View Full Version : First time at the track (drag) need advice
kevinz
06-12-2018, 05:02 PM
I'm taking my mostly stock S4 to the track for the first time in a couple of weeks - need some pointers.
Stock B8.5 6MT except for Chipwerke. I live in Denver so all we get is 91 gas. What should I do? It's my DD so I can't do anything crazy.
Get an octane boost additive for a tank or so before the track? take out the spare tire? practice takeoffs?
thanks
bhvrdr
06-12-2018, 05:39 PM
With only 91 octane and at altitude go in with low expectations.
Some of the 6mt guys will give you better advice but on my b6 s4 id turn off tc or put it in sport.
Stage shallow.
Rev up and on the upswing at around 2500rpm quickly slip the clutch and then a sharp release.
Slip the clutch too much and you glaze it and need to cool the clutch for an hour.
Release too abruptly and you bog resulting in a 1.9x or worse 60 ft.
Its an art and once you nail it youll get a feel for it and better and better at being more consistent
Mike
Rodizzle
06-12-2018, 05:39 PM
Octane booster or spare wheels removal isn’t going to help anything at your high altitude. I would concentrate 100 percent on your launching. If you have access to E85 I would mix some prior hit the track 2.5-3gal per full tank . Preferably let it adapt 20 to 30 miles before hit the track . Most importantly have fun :)
..... oh I’m not sure what the rules are in your area but here in California 13.99 and under require a helmet 11.49 and under a fire jacket ( helmet is enough for u right now :p )
[emoji1360]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
JD S4
06-12-2018, 06:12 PM
Add 3 Gallons of E85, nice Launh and hope for 13s
Sent from my [emoji390]
jimrobbington
06-12-2018, 06:49 PM
Add 3 Gallons of E85, nice Launh and hope for 13s
Sent from my [emoji390]Agree on the 3 gallons E85. That'll bump your octane to 92 maybe 93 if it's true E85.
Sent from my SM-G930VC using Tapatalk
Everyone knows it's the launch that can make or break a quarter mile time. Even the most experienced driver may have a bad run so... Getting your launch down is where you should focus your attention/practice.
I've taken my 6 speed Corvette to the strip but never my AWD Audi... excessive wheelspin is bad - Quattro will reduce wheelspin but you still need to put down enough power to go!
Practice your launches right now, before getting to the track! Not so much that you are trying at 100% but enough that you are getting a feel for what YOU and the CAR can do. Just having fun on public roads or an impromptu jump from a red light to get in front of the car next to you, there should have been some launches of at least 50% maximum effort in your past! If you happen to find some wet roads, you can launch with some 4 wheel spin... =More experience and knowledge!
You won't get as much wheelspin/burning rubber with Quattro than RWD or FWD so take the opportunity to use the above advice to practice your launch! Your really only need first gear. If you will have several runs at the track then you'll get better faster! If it's just one or two runs then your pre-track warm-ups will be helpful!
kevinz
06-13-2018, 07:03 PM
Agree on the 3 gallons E85. That'll bump your octane to 92 maybe 93 if it's true E85.
Do I need to change the setting on my Chipwerke? I'm 5-1 now should I go 6-1? Do I need to drive my car for a while for it to adjust to the higher octane?
JD S4
06-13-2018, 07:09 PM
Do I need to change the setting on my Chipwerke? I'm 5-1 now should I go 6-1? Do I need to drive my car for a while for it to adjust to the higher octane?
Settings should be fine. Fill up locally and drive to Bandimere with that in the tank. Should adapt by then. Your ECU adapts, Id leave ECU as is
Sent from my [emoji390]
FastAudiS4
06-14-2018, 07:10 AM
Leave on the 3rd yellow.
Chris@EPL
06-14-2018, 07:38 AM
Skip the octane booster as none of them work and normally just coat the plugs. Add some E85.
MrFunk
06-14-2018, 07:48 AM
Don't Fry your clutch.
These are very heavy vehicles with a weak stock clutch. Launching these cars is very hard on the clutch which is not robust. A heavy car, a ton of grip, a lot of power/torque and a weak clutch = be careful lol...
My advice is to not slip the clutch and just try and get as clean an engagement at a relatively low rpm as possible - probably this is the opposite technique to get the best launch but if this is a daily and you want your clutch to last that is my advice...
kevinz
06-14-2018, 07:31 PM
Leave on the 3rd yellow.
this seems like the real pro tip :-)
FastAudiS4
06-14-2018, 07:32 PM
Duh
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
kevinz
06-14-2018, 07:36 PM
My advice is to not slip the clutch and just try and get as clean an engagement at a relatively low rpm as possible - probably this is the opposite technique to get the best launch but if this is a daily and you want your clutch to last that is my advice...
this is what I was thinking... only once have I really let the clutch spin and I knew it took thousands of miles of life off of it... and I really don't think it got me any faster launch.