Manual launch control!
Discussion
If I wanted to aim for the best 1/4 mile drag time I can get from the Nob, how would I go about it? I assume I'd hold the revs reasonably high then dump the clutch, however where is the magic point between grip (& consequently a good time) and losing time through wheel spinning? I know tyres would make a difference, as would weather conditions etc. but I'm talking about a fairly consistent good performance without going to great lengths to make minor differences. Lets say your bog standard factory car spec.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
I done 4 'launches' with my car at factory claimed standard power and destroyed the clutch, so ill advise against it.
However I guess it's hard to be specific with a turbo'd car as get the revs too low and it will be a slow laggy start, get them too high and you'll get full boost straight off and just spin like mad, much easier to feather a NA car. Probably in the region of 3500-4000rpm is what I tried to start on and once it grips make sure it's full throttle from then on in, I beat a supercharged Atom twice on the 1/4 mile
However I guess it's hard to be specific with a turbo'd car as get the revs too low and it will be a slow laggy start, get them too high and you'll get full boost straight off and just spin like mad, much easier to feather a NA car. Probably in the region of 3500-4000rpm is what I tried to start on and once it grips make sure it's full throttle from then on in, I beat a supercharged Atom twice on the 1/4 mile
not withstanding if the car can cope with such an agressive launch you will need to judge it on the day...
In my Ultima at one strip I could hold it at 4500rpm and drop the clutch, wait for it to stop spinning (very briefly) then floor it... at another track with same temp and tyres I had to drop the revs to 3000rpm and it still span longer.... this car had a lot more power and torque than a stock noble and was lighter but it was built of stronger stuff so could take it.
IMO the clutch/box and CV joints are all weak points that could go if you decide to start dropping the clutch on a strip in the Noble... this is true for a lot of high powered sports cars though
In my Ultima at one strip I could hold it at 4500rpm and drop the clutch, wait for it to stop spinning (very briefly) then floor it... at another track with same temp and tyres I had to drop the revs to 3000rpm and it still span longer.... this car had a lot more power and torque than a stock noble and was lighter but it was built of stronger stuff so could take it.
IMO the clutch/box and CV joints are all weak points that could go if you decide to start dropping the clutch on a strip in the Noble... this is true for a lot of high powered sports cars though
Totally agree with Adrian - brisk pull away in 1st and the torque will pull the light car up to speed quicker than lots of input and over-thinking it. As soon as it spins, change up and nail it. Depending on the surface you might have to repeat that with standard power, with more you definitely will.
bernhund said:
Good advice fellas. I'm not sure when I'll be doing this but it's good to get an idea of the risks etc too.
Has anyone had a go at the Brighton Speed Trials?
Did this last year and it was great fun.Has anyone had a go at the Brighton Speed Trials?
Did ok but it was a very hot day and sitting in the car waiting for my turn
not very good for turbo car.
Just dont rev to high on take off n you and the car will be fine.
Just one thing though when uv got a full face helmet on you cant hear your revs so well
so change up using your rev counter.
steve
steveobes said:
Did this last year and it was great fun.
Did ok but it was a very hot day and sitting in the car waiting for my turn
not very good for turbo car.
Just dont rev to high on take off n you and the car will be fine.
Just one thing though when uv got a full face helmet on you cant hear your revs so well
so change up using your rev counter.
steve
Off topic but is car car sprayed yet SteveDid ok but it was a very hot day and sitting in the car waiting for my turn
not very good for turbo car.
Just dont rev to high on take off n you and the car will be fine.
Just one thing though when uv got a full face helmet on you cant hear your revs so well
so change up using your rev counter.
steve
bernhund said:
I thought Brighton might just be a bit of fun without taking things too seriously. What's the score regarding applying for it etc? I take it you have to have your own helmet but are there other criteria?
Hi Stephen,what you need is.race licence about £60
Helmet
Gloves
Race suit
Boots
All have to FIA approved
Entrance fee £120
Not cheap for 2 runs in the handicap class
but loads of fun
bernhund said:
Mine is a 5 speed 2.5 with LSD and around 352 BHP. What differences do you think this makes to box/clutch failure if any?
P.S Great to beat the Atom!
I did a 1/4 mile run on very poor surface (concrete) and no two wheel drive could touch me, met a friend for my first run in his 600hp Corvette, couldn't beleve the traction I could get. My best time was 8.25 sec, speed 95.7, fastest I clocked was 95.9. My car is running 423bhp 423lbft through standard clutch and gearbox. P.S Great to beat the Atom!
wessexrfc said:
I did a 1/4 mile run on very poor surface (concrete) and no two wheel drive could touch me, met a friend for my first run in his 600hp Corvette, couldn't beleve the traction I could get. My best time was 8.25 sec, speed 95.7, fastest I clocked was 95.9. My car is running 423bhp 423lbft through standard clutch and gearbox.
That time is amazing, normally would need about 1000 bhp to get a time like that.wessexrfc said:
I did a 1/4 mile run on very poor surface (concrete) and no two wheel drive could touch me, met a friend for my first run in his 600hp Corvette, couldn't beleve the traction I could get. My best time was 8.25 sec, speed 95.7, fastest I clocked was 95.9. My car is running 423bhp 423lbft through standard clutch and gearbox.
Paul, think the 8.25 sec 1/4 mile is a bit optimistic mate, a good time would be in the 12 seconds. Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff