First timer needs some 1/4 drag strip advice

[paulviriyapan]

Hello all,

After two months or so of NSX ownership, I was invited to take my car down to do some 1/4 mile runs at a drag strip and this will be my absolute first time. As such, I wanted a little 'advice' from some of the more experienced folks here.

Obviously, my goal is to get the lowest times, but what I really want is not to screw up my car in doing so, especially screwing up the clutch, which on an NSX, ain't cheap. Ultimately, it's more important to me not to damage the mechanicals, and I'll sacrifice time to ensure that doesn't happen.

First, what is the optimum R.P.M. that I should launch the car from?

Secondly, should I 'pop' the clutch completely at the launch r.p.m. or should I ride it a little to make it a 'smooth start'. I've been practicing launching at 3500 from a freeway onramp, and when I 'pop' the clutch, it seems to be jerking/slowing, whereas if I slowly release it, the power seems to both come on smoother and accelerate faster.

Finally, how tough are the stock NSX clutches? I have a '91 (non snap ring) with comptech headers, comptech exhaust and performance chip. Are the clutches strong on these things? I have heard, for example, that on an S2000 Honda, you can burn out a clutch after one hard launch.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AJKS]

With a stock clutch you must be cautious. A 3000rpm launch with as little slip as possible is the best way for a stock clutched NSX to launch. Do not worry to much about tire spin. Bring the car all the way up the 8000 rpm and speed shift to get the best time. This means do not take your foot of the GAS. Takes practice to get this shift right, but after more than 4 years of NSX ownership and having a 91,92, 94, and 2002, with race after race after race the only thing that went wrong was the stock 30000 mile clutch went out on my 92 in Snap Ring Range (found out after 20 or so 1/4 mile runs). The clutch on my 92 did go out due to 4000 rpm plus launches with a high slip rate to get no tire spin.
With the mods you have (similar to my 92) I was able to post 13.07 as my best time in the 1/4 mile. I do have 15 years of drag racing experince and have beaten 11second machines on the street due to the know how to drive and them not knowing how to drive.
Take it easy your first time out. get the clutch out with minimum slip, let of the gas when you shift and you will still see a mid 13 second quarter mile time. If you keep racing through a 10-15 run night you will see improvement almost every run.
Lastly do not be to hard on your self if you get a 14.0 your first time out.
AJKS

 

[nsx13]

My $.02:

- Remember to turn off the traction control
- May want to inflate your front tires to a couple of psi more than
factory specs (this decreases rolling resistance)
- For the rear, reduce a few pounds to increase traction, but might
not be that big a factor since the NSX is mid-engine and not as
torquey as your typical 1/4 mile cars
- removing the spare tire, tool kit, mats, etc will save a quite a
few pounds

- if this is a real dragstrip with the "light tree," launching at the
last yellow (don't wait for the first green) will help with reaction
times.

 

[Lud]

I've been practicing launching at 3500 from a freeway onramp, and when I 'pop' the clutch, it seems to be jerking/slowing,

That sounds like TCS kicking in... Are you doing this with TCS disabled or enabled?

whereas if I slowly release it, the power seems to both come on smoother and accelerate faster.

This burns your clutch. You want a quick, sure release. You do not need to "pop" or "side-step" it, but it should be quick and decisive.


BTW - AJKS, 13.07 is flat out awesome on a '92 with headers/exhaust! What was your trap speed?

 

[AndyH]

anyone here got the average time for 91-96 in 1/4 VS 97+?
i wonder which version is faster bone stock.