I've had my Evo for almost a year now, and I am starting to run it a little at a drag strip near where I live. I want to get some tips from you guys, maybe help my times a little bit. Here are my mods first:

HKS RS intake
HKS Hi-power Cat-back
B&M Short-shifter

I know the typical launch range for the Evo should be right at 4500-5000 RPMs, right?

My main problem is reaction time... my first few runs were right around 1.2 on reaction. This is my first time even racing though, so that's my excuse until I get a little feel for the right time to launch.

My only other question is this: My best run thus far has been a 13.45@99 w/ a 1.22 reaction time. If my reaction time had of been better, let's say a typical (for the average driver) .6 or .7, does that mean my car would have ran a high 12? I want to make sure I understand the r/t, too.

I appreciate you 'real' car guys helping out a noob like me.

 

The reaction time has nothing to do with the time you run in the 1/4th, its only used when people are in a real track event. You can sit at the light for aslong as you want and still run the same exact time. The thing that you want to work on is the 60ft, that's your launch. A good launch is around 1.6-1.7. When I had my first run at the track I didn't a launch at all and got a 2.5 60ft, still ran a 13.5 tho

 

Got it, my 60' was 1.8. Is it dangerous to run the Evo a lot, launching at 4500 rpms?

And about the r/t, the clock starts as soon as you pass the sensors I guess, that is why you can sit as long as you want?

 

The more you drag race your car the better chance you will have transfercase and clutch problems. Most of the abuse to your clutch and transfercase is when you launch the car. It is also not a bad idea to give the car a break after each race. Personally I launch at 4200-4500 with a little clutch slip. It depends a lot on track conditions.

 

Track tips for a Drag Newbie , wheelhop=BAD , 1.8 60' time are not that bad , HKS airfliter is prob hurting you more than helping if your car is untuned , Try leaving on the last yellow light dont wait to you see green ....

 

In my lancer I started at the 2nd amber and got a .1xx R/t too bad my car is slow as f$*^

 

You don't seem to be doing to bad so far for just starting. Get a new clutch and watch your 60' times come down. Also yes your time does not start until the sensors pick up your movement and don't run the car every weekend if you plan on it lasting for awhile.