Took my car to the track today. 2010 Mazdaspeed 3

[Kroze]

The car is stock with 1200 miles.

Damn I'm such a noob. I ran 14.6 @ 99.5 mph

my 60ft time was 2.371 with a reaction time of .709 lol

 

[RichieZ]

do you mean drag strip?

I associate track with a race track, a la new jersey motosports park? incidentally I will be at infineon on 12.7.09 and then laguna seca early feb

 

[Kroze]

Atco raceway. I'm like the only import car here lol. Also the slowest & only stock car.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Did you finish the break in period yet? 1200 seems a bit low

 

[zerocool84]

Did you finish the break in period yet? 1200 seems a bit low

1200 miles should have given it more than enough time to break in.

OP's times seem fine for a first timer to the track in a FWD car. FWD cars are tricky to launch. Obviously practice is in need but take your car to a twisty track. Infinitely more fun.

 

[Kroze]

Considering they run 14.1 stock on many test magazines, i'm a little disappointed in my driving skills.
I have trouble with traction, if I launch at 3k rpm, the car will hop and skip & bog.

 

[zerocool84]

Considering they run 14.1 stock on many test magazines, i'm a little disappointed in my driving skills.
I have trouble with traction, if I launch at 3k rpm, the car will hop and skip & bog.

No you didn't do bad. You were out for your first time. The first time I took my SRT-4 to the track I ran a low 15. Torquey FWD cars are difficult at first to launch correctly but give it time and you'll learn the sweet spot. Better tires will obviously help but you can improve a lot by just practicing. Also 99% of people who drive cars can never get the times that are in the magazines. They are driven by people who drive for a living. Don't be disappointed by not getting the time in the magazine.

 

[Elfear]

Not a bad run at all OP. My first time to the track I backed into the water pit to keep the front tires from getting wet and accidentally left it in reverse for my burnout. Crowd loved that. Running half a second behind what the magazine drivers get is pretty good for your first time.

 

[KentState]

I would be pretty happy with those times. You may shave a couple tenths off, but you are pretty much in the ball park for a weekend warrior.

 

[Gillbot]

Don't put a lot of weight in magazine times, often they aren't very accurate. Also, your reaction time is meaningless unless you are actually racing competitively.

Work on your 60', your times will improve greatly.

 

[Arkaign]

Heh, welcome to the frustrating combo of FF + drag racing.

 

[thomsbrain]

Was hoping to run at Laguna Seca this Friday but it wasn't in the cards. It was okay because I would have needed tires, pads, and a helmet, which would have made for a very pricey first day. I bought a TV instead to make myself feel better.

 

[AMCRambler]

I'm guessing the Mazdaspeed 3 is a souped of version of the Mazda 3? What are the specs on it? 14.6 for a stock 4 cylinder is pretty quick. I'm only asking because I couldn't find the car on Edmunds. They only list the Mazda 3 with the 2.0L and 2.5L(167hp) and with the car weighing in at 3000lbs, I don't think the 2.5L would pull a 14.6 in the 1/4 mile.

 

[ayabe]

Were you running to redline for each gear? You might try shortshifting at peak HP which I think is in the ~5600RPM range and pick a few tenths that way.

 

[BassBomb]

I'm guessing the Mazdaspeed 3 is a souped of version of the Mazda 3? What are the specs on it? 14.6 for a stock 4 cylinder is pretty quick. I'm only asking because I couldn't find the car on Edmunds. They only list the Mazda 3 with the 2.0L and 2.5L(167hp) and with the car weighing in at 3000lbs, I don't think the 2.5L would pull a 14.6 in the 1/4 mile.

turbo, 200+ hp i think?

 

[EightySix Four]

Were you running to redline for each gear? You might try shortshifting at peak HP which I think is in the ~5600RPM range and pick a few tenths that way.

Should get him closer to the powerband for the next gear if he shifts near redline in that car.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I'm guessing the Mazdaspeed 3 is a souped of version of the Mazda 3? What are the specs on it? 14.6 for a stock 4 cylinder is pretty quick. I'm only asking because I couldn't find the car on Edmunds. They only list the Mazda 3 with the 2.0L and 2.5L(167hp) and with the car weighing in at 3000lbs, I don't think the 2.5L would pull a 14.6 in the 1/4 mile.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazdaspeed_3

Cliffs: Turbo 2.3L 263HP/280TQ, 6-speed manual, limited slip diff, upgraded suspension & brakes, weighs a hair more than a regular Mazda 3 hatch

OP, you need to find an auto-x or HPDE event. THAT is where you will have fun in that car.

 

[AMCRambler]

Woo! Bad ass. Bit of a sleeper too. The 2010 model has an aggressive looking hood on it which is a bit of a give away but still. Nice car man. And of course the obligatory

Pics or ban!!!!

 

[LS8]

do you mean drag strip?

I associate track with a race track, a la new jersey motosports park? incidentally I will be at infineon on 12.7.09 and then laguna seca early feb

A 1/4 mile track is a "race track". Maybe you are referring to a race circuit or race course.

Everyone can play the semantics game - it doesn't add anything to the discussion though.

 

[ayabe]

Should get him closer to the powerband for the next gear if he shifts near redline in that car.

It might be worth experimenting, the floor really drops out after ~5800RPM:

http://www.corksport.com/blog/2010-mazdaspeed3-first-dyno-results/comment-page-1/

 

[helpme]

do you mean drag strip?

I associate track with a race track, a la new jersey motosports park? incidentally I will be at infineon on 12.7.09 and then laguna seca early feb

NCRC for the 12/7 date I assume? I was just there on 11/21... and it was dry! Hopefully the 12/7 date will be as well. I thought about going, but usually don't schedule days that close together just in case I need to repair something.

 

[EightySix Four]

It might be worth experimenting, the floor really drops out after ~5800RPM:

http://www.corksport.com/blog/2010-mazdaspeed3-first-dyno-results/comment-page-1/

My car runs out of turbo similar to his but at around 6000-6150rpm, but I still run out to 6700 because that puts me perfectly in line for the next gear. But you are right, the floor drops out quite a bit more dramatically then mine.

For me, it's better to make the horsepower I do at 6500rpm in 2nd, then to lose the gearing advantage and be 30hp up at 4500rpm in 3rd. (those numbers are all BS, just an example)

 

[Gillbot]

Were you running to redline for each gear? You might try shortshifting at peak HP which I think is in the ~5600RPM range and pick a few tenths that way.

Should get him closer to the powerband for the next gear if he shifts near redline in that car.

Typically, you want to see what RPM you drop to when you hit the next gear and split the difference between that and the falloff in your power. That will pull through your powerband for the current gear and put you in the best RPM for the next gear.