05-29-2007, 10:24 PM
HAULN-SS Wrote:Ask any drag racer...if"Ask any racer, any real racer..."
I couldn't help it, I had to.
To the issue at hand, I think both RJ and DJ are making good points.
1) DSMlink will allow the driver to completely focus on attacking the first turn, instead of having to slip the clutch just right, shift, etc., all the crap that goes with the launch at an autoX.
2) The computer can be set for the optimal rev ceiling to get the best traction/launch. Once this is fine-tuned, it can be repeated effortlessly time and time again.
3) DSMlink will not instantly make you shave 2 seconds off your time unless you take off from the line like it's an everyday stoplight in traffic. It does give the advantage of being easily replicated and allowing the driver to focus. For a good autoXer, you're probably looking at a 1/2-3/4 second gain there, maximum. HOWEVER, you give it to a n00b and it really might give him a few seconds, b/c you've eliminated a part which can be complex and intimidating if you aren't comfortable. Justin is in-between these two, so I would imagine he can expect to see about a second's gain, IF he really nails that first corner. If he botches it, he could actually go in too hot and could lose time :-).
I think the part really at argument here is that the DSMlink is like an instant 2-second switch. It isn't. You put it on a national-level autoXer, you'll probably be lucky to see a tenth of a second, and actually might hurt his mojo and make him slower. You give it to some of the driver's at the last event I was at, you might see a 10 second gain :-). However, if you give it to that n00b and let him keep driving, he'll adapt. If you let him drive 4 events and take it away, it won't hurt him that much. He'll have learned the techniques necessary and won't need DSMlink to be launch master.
Justin, both will be good additions. The sway bars will totally change the demeanor of the car, but shouldn't really make it uncomfortable to drive every day. You will probably benefit from DSMlink too, however I think the biggest benefit to be had there is that it has the potential to make it more reliable and easier to problem-solve.