Drag bug

[RichSPK]

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After talking with Jase about drag racing I decided to make my Beetle a drag racer.  It's an S-class racer with fat rear tires and skinny fronts for less rolling resistance and maximum rear weight bias.  I tried to set up the suspension to let the front rise on launch, but I'm not sure I know what I'm doing.  I couldn't come anywhere close to getting the little bug to do a wheelie, but it's supposed to be possible.  I managed to get the bug down to a 26 second mile, but not consistently.  I think it's capable of 24 second miles in the right hands.  I'm usually doing 197 MPH at the end of the mile.

I couldn't share it with my Massachusetts license plate, but at least I can share a picture:

Drag Bug by RichSPK, on Flickr

Anyway, it's in the CG now, minus the license plate.

[OG Wretch]

Soften the rear springs by about half and stiffen the fronts about a quarter of the orginal.

Raise the rear as high as it can be and lower the front to nearly the bottom.

On alignment, set everything to 0.0 and then the caster to 5.5.

Play with that a while and get back to us.

Oh yeah, front tires to 40psi and the rears to 15 or as low as they go.

[OG Wretch]

One more thing to consider:
Rebound and bump settings will need help too with typically stiff in front and soft out back.

[RichSPK]

One more thing to consider:
Rebound and bump settings will need help too with typically stiff in front and soft out back.

I'll have to try that.  I had backed the rebound off completely on the front end to let it come up.

[Nunzie]

+1 for the Mass plates!

[RichSPK]

+1 for the Mass plates!

Someone had them in their storefront.  Next time I'm in the game I'll see if I can find where I got them.  The problem with getting them from the storefront is that they're locked.  Maybe if I can figure out where I got them, the creator will be willing to give or sell them to me unlocked.

[Nunzie]

I have a locked MA plate.

I beleive it is the Patriots version.

Thanks.

[Medik8d]

Hey whats up, gave the Beetle a run at the strip.

 My time for the Mile was a 25:005 give or take a couple hundreths. Think it will get into the high 24's with a better start. Didnt do a whole bunch of runs in it. Hit 198 at the line, also ran a couple 1/4 mile's averaged low 10's. Will try again later, when I have some more time maybe tonight after the race.

 Medi

[RichSPK]

Thanks for the report, Medik8d.  Were you using the clutch?  Got any tips on using the clutch?  I messed around with it a little, but it's not like a real clutch. 

[Medik8d]

Hey whats up, yes I use the clutch for everything. Except the series races here where its, not allowed. As far as tips for the clutch, there are not to many. Not sure if you use a wheel or controller. For the drag races the biggest thing for me is finding the right RPM, to launch at. Even with the wheel I use the button to shift instead of the clutch pedal.

 For your bug, what worked for me was holding at about 5500 to 6000 RPM's. Until the light hits green and the R's drop. The hard part is catching it at the right time, and preventing as much wheel spin as possible. Back to the clutch thing, I dont use it at all off the line. Then your just hitting the clutch  button when you need to.

 Some people with a clutch pedal, feather the clutch off the line just like a real car. That is supposed to be the best way. Myself dont have the time to sit and perfect that launch. So I just go with the drop and catch method   As far as not being like a real clutch, doesnt bother me, it makes you a little faster, just like a manual trans should. In races you have people who say it isnt fair, well maybe its not. Just like the fastest guy on the track running the fastest car in the game. To me that is not fair, if your faster than everyone hands down, but choose to run the quickest car how is that fair. You will always find someone,  somewhere who, says something is not fair.   Just cause they dont want to, take the time to learn to use the clutch, or its not a real clutch.

Learn the skill or dont. It will certainly make your lap times faster. They say they want as much realism as possible, but then dont use the clutch. To each his own but you cant complain about realism if, you opt out of certain features. That make the game more realistic. Bottom line is if you dont use the clutch your times will NEVER be as fast as clutch users. So use the clutch for THE STRIP, its your friend and very easy to use.

If you ever want to run some drags, let me know.

 Medi

[OG Wretch]

And then there are those who physically cannot use the clutch on the controller due to physical limitations.

If I could still sit in my cockpit I'd gladly use the clutch in races where everyone else was doing the same...
...but there are physical limitations there again.

I appreciate the close racing moreso that merely winning or leading because I can mash a button better than someone else.
Granted even with just using manual without clutch I see using the controller as an advantage over most wheel users,
 self included, because I can certainly move my fingers much more quickly than I can my feet.


I will use the clutch in drag racing on the controller since I don't have to downshift or try to make a corner while doing so.
With drag racing I just use the side of my thumb to keep the car going as straight as possible.

Bottom line is to do and race where you get the most enjoyment out of it which includes
racing with folks willing to use the same settings to keep it interesting.

We've always tried to help bridge the gap racing in the DBBQ because,
 there are folks new to the racing as well as some with outstanding skillsets so,
we try to meet in the middle settings wise for a happy medium.

If someone doesn't like the settings then they should find some more like minded people to run with
but, they will still have to make some sort of compromise no matter where they go.

[Medik8d]

Absolutley OG, no where did I say I dont like the settings. Thats the way the guys race here if and when I have an issue with it I will move on. Absolutley agree with you its a hell of alot more fun, when the racing is close.

 No where did I ask to change the way things are conducted here. Just stated my opinion not what I think we should do. There will always be differing abilities on the track. Which brings me back to my point, about the fastest guys running the fastest cars.

It is what it is, and I wasnt complaining at all. With that being said I will take your advice and move on, when I feel its needed

Medi

[OG Wretch]

Hey, just stating my position seeing how it seemed you were trying to make a statment on how the clutch use was only about learning or not.

Gotta be careful using so broad a brush because then folks aren't sure who/what you are really speaking to.

Personally, as soon as the drama starts I'm finished with it because I come here to relax and have fun...
...not to get into an e-peni measuring contest over how mad my skills are; whatever the settings may be.

[GRD 4 3L]

Now that's cleared up, we should get back to the drag topic!

[D Seeker34]

Lets all develop a vW drager for a race night! With OG and Medis hints I may even give building and tuning a shot!