Help me be a better drag racer...

[Jonathan M3]

Heres an old video of a drag pass in my M3 showing pretty much how to launch a low-torque peaky engined e30 on a decently prepped track:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI0ODU0ODZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx

On this pass, I revved it up to 6k rpm and then smoothly let the clutch out, similar to how you would taking off from a normal stop. The result is slight wheelspin while keeping the revs high enough so as not to bog the motor down.

Time from this pass:
1.9 60ft
14.00@96mph

If you're on street tires like I was, only do a burnout if you have to drive through the waterbox and get water or other debris on the tires. Otherwise you're just wasting rubber.

[MikeE30325i]

my buddy bogs down in his 85 325e when he tries to burnout, it is hilarious. sounds like the car is taking a dump.

[CleanAzzE30z]

good luck to your drivetrain and suspension components while youre at it. ;)

Mariano

[AndrewBird]

good luck to your drivetrain and suspension components while youre at it. ;)

Mariano

Can you say "Shredded Guibo"?

[Fidhle007]

I think my mechanic will love the idea of me drag racing. He's been yelling at me to get on the track anyway and this will probably be even better for him!

My suspension seems to be doing fine so far, we just went through it all in the last few weeks and put in a lot of solid bushings... I didn't need those fillings anyway, did I? :D

[Digitalwave]

A little tiny wheel slip at the start isn't a bad thing but you don't want to be burning out at the starting line. A nice 3,000 RPM launch usually works well for me.

My automatic and 22lb wheel toting E30 did 16.3, you can do better than that :)

[Jonathan M3]

Whoops, thought you had an m42 judging by your time, sorry. ;)

Forget what I said about the 6k rpm launch.

[84_318i]

-28-30psi rear tires
-3000-3500 rpms easing the clutch
-just a few revolutions of the wheels to spin off dirt/debris (try to avoid goin through the water as your front tires are still wet and make a water trail... not good for traction)
-optional: take your backseats/spare wheel out before, thats about 70+ pounds.

[AdironRider]

Lauch between 3000-3500. My 200k 325is ran a 15.6 after some trial and error in that range.

[Fidhle007]

Thanks guys, I figure I should be in the mid 15s with a proper launch. I was trying to spin the wheels and they were just hopping around on my like kangaroos on meth.

I've been practicing a bit and I think I'll be able to do much better next time. I'm going back again this wednesday (the 20th) if anyone would car to join me!