Note, I searched this for a while but found nothing for such a low HP motor.

I just picked up a set of 20"x6" M/T slicks for use on my single cam HX Civic. I'm pulling a 2.356 on Falken Ziex ZE-512's launching at 5k with 20 psi in them. The engine has I/H/E and I have an EX tranny swap and a stock or equivalent clutch. I'd like to not kill the clutch, but at the same time, I dunno if that's gonna be possible.

Questions (some of these may seem stupid, but please help):

1) Wet Box or not?
2) How long should I burn them?
3) I've heard that burning out and shifting to third is better because it spins at a higher speed, but I've also heard this is more for a higher hp car. Please help on this.
4) What should I launch at?
5) Feather it or drop it?
6) Anything else I should know.

 

Oh... and 7) What pressure should I run in them?

 

1) At the tail edge of the water.
2)Until they start pulling you forward
3) For you 1st or 2nd is sufficient but, start in the gear you slelect DON'T shift
4)You'll have to try different RPM's
5)Preload and drop it (search "preload" I've explained it many times)
6)Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!!!!!!!!
7) You'll have to try and see start at 13-14 and work your way down unitl the 60's stop improving.

Phil

 

Wow, thanks for the help. What's the deal with starting in the gear you're burning out in? Why not shift? Just curious... Also, should I launch these higher or lower than the street tires?

 

Also, now that I've searched preloading and know what it is somewhat I've seen that it's hard on the clutch. Is this any harder on the clutch than a full out launch?

 

the clutch takes the abuse not the axles and tranny. it will just wear the clutch out more

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mistamike17 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Also, now that I've searched preloading and know what it is somewhat I've seen that it's hard on the clutch. Is this any harder on the clutch than a full out launch?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's hard on the clutch but, I would say no harder than daily driving in stop and go traffic is. A "Full out launch" AKA. Dumping the clutch, IMO is probably one of the worst things you can do to your car. The clutch, Tranny and axles take on extreme pressure when you do this and more things will break instead of just having to replace a clutch like you would normally.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mistamike17 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wow, thanks for the help. What's the deal with starting in the gear you're burning out in? Why not shift? Just curious... Also, should I launch these higher or lower than the street tires?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't shift because basicaly if you srat in 1st then try to shift to 2nd the tires stop. Then since you have already began spinning them the pavement underneath is probably dry so, it'd be just like launching in 2nd gear on dry w/ a clutch dump method. Basically, It breaks **** so don't do it. You will HAVE to launch the slicks much higher than street tires. Don't let people front on the 20" slicks ether. I've cut 1.71. 60's on them (M/T 20x8's) .

Lastly, If you are scared of breaking things or don't think anything should ever break than racing is not for you.

Phil

 

I was talking to a guy last night and he said "I hope you clutch can handle that" and I said "They make replacement clutches, fortunately." That's my attitude. I'd like to not have to replace it, but if I have to, oh well.

 

UPDATE

We went to the strip last night and I layed down some nasty *** squirly burn outs to the point that smoke was entering the cabin (thought my car was on fire for a second ). I burnt out in first gear with the slicks at 13.5 psi. Got a 2.113 60' on my single cam in 40 degree weather on a damp track, so I was semi-satisfied. I know I can break the 2.0 mark with these things. Car ran 16.07 on street tires with 32 psi with a 2.57 60' and 15.69 with a 2.113 60'. My 1/8 mile times were 10.374 on street tires and 9.907 on slicks.

Thanks for the help guys.