Tips for a newbie ?

BC_Girl · 03-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Hello,
I'm new to this site and I own a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX. I've had it for 7 months. Last summer, about 1 week after I purchased the car I took it to Knoll Gas Motor Sports park in Martin, MI to see if I had what it takes. My best time was 15.12 in the quarter mile, and my best reaction time was .520. Not to float my own boat, I had some good advice from a seasoned racer, but not too shabby for a first timmer right? Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone had any advice that may benifit me. I am still learning how to get a good start, an all wheel drive clutch is different than anything I have ever driven before, but I plan to go to an open test and tune on April 5th. I have a good feeling about it because I know my car better, but I don't want to damage my car while I'm just learning. Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Sara:

Longshot · 03-13-2008, 12:29 PM

I posted this a bit ago....it's a really good how to that can get you off the line quicker with some practice. This technique fully utilizes the Subaru's AWD system as well as its turbo. It's post#3 in that thread.

1st time at the track, SUCKED!!!

BC_Girl · 03-13-2008, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the advice, but I'm confused. "You can only build boost under no load conditions when the engine is accelerating at WOT" I'm a driver, my husband is my mechanic, but neither one of us is sure what "WOT" means, could you elaborate?

Longshot · 03-13-2008, 01:32 PM

WOT = Wide Open Throttle

BC_Girl · 03-13-2008, 01:50 PM

"I see" said the blind man. Thanks, I'll give it a shot, I think I need to find an empty parking lot and practice my take off.

Longshot · 03-13-2008, 02:21 PM

You're welcome and good luck. At the least if you can master this your 60ft times should come way down.

BC_Girl · 03-16-2008, 09:22 AM

Holy @#$%! What a difference. Had it out practicing my launch yesterday and I couldn't beleive how much power my car actually has now that I am learning how to drive it. I had to read that article a few times before I understood what I should do, but I reved it up to 3000rpm then right before I wanted to go I took it to 5000 and dropped the clutch. It launched like it had been kicked in the rear. Think I held the clutch a little too long though for fear of shock loading, because I could smell it burning. Can't do that again those things aren't cheap to replace. Anyways, thanks for the advice it really helped. Just have to get my %^&* foot off the clutch a little faster and I think maybe I should take it to 5500rpm to get a little more @#$% and get out of it.

nagyhead · 03-16-2008, 09:39 AM

be careful or you'll break a gear. I would never do a 5500 clutch dump.

loser05 · 03-16-2008, 10:06 AM

i gots a question. it says rev up to 3k-3500 then at the lights go up to 5500 and release the clutch fast and smooth. ok so do u get the same response from ## car if u just rev to 5500 when u pull up.... i dont understand y u need to go to 3k 1st. can anyone explain.

MilesFox · 03-16-2008, 10:46 AM

does ## mean 'your' because no one can tell the difference between your and you're? just wondering, as i see it all over the place.

BC_Girl · 03-16-2008, 11:16 AM

From what I understand reving up to 3000-3500rpm gets the flywheel moving and gets u some boost ?! I think that's what I read.

OOPS: It stores torque and energy in the flywheel.

mr04wrx · 03-16-2008, 03:10 PM

just don't drop the clutch. That burning smell of the clutch is better then clunking in the transmission of a broken gear.

BC_Girl · 03-16-2008, 03:28 PM

There's really no happy medium then is there. I guess I gotta find the sweet spot in the clutch that doesn't buck me or burn it up. Where's the easy button when u need it?

mosc · 03-16-2008, 03:33 PM

the easy solution is an automatic. All serious drag cars are automatics

BC_Girl · 03-16-2008, 03:42 PM

Seriously???!!!! That's a joke right?! What's the fun in that?