ESS650 DCT Drag Strip Techniques

[m3gasm]

I'm going to keep posting here. As i do a local 1/8 mile every Tuesday and try to learn new techniques/styles/ and take advice on how to improve 1/8 or 1/4 mile times for people with a DCT car.

First off. I have an ESS650 car on Stock DCT clutches. I have over 100 Launch controls used and never have i had an issue. By the way...
I'm at 158k miles.

Suspension and tire setup:
285/35/18 rear bald Hankook RS3 (18psi) with te37sl
AFE Lowering springs stock edc struts

Now for my technique and what I'm finding to work for me:
Only way i can get any grip is to use my launch control (3500rpm gts tune) in the water box and heat this tiny bald tires up. If i don't i spin until 4th and the race is over. Yes I've done 10s in the 1/8th by not heating up these tires. Yes i know they aren't a radial.
Ok next
I Put EDC in comfort.
Even if i floor it off the line the car will ease into 1st gear.
However once I'm at about 5k rpm the car turns into a wicked monster.
2nd gear:
This is where it gets a bit sketchy. I'll either spin all of 2nd gear, let off. Get back into it (loose .5 of a second) or it will wheel hop which is even more scary. Let off. Get back into it. Same thing happens.
3-4 shifts are fine.

Some questions i have:
If i use the 'poor mans method' in the water box. Just mash the throttle. Will the car do a burnout? It doesn't work after launch control is used.
Let's say i did do that and tires warm up... can i then use launch control at the tree? Or will the trans be too hot from the burnout to do lc?

Not sure if anyone has tried this method.
Here's my best slip from last night. Also my best 60ft. However if i leave my tires at 25psi... I'll run a high 8 but i get a 95-96mph trap

I will always be #337 for weekly updates

[dparm]

Longboarder can probably give you some tips.

[M3 Number 86]

wrong subforum

[pbonsalb]

Buy sticky tires if you want traction. R888, RA1 or Street able drag radials like the BFG, Toyo TQ, NT555R.

[m3gasm]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

wrong subforum

I literally posted in the racing techniques sub forum lol

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by m3gasm

I literally posted in the racing techniques sub forum lol

just joking that nobody drag races here

[dparm]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Buy sticky tires if you want traction. R888, RA1 or Street able drag radials like the BFG, Toyo TQ, NT555R.

This was the first thing I noticed -- R-S3 is a pretty sticky tire, but the true race tires are in a different league.

[m3gasm]

Originally Posted by dparm

This was the first thing I noticed -- R-S3 is a pretty sticky tire, but the true race tires are in a different league.

I can't stand the 'hum' on r888
I'll be going with a 305 nt555r which i love. Used them many times previous to the rs3
Or a Mickey Thompson et street

[pbonsalb]

The RA1 is quieter than the R888 and both handle well. The drag radials, even street type ones like the NT555R, compromise handling a bit. Ideally you get a spare pair of rear wheels for the night at the track and either bring them and a jack and impact and inflator and gauge or drive them there and just bring the gauge and inflator.

I went through all of this with my turbo E36M3 and hope to get back into it this year. With no traction control and 500-600 lbs rwtq in a 3200lb car, the R compound tires are critical. It’s a good way to get your thrills in a safe and ticket free place.

[Longboarder]

The RS3 was literally the WORST tire I ever had on my ESS650. Nice lateral grip but zero straight line grip.

Step 1 Get some of those new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or R888.

Step 2 Get Euro MDM

Step 3 forget launch control. With MDM on, just floor the car up to but not triggering the "kick down" thing.

I did this and pulled on AWD cars from a launch. 0-60's in the 3,5 second range consistent.

Good luck.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by m3gasm

I can't stand the 'hum' on r888
I'll be going with a 305 nt555r which i love. Used them many times previous to the rs3
Or a Mickey Thompson et street

The R888 doesnt hum if you do rear only. I have 10,000 miles on my 991 Turbo S with front Cup2s and rear R888 and actually handles quite well and the launch is mind bending.

[dparm]

The hum is caused by the huge tread blocks. Common problem with that kind of tire. It almost sounds like you have a Jeep with huge tires when you drive by.