bad.

Just take your time and do what makes you comfortable. Not running slicks or drag radials, not much sense heating them up. Go around the water and take your time staging. First set of lights you are "pre-staged" or your wheels are very close to the starting line. Second set of lights, then you're "staged". Don't bother looking at your opponent, just keep focused on yourself. First yellow, second yellow, then third yellow. Then green and go. After some practice you'll actually be stomping the throttle just before the green.
Some good advice here, thanks. Especially timing the tree, it's harder than it looks on tv. I know reaction time doesn't come into play for your overall time but my first run I had a reaction time of almost a second, it felt like the guy was halfway down the track before I even started to move, ha.

Also, I guess things were easier for me, I have awd so no burnout necessary but some of those guys get their cars 45 degrees in the burnout box. I'd be a little worried I'd nail one of the guys prepping the box. I also have an auto so once again, all I need to do is stomp on the pedal and use my paddles.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
I hated going with my CLS6. I could never get traction or launch the manual right. I was always put to shame by the other cars that ran. The big V8's or the turbo imports. Now I have a more track geared car I'm looking forward to running my 13 flat or below. Just waiting for the weather to cool down a little. Still hot down here.
There was a sick 300 srt8 at the track where I was that I saw run a 12.1X, pretty impressive. It sounded like it had major work done with cams, not sure if they even go the cam route but it sounded mean.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by civicdrivr
Its been a while since Ive seen you post Pits! I assume the Bimmer is treating you well.

What track did you go to? I was supposed to hit the track two weeks ago but had some setbacks. Nice times!

Hey Civic, ya the 335 has been running pretty flawless despite others having less than stellar reliability, thanks for asking. I think the 09s (Which is what I have) fixed some of the issues with the vanos, injectors and wastegates. My hpfp was replaced under recall but wasn't giving me problems at all prior to the replacement.

I don't know if I ever posted in here that I had a montego blue 335 for only 4 months after the CL till a guy hit me head on and this black one is my replacement.

What would you do in my place, im torn bout the next mod if I should go suspension with m3 rear sway, m3 bushings and m3 strut brace. Or if you'd go meth? Unfortunately, the wife would only be cool with one of those at this time. Meth would get me down to low 12's and that sounds so good but suspension is so satisfying for everyday driving!
Old 10-05-2011, 08:10 AM
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13.7 in a cl-s?! Nice
Old 10-05-2011, 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by teranfon
It's always intimidating racing for the first time. As your time gets closer you look at others going up to the tree, going through the burnout box and then start to stage, you can't help but wonder if you're going to look like a fool. In the end you make your pass and realize it wasn't so bad.

Just take your time and do what makes you comfortable. Not running slicks or drag radials, not much sense heating them up. Go around the water and take your time staging. First set of lights you are "pre-staged" or your wheels are very close to the starting line. Second set of lights, then you're "staged". Don't bother looking at your opponent, just keep focused on yourself. First yellow, second yellow, then third yellow. Then green and go. After some practice you'll actually be stomping the throttle just before the green.


Staging was what I was worried about. I watched a bunch go and asked questions, and after my first run or two I was going on the third yellow which was getting me great reaction times. Either way it was a blast and I recommend anyone who is a car enthusiast try it at least once.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by CLtotheTL32
My TL is no rocket by any means but I would love to take it down the strip once or twice.
Originally Posted by juniorbean
Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about looking like an ass. Most people there have only been there a couple times themselves... so you'll be fine. I've only been maybe 2 or 3 times, and that was about 8 years ago... but it was a blast. I had my 2002 TL-S with all bolt-ons running high 13's (best was 13.7). Not bad for that little car. Couple of the CL-S were running 13.5's or better. Think one person turned a 13.3. Don't remember what mods he had though, but it was a CL-S.
Another Charlotte meet idea? Who is down for a night at the strip?
Old 10-05-2011, 08:25 AM
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Edit: Civic, the place was called Pittsburgh Raceway, seemed like it was a nice tracked compared to some other youtube videos I've seen of people who look like their drag racing in a cow pasture.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by phee
13.7 in a cl-s?! Nice
13.7 is very nice! I wish I took my cl-s to the strip after the engine swap and before the tranny went kaboom. I sold it to TheVikas87, maybe I can convince him to take it to the strip for me and see what time it can do!

While my 335 was stock, I feel that after about 40mph that my CL-S was equally as fast from a roll of those speeds till about 100mph.

I loved my CL-S, it was a highway beast.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:35 AM
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I was intimidated at first too but you just have to look around a d do what everyone else is doing.
Every track runs a little different than the next.

Skip the water, don't do a burnout, launch when the last yellow is turning off, turn your car off between runs.

Don't worry about your time as much as your technique.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:36 AM
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I know my Tl-s 6 speed was faster than quite a few 335's now I did take a loss to one (and it was a LOSS)
Old 10-05-2011, 11:12 AM
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Here's a video of my last time at the track with the Accord. It's pretty funny because the truck in the next lane is just plowing through the burnout box while I'm sitting at the tree after going around the water and lining up. It seemed like he was burning his tires for an eternity lol. I obvioulsy got destroyed by him at the tree and down the track but none the less it was still so much fun going down the strip a few times that night.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EQFpuFe8JPY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Old 10-05-2011, 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by juniorbean
Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about looking like an ass. Most people there have only been there a couple times themselves... so you'll be fine. I've only been maybe 2 or 3 times, and that was about 8 years ago... but it was a blast. I had my 2002 TL-S with all bolt-ons running high 13's (best was 13.7). Not bad for that little car. Couple of the CL-S were running 13.5's or better. Think one person turned a 13.3. Don't remember what mods he had though, but it was a CL-S.
I ran a 13.1 in my CL-S.

Nice job breaking into the 12's, OP.


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