Mike27

Hi, my name is Mike and I'm new to the forum. I'm looking forward to browsing through the posts here to find some interesting reads about mustangs, but I have a couple of questions I thought someone may be able to help me with. I've started running my 2008 Mustang GT in the 1/4 mile and my times were...meh. It's bone stock and it ran a 14.6 at 102. I only ran twice and I missed third on the second run. My little bro ran once with a passenger in the car and ran 14.7 at 99. My big problem was my launches. They are bad. Could anyone give me some tips on launching in a S197 GT? I would really appreciate it. I also wanted to ask if anyone knew where the best shift points are through the early gears. I've been running them to redline, but I'm not sure if that is best. Thanks in advance.


-Mike

Ford_Dude

how are you currently launching?
are you turning off the TCS?

there is a post about how to get the best time from a stick
lower rear PSI to 20-25
raise front to 35-40
drop the cluch at the highest that it won't spin off the line
as for shift points I'm an auto so I can't help there

jmanpatsfan

CAI/tune and 4.10 gears would help tremendously.

Mike27

Right now I'm reving to 3000-3500 and then hitting the gas as I let off the clutch pretty quick. I tried going to higher RPMs and just dropping the clutch, but the engine will jut bog down and then get a power surge. But when I hit the gas too quick, I just spin through first. Am I supposed to be hitting the gas as I drop the clutch from 3500? I'm really new to this, so I apologize if these questions are very basic.

I'm leaving the TCS on. Should I be turning it off?

I'll try adjusting the tire pressures next time, thanks for the tip.

I'm saving up for some mods to give my GT more power. I need to wait until after Christmas, then I be getting new exhaust, cold air intake, a tune, and maybe some gears.

marcuskeeler

Yea, the reason it's bogging at high RPM's is because the TCS is kicking on and killing the motor. Turn it off and then continue experimenting

Ford_Dude

even with TCS on its possable to hit 13.9 (I did it and I'm kicking myself for forgeting to turn it off)

Mike27

That is great news. I couldn't figure out why it would bog down. The TCS never occured to me...but I am new to this. I'll turn it off and try it out again. Is it ever a good idea to have the TCS on? I would assume rainy weather and such, but other than that, would it be best to leave it off? Thanks for the help guys, I'll test this out some more and let you know how it goes.


-Mike

Argonaut

For day to day driving I leave the TCS on all the time. For inclement weather definitely leave it on.

Two more items you may want to put on your wish list: a shift light (flashes a light when RPM reaches a certain level - say 6000) so you don't need to look at the TAC while trying to steer; and some new rear end suspension components - upper and lower control arms, etcto eliminate the axle-hop when doing hard launches. Others can explain better exactly what you need in the rear end but several companies offer "stop the hop" kits for sale.

havoc

Turn off the TCS, FTW!!!!![8D]

D_Gusler

Yeah, 3500rpm is too high for stock tire launches. Drop it to 2500-2000rpm and turn off TCS. Should help tremendously. Also, when you go WOT, slip the clutch some thru first--this will help eliminate tire spin.