New track times with tuning - got slower

[Sean37]

Went out to Infineon in Sonoma tonight for the bracket drags. Only new mod since last time is the custom PCM Tuning. I ran with my 17" wheels this time, 40 psi front + 30 rear.

1st run (trial)
Temp: 75
Humidity: 73

R/T: .429
60': 2.398
1/8: 10.237
MPH: 69.91
1/4: 15.870
MPH: 86.76 (new best)

Put the car in drive and launched around 1600 with no spin

2nd run (Round 1)
Dial: 15.60
R/T: .288
60': 2.408
1/8: 10.264
MPH: 69.45
1/4: 15.991
MPH: 84.71

Put the car in OD and tried to launch at 1800 but started to brake stand so I let off a little then went. Won the race with a MOV of .2753

3rd run (Round 2)
Dial: 15.60
R/T: .231
60': 2.445
1/8: 10.254
MPH: 69.81
1/4: 15.942
MPH: 85.38

Put the car in D and launched around 16-1700, spun some. Lost the race with a MOV of .1784

So I got one new best, with the MPH of 86.76 on the first run. But I am really disappointed with my car's performance tonight. I figured I would at least improve on my 15.75 best, but it didn't happen. And even the new best MPH I got tonight is still at least 2-3 MPH too low in my opinion. I might be finished as far as modifying this car. Why keep spending money on a car that doesn't respond to mods. I'm really frustrated right now. I wont be getting rid of my car but I don't think I want to modify it anymore. :(

[ReodDai]

Could be worse.. you could trap 90mph and still run a 15.7 lol

[RallyRed 98]

whose tuning did you use? for the best results you really need to get a dyno tune IMO

[12secondv6]

So, in summer heat with 73% humidity you gained a solid MPH?

Actually, that is very good.

Your previous runs, when were they done? Time of year? Temp? Humid?

Give us more info.

Picking up 1 mph in horrible humidity and high temps is awesome

You also mentioned you ran your 17's "this time?" Did you not run them previously???

[Sean37]

Well I ran my best ET back in May in 70 degree weather with 51% humidity, on 16" wheels. But the difference from my first time at the track on 17's and my second time on the 16's wasn't really that much considering the first time ever at the track the humidity was 100% and I only gained .18 the second time out with 51% humidity and 16's. Maybe I should have put the 16's back on, but I figured the 17's would grip better so I could stall higher to get the 60' time down. But it looks like I was wrong cuz I was spinning at 1800 rpm's which didn't happen before. But I'd think it would spin even sooner on the 16's. Maybe I should try not stomping on the gas from the start, and kinda ease into it? But I wasn't really spinning that much from what I could tell. I wish my track didn't run brackets only so I could experiment with these things without worrying about getting eliminated. I dunno I'm just baffled as to why my car is so slow. I don't want to keep modding it until it is running the way it should.

[12secondv6]

17 inch wheels n tires typically have less side wall: great for handling, poor for traction.

Also, more rolling resisitance

Also, heavier.

51% humid vs 73% is a big difference.

Who did the tuning?

Have patience, you can not judge a mod by first time out results.

[Sean37]

I got the tuning from Texas Speed via the group purchase. I will probably go back out in a few weeks but I'm just so frustrated right now. Hopefully it goes better next time.

[12secondv6]

Don't judge it right away.

Never give up so quickly!

It took me 1 year to learn my torque converter.

Practice is a major factor.

Also, keep all factors the same, ie wheel/ tire combo and mod's.

If you are testing a new mod ( tuning) keep the other factors the same so you can judge from there.

I plan on getting tuning by them.

I will make multiple runs w/ the EXACT same set up before and after.

It takes time

[OneQuickV6]

Agreed, too much changed (big one being 17's!). Picking up mph is what shows you are making power, and the lack of change in ET shows there's more in it and just need more practice and track time. I love seeing my trap speeds increasing, it means the car is making more power.

[Camarorulz]

Why did you dial in 15.6 when your best is 15.7?

Those 17s are killing your times, that's why I'm always going to stick with 16s. Also, you could go out to the track on a better day and run .3 better than you did that night, air conditions play a huge factor. Think of it this way, without the tuning you most likely would have run SLOWER.

[Sean37]

Well I think the #1 thing I need to do is get my 60' down to 2.2's or better. But even on my 16's I could only get a 2.32 as my best. What I've been doing is stalling up to 1600-1800, then on the third yellow I simultaneously release the brake and floor the gas. I guess what I need to do is ease into the gas off the line and then floor it like a second later? What do you A4 guys (with stock converters) do differently to get such good 60's?

[ July 10, 2004, 12:33 AM: Message edited by: Sean37 ]

[Camarorulz]

How much tire spin do you get? If you don't get a lot I would suggest flashing it (mashing from idle.) That's a harsher launch and if you get traction it will yield you a better '60.

Try different stall rpms, if 1500 gets you a 2.3 '60 with no spin, try going higher, etc. until you get it right. The '60 is my sore spot on all my timeslips, but I have street tires and an aftermarket converter, you shouldn't have as tough of a time getting traction.

I have a question: what time of year did you run your best et during? Summer is not the greatest time to try to set a new best 1/4 time unless that's the only time you've ever raced. Chances are your best time was during better conditions, I would run in the fall, you'll see the et drop.

[ July 11, 2004, 07:30 PM: Message edited by: Camarorulz ]

[BLLDOGG]

racing in the summer is only good for practice. no one should expect a new best in the summer unless you did something special like nos or a cam or FI. I dont race in the summer cause breaking my car for a slower time isnt a risk i want to take.

[Jerriko]

Yes, put the 16s back on. And do you know what you had changed when the PCM was tuned?

[Sean37]

Yeah the 16's are going on next time for sure. I guess I will try just punching it from idle and see if I get better 60's that way. My PCM was tuned for my specific modifications (intake, exhaust, gears, tires) and also removed the speed limiter, raised the shifts to 6000 RPMS, turns on the engine fans at 180 degrees, and tuned for 91 octane.

I know I shouldn't expect really good times during the summer but with what I have done I believe my car should be capable of at least mid-low 15's right now, and high 14's-low 15's in the fall. I just gotta get that 60 foot down where it should be.