| Chris |
09-23-2003 05:08 AM |
Many factors exist in car 1/4 mile times. Such major factors include weight when tested (ie empty car+driver+fuel weight), air temp, air density (or corrected altitude), barometric pressure, and humidity. Although I am no expert, I am fairly sure no one here has more experience racing an SVX than I. Completing my 4th season; I have acquired quite a bit of technical data related to racing the SVX. I can post you some of my times, but they will vary from yours up to half a second depending upon conditions. A prime example would be two runs made at two tracks within two days of each other. The first track was the former SIR (or Seattle International Raceway or now Pacific Raceways). This track is near sea level and I can pull a 15.7 in the quarter at 89 miles per hour. Two days later at Firebird Raceway here in Idaho I pull a 16.28 at 85 miles per hour. No mechanical differences, same vendor gas and about half a tank both trials. Some of you might be thinking "woa, thats some spread!" But in reality, its just air. Let me note that the gasoline DOES make a difference. After literally hundreds of trips down the lanes, I have found “Shell” gives me not only the most consistent and fastest times (in the 91 octane rating), but also the best mileage. For some reason, Texaco and Chevron do not like my car. Alternative 10 percent ethanol mixed fuels run fine, but consistency and mileage are both poor. I have also found that with the adaptive code in our ECU, if you run a higher-octane fuel (use a no-lead, your cats and 02 sensor will thank you) you can achieve SLIGHTLY faster quarter miles times. NOTE: this fuel is NOT cheap and you must clear the brains of your computer before running it and then run for a good number of miles on it to allow the computer to adapt the timing curve. The problem here is that this type of fuel runs $3.89-$4.49 a gallon depending upon where you live. VP race fuels is the vendor I like to use. Octane boosters WILL NOT raise the octane levels their advertised amounts, PERIOD. Want high octane, buy race gas or mix toluene. If anyone is REALLY interested in octane and SVX performance, post your inquiries, I will answer them separately. Now that I have slipped off topic, look for 15.6 – 16.5 quarter mile times. In short, I agree with the majority of the people here. The SVX is not a “speedy” quarter mile racer. That DOES NOT MEAN ITS NOT SUITED FOR ¼ MILE BRACKET! I have too many trophies to stop now. But, in reality, if you are looking for an economical racer, get a first generation DSM (Diamond Star Motors aka Eagle Talon, Dodge/Plymouth Laser, or Mitsubishi Eclipse). They will provide a ton of fun and there is a plethora of aftermarket speed parts available. Anything for the SVX will be custom and expensive. If you are a fine tweaker and need to know if your mods are doing any good, I suggest a G-meter from one of the following vendors.
http://tazzo.com/tazzo/tazmnt.HTM or
http://www.gtechpro.com/
I personally use the Tazzo Motorsports one and enjoy its ease of use and excellent customer service. And if any of you DSM owners out there want parts or advice from a tried and tested DSM race engineer, I suggest you speak with Quinn Whipple.
http://www.crco.com
(Thinking about writing a race how-to, but don’t want to give away my many years of hard work and secrets) |
