Ok guys, I thought I'd never, ever do this, but I'm 43 and a'fixin' to race another RX-7. It'll be at a nearby track. Here's the specifics, I need to tap in to the minds of experienced racers on the forum.

ME- GSL-SE with new rebuild (still in the break-in period, got about 300 miles to go before I can open'er up). Got Mariah Mode 1 body kit, all fresh fluids everywhere, tranny shifts fine, 15" rims, good tires. Got power steering and AC intact. Also a mild street port was allegedly done during rebuild.

HE-GSL-SE with unknown age of engine, compression was checked and VERY strong (I know, I test drove it before the kid bought it). Body, real rust-bucket. Fluids & stuff, bet its original. AC out, power steering intact.

Now the interesting part, BOTH cars have a 2nd gen intake:
see https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=169237 courtesy of Kevin Landers.

Guys, this is a 16 year old kid, I'm 43, I GOTTA beat him for neighborhood bragging rights. Any tips or advise such as anything else I need to do to the car ( I plan on taking the passenger seat out & sunroof for weight) or maybe, HOW TO DRIVE! Never done this before, so all tips appreciated!

 

Uhhhhhhhhhhhh what kinda racing?

 

Hmmm, good question, I've never been to that track (or any other!) but I think it's like 1/8 mile straight. Make sense?

 

I'm assuming a drag race... as he says it's for bragging rights in the neighbourhood

 

Make your tires sticky.

 

Lower your tire pressure to about 16-17 psi, clean the dust of them before you lunch too, i wouldn't try to burn out with regular street tires though. You should be able to get a good lunch at around 4k but i would try and experiment a little bit before the race. Also just for the race you can take off your a/c, filter, and advance the timing slightly. And remember that in a drag race reaction time plays a big role so you should have your foot off the clutch before you see a green light, this way even if the other guy might have a slightly faster E/T you can still finish the 1/4 mile before him.

 

Launch on the 2nd yellow

 

Take everything out that you dont need like spare tire, etc...
Whats the kid driving?

 

Uh, Hello?

 

Reading is a valuable skill

 

Yea we can tell who reads and who just jumps in and ... well u know

 

never heard of a planned race between a 43 year old and a 16 year old...

what kind of race is it?

 

Ok, by lunch (launch?) do you guys mean, like pop the clutch, or let it out so's I don't spin the tires? And, 'foot off the clutch on green", does that mean I should be rolling by that time?
Sorry, but you guys have to understand, I've never even WATCHED a race before...I have no idea what to expect...can you guys give me an idea of what will happen, such as the yellow lights (there are two?) what to do, etc...
I got talked ito this by my own 16 year old (proud new owner of a 91 GXL), its his 'friend' I'm going to race.
I need all the help I can get, my opponent has already been to the track a few times, says he's running
'12's' whatever that means. Keep in mind it's a 1/8 mile track, I'm told.

 

Hahhaa, awesome 12's in the 1/8 mile. I think I can jog that fast, (maybe).

For launching, I can usually let out around 3k with no problems and without slipping the clutch excessively. Although I am running mechanical secondaires which changes driving style a bit. Anywho, 3k should work well, even my dry rotted Comp T/A's can take it. Go experiment !!!

 

launching is everything to beating your opponent (well, almost)--i wouldn't pop the clutch. put the engine to around 3000-4000 rpms and ease in the clutch to where you feel it beginning to engage. then RIGHT BEFORE the light turns green, drop the clutch and floor it. you'll need to experiment with this so that you jump right off the line and don't bog down or spin the tires or anything.

shifting (the other important part)--get to where you can shift without lifting your foot off the gas pedal (without letting the engine revs go up too much). this takes lots of practice! (especially for the 2nd to 3rd gear shift)


OR... you can just slash his tires b4 the race starts

 

OK OK.. Memorial weekend celebrations have and continue to go on!
...pretty much matching cars then.
This one goes to the lighter car with the stickier tires and with the best exhaust system whose 6-ports work properly and mainly the better driver...who can launch outta the hole first and go thru the gears til the end of the race.

 

Thanks all, learning more. I forgot to mention that both cars have the 5th and 6th ports wired open. Interesting advise on the shifting without taking foot off gas..I'm gonna practice that!