Off to the Drag Strip!!
05-07-07, 07:13 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Off to the Drag Strip!!
Ill be headed to Lebanon Valley in NY this summer to see what kind of times my 5 speed ES can lay down. I know the car isnt super fast, but its not a pig by any means. Ive never dragged before and I know my first run will probably be a throwaway. I think a 17 flat or better is realistic in mostly stock form. Ive just completed my valve adjustment, new Denso Iridium plugs, Vitek wires, and OEM cap & rotor. My valve covers amazingly were not leaking at all, but I changed those (obviously) and the tube seals too. The distributor is set to 12* btdc. I also cleaned the upper chamber, IAC, EGR, and TB. So I really havent done much to increase performance, just enough to maintain it.
Im not looking to make my car fast or anything, just going for fun
Im not worried about breaking down or anything cuz she wont, but I can fix it. Once I figure it out I cant wait to smoke all the beat up little Hondas
What kinda times will I be able to put down? What can I do legally to save weight? The spare is definitely getting 86'd.
Im not looking to make my car fast or anything, just going for fun
Im not worried about breaking down or anything cuz she wont, but I can fix it. Once I figure it out I cant wait to smoke all the beat up little Hondas What kinda times will I be able to put down? What can I do legally to save weight? The spare is definitely getting 86'd.
05-07-07, 07:18 PM
#2
Super Moderator
I'd be interested to see what you run up there. My RX can hit 17.9 at altitude, but I have never given it a run at sea level. You should be able to at least hit 16s.
05-07-07, 08:07 PM
#4
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: il
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OH yah!! I'm down to checking on what our ars are made of!! We, by all means, are NOT slow... I have a list of cars that we can beat and as suprising as it may be, it iis NOT a small list, now dont get me wrong i dont think they are race cars, but definetly not in the slow category..!!! 
05-08-07, 07:24 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: FL
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Removing the seats, and spare tire will help reduce some weight, anything you dont need at the strip remove it. This is just a few suggestions I know theres more you can probably do. GL
05-08-07, 11:37 AM
#7
Pole Position
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: OR
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Start by taking out the carpet/weather mats, spare tire, tools, trunk lining, back seat, and passenger seat. Empty out our glove compartment (except proof of registration and insurance) and center console. You can even remove the sun shades 
If you want to lose more weight, you can always strip everything out!
Take off all the plastic panels, carpet/sound dampenings, basically anything that doesn't need to be there for your car to work or be road legal.
In terms of upgrades, you can always get light track wheels, lightened flywheel since you have a manual (I'm jealous!), and replace the seats (power seats are really heavy). The wheels and the seats are expensive, so I would recommend a turbo first. You can also ditch the antenna and its motor by using something like the spoon antenna
All of those will maintain the luxury look of your car while helping you ditch unnecessary weight, and/or increase performance. There's a lot you can do to make your car more "drag worthy" but what's the point.. it's an ES.
--
I forgot about the short shifter!
If you want to lose more weight, you can always strip everything out!
Take off all the plastic panels, carpet/sound dampenings, basically anything that doesn't need to be there for your car to work or be road legal.In terms of upgrades, you can always get light track wheels, lightened flywheel since you have a manual (I'm jealous!), and replace the seats (power seats are really heavy). The wheels and the seats are expensive, so I would recommend a turbo first. You can also ditch the antenna and its motor by using something like the spoon antenna
All of those will maintain the luxury look of your car while helping you ditch unnecessary weight, and/or increase performance. There's a lot you can do to make your car more "drag worthy" but what's the point.. it's an ES. --
I forgot about the short shifter!
Trending Topics
05-08-07, 06:05 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
05-08-07, 06:07 PM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
OH yah!! I'm down to checking on what our ars are made of!! We, by all means, are NOT slow... I have a list of cars that we can beat and as suprising as it may be, it iis NOT a small list, now dont get me wrong i dont think they are race cars, but definetly not in the slow category..!!!
They haul ***
05-08-07, 06:49 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
05-09-07, 01:09 PM
#15
A maxima would bear hairs faster than an ES, just like the equivilant Camry SE would be hairs faster than an old I30.
Around a race-track, yeah. Stock suspension VS stock, Maxima platform would eat the Camry's. Stiffer suspension & solid rear axle helps the back end slide around alittle more. Freeing up some accelleration at the apex of the corner.
Understeer woot woot!
Your es in good form should be able to run 15 flat with afew freebie mods. Camry SE's of your year can run high 14's stock.
Maxima's. Depends on if they:
Around a race-track, yeah. Stock suspension VS stock, Maxima platform would eat the Camry's. Stiffer suspension & solid rear axle helps the back end slide around alittle more. Freeing up some accelleration at the apex of the corner.
Understeer woot woot!
Your es in good form should be able to run 15 flat with afew freebie mods. Camry SE's of your year can run high 14's stock.
Maxima's. Depends on if they:
- have a y-pipe
- have the mevi intake manifold
- have the JWT ECU (or ECU Cams)