1/8 Mile drag run in my Greddy'd Miata (w/video)
 

Hey All,

I found out earlier this week that our local 1/8 mile track was having a Saturday test and tune today, so I headed down there. They only have Saturday T&T sessions once a year or so and never have "street car" test and tune sessions any more, so I have to get there when I can.

Unfortunately it was very hot and humid and since I wasn't sure what the car was going to do (spin, wheelhop, etc) I lowered the boost down a little. It would peak to 8psi and then settle at 7psi. The good news is that there was no drama at all. The car just left the line hooking nicely with no hop, spin, bog, etc. My best ET of the day was 9.08 at 76.71 mph and my best MPH was 78.45, achieved by short shifting her.

I think there is tons left in her. The slicks alone were not helping too much due to their tiny diameter making the gearing even shorter than it already is. Heck, I was shifting into 4th well before the traps! As you can see in the video, I'm not driving too agressive as I was a little worried of breaking the tiny stock rear end. I'm pretty sure that it could get deep into 8s with 10-12psi of boost, more agressive driving and taller tires. Not too shabby given the simplicity of the overall setup. On to the pics and video!

It was more of a car show than true test and tune and there was quite a big turnout of show cars and only a handfull of cars racing.
http://miata.turbomirage.com/2008_06/IMG_5424.jpg

Here's a shot of the Miata with the 22x8x15" slicks mounted.
http://miata.turbomirage.com/2008_06/IMG_5426.jpg

Another
http://miata.turbomirage.com/2008_06/IMG_5427.jpg

22x8x15" M/T slicks compared to the stock wheels/tires. This shot makes them look huge! :)
http://miata.turbomirage.com/2008_06/IMG_5429.jpg

Timeslip from the run in the video. That was the best ET of the day, my best MPH was 78.45.
http://miata.turbomirage.com/2008_06/IMG_5432.jpg

Video of the run from the sidelines


Thanks for reading,

-Tom

First, what program do you use to make that website... it's pretty good.

Second, I don't see anything about a dif upgrade. If you're still running the stock 6" dif, it's a REALLY BAD idea to run slicks and do all-out drag launches like that... but I think I almost saw daylight under the front tires, so that was cool!

Looks like fun, what track were you at?

Dumb question, do you have to run tubes with those? I know the ET drags are listed as tube type, but don't know shit about bias ply tires. :)

Run looks good though

Thanks for checking it out guys! To answer a couple of the questions:

samnavy: I build all of my Websites myself (for better or for worse) :) It is fun to do and a good way to learn some basic skills, but takes time which is harder to come by the older you get.

Also, I have not upgraded the diff. You really can't tell in the video, but I am slipping the clutch and really babying it off the line to be nice to the diff. I do the same thing in my Talon, and the stock (and also puny) 3 bolt rear in it has survived many, many drag passes. Same with my old Mirage, I had a bone stock transmission, axles etc and made tons of 11 second passes (with slicks) and never broke anything. I think driving style has lots to do with saving parts. That said, I am looking to upgrade! :noob:

cjernigan: It was fun! I could've dealt with some cooler temps though. This was at Knoxville Dragway. They resurfaced last year and it is nice and smooth.

ApexOnYou: Not a dumb question at all. You can run tubes in these slicks, but with the short sidewall, it isn't required. At 22" they are too short for a Miata though. I knew they would be, but I got a great deal on them used. I'm going to sell them to a local Honda guy and get something much taller.

Thanks again guys.

-Tom

Nice man, thats really quick.

What size is good for a miata?

I have been looking at 24.5x8x14 M/T ET Drags, seemed like a proper height to me?

I wish i knew if 9sec at 1/8 mile was good or not......

I may be wrong, but i'm pretty sure that'd put him somewhere in the mid-high 13's....but dont hold me to it.

Yes, it should equate to a mid-high 13 second 1/4 mile et. Believe me, I wouldn't fool around with 1/8 mile track if the nearest 1/4 mile wasn't 2 hrs away.

With a 60ft like that and a relatively low trap speed I bet low 14's @ about 100 mph

nice 60 with slicks you can do better though i think low mid 8's is doable with alil more boost, and agressive driving. Good job.

Great video, your car looks like a lot of fun!