Suggestion for best shift(RPM)points running 1/4 mile for 2003 M45

[TexasMadrone]

First, I want to say hello as this is my first post on the this sight. A little background:I have an 2003 M45 which I bought new. I've owned fast cars and sports cars in the past. I've previously owned Austin-Healys(100-4 and 3000), Porsches(356B and SC911), Triumph TR-8(V8), BMWs(1600 and 2002 when they first hit the states). Owning Healys in the 50's was being in a rare breed. People had never seen many sports cars then. This puts me in the "over the hill" group! I traveled around following the sports car racing scene during the 50's through the 70's. I'm interesting in reading comments on running the fastest 1/4 mile time for my 2003 M45. Such as:manual shift points(rpm) verses left in "drive"running with the VDC on or off rpm take-off rateetc.,etc. Anything you guys might suggest.

Thanks,TexasMadrone

[szh]

Welcome to NICO!

Wow, someone older than I! Was your BMW 2002 a Tii?

I am sure that others will jump in and comment ... unfortunately, I am at work right now and need to head on home, so will post later.

Again, welcome!

Z

[Mark Linkous]

TexasMadrone,Glad to hear from another 03-04 M owner. As for your 1/4 mile runs, the one thing that I can say with a degree of confidence is to switch off the VDC. Motor Trend tested the 2003 M45 with the result of 14:40@ 96.3 M.P.H. Car & Driver yielded 14:50@98 M.P.H (3/03). With the manumatic offering limited functionality, I could only guess which would be quicker.Cheers and welcome againMark

[TexasMadrone]

Thanks for the welcome!

My 2002 was a first year '68. Correct me if I"m wrong...I think the Tii came after the '70 model but at my age it's hard to remember anything!

I look forward to comments on "fast acceleration" methods for the 03-45. I'm not planning on D-strip running, but just wanting to know everyone's method just in case I meet up with a sucker and I need to be the "sleeper".

TexasMadrone

[TexasMadrone]

Thanks for the welcome and the reply.

I figured that the VDC needed to be off. Mine still goes like a "scalded cat"(old people's term for fast) even with it on. Casual observation with the VDC on puts it about as quick to 60mph as my '82 SC911 which was typical for them at about 6 to 6.2 sec. I've got the sneaky suspicion that I might have a "1 in a 100" that was just built right . Once I get feedback from the forum, and then have the opportunity to time it, I'll advise.

TexasMadrone

[Mark Linkous]

For sure and glad you are here. Most of the zero-60 runs of our cars seem to be upper 5's to low 6's. While reading some of the few reviews, it seems for slalom and the whatnot VDC should actually be engaged. I might be wrong but I believe the same holds true for the current M45 as well. Personally, I am just waiting for the O.E.M Michellin's to get tired before I go for some VDC off hijinks. Sadly the tires are in good repair so it might be a while. There are a few members who have gone to the drag strip with their M's. I wish I could remember whom. I would imagine they will see this thread soon and give you the lowdown.CheersM.L

[Mark Linkous]

I listened to Mannix and beheld the power of the search: zerothread/258958. This should help a little.CheersMark

[caug1]

#1.pull out both vdc fusesout of fuse box ,you'll need pliers. it will give you better launching control..#2.put car in drive mode.#3.left foot on brake right on gas. get it up to 2000 may be 2500, punch it.remember you need to get rpm as fast as possible to 3000,3500, that's where car starts to pull. so if you spin the tires a little it will get the rpm faster to 3500. if you swich vdc of it will still work, bad news for drag strip.practice first, iits not eazy to luanch this car.i got very good sticky tires. it is hard to spin the of the line only with foot on the brake works.you can do it.good luck.

[TexasMadrone]

Like you, my OEM Michelins are still too good to burn up yet. Only at 28,900+ miles. We only drove it on vacations, or wife driving it to work and on weekends. The M is not even broken in yet being an '03. Now that we both are retired, I can enjoy it more. As hinted before, I feel it may run in the mid to upper 5's once I figure whether to get the best runs in drive or using manual shift points, VDC off as Caug1 suggests, tire pressure, A/C off, Temps under 75F(hard to find in Texas 80% of the time), or any other trick suggested on the forum. This one seems to pull real strong. Maybe I did get the golden goose.

TexasMadrone

[TexasMadrone]

Thanks for the hints. You are right... At about 3500rpm it comes in somewhat similar to the feel of a turbocharger which takes about that rev point to boost up. I think you indicated running in drive. I'm guessing you tried manual shift but found it has about the same shift lag as in auto? I've noticed that M's shift lag a little when pressed hard. I drove a couple of other M's and found this normal. Eventhough, wouldn't finding the right torque band shift points still get better results despite the lag?Also, I found reading the thread search Mark linked to me from previous postings was good info. I really appreciate you all for kicking this around for me.

TexasMadrone

[auditech10]

I think the problem with using Manual mode is that it will automatically shift for you anyway, reducing your ability to keep higher shifting rpms, if wanted. And even more annoying is when in 1st it will not even get close to redline before automatically going into second. The only use I have found for using Manual mode is when downshifting or just keeping a lower gear when taking off from a rolling start.Let us know what you find out.Cheers

[TexasMadrone]

auditech10Thanks for the input. Seems that most postings are overwhelmingly in favor of staying in drive mode vs manual shift. Certainly enables the driver to stay focused on the run.

TexasMadrone

[viperatc1]

hi everyone! it's funny,but i used my foot to the floor to get my [email protected]. i know this car can do much better, but only had 3 shots and did'nt try the torque brake. 60ft times should be in the 2.0-1.9 and should drop quartermile times to 14.2 or 14.0

[viperatc1]

hi everyone! it's funny,but i used my foot to the floor to get my [email protected]. i know this car can do much better, but only had 3 shots and did'nt try the torque brake. 60ft times should be in the 2.0-1.9 and should drop quartermile times to 14.2 or 14.0 also my 1/8th mile mph was down by 2 mph also from book times.

[widebodyq]

I have a F50 Q45 but it uses the same VK engine. I couldnt brake the stock tires loose for the life of the car when I had the vdc on or off. I removed the fuse and now I can do it effortlessly and the car launches like it should given the 340 HP rating.

I have never been to the track but I race friends of mine all the time and I have had best results shifting manually. Before I launch I get the RPM's up to about 2000-2250 then I release the brake.

[viperatc1]

never really had a chance to try a torque brake start. i am very curious to know if this will help the jump out the hole.i would think so but, will have to try @ the track!

[yodawill2000]

Hey TexasM.My Dad had a Sunbeam Tiger that he dropped a small block chevy into back in the 60's.Talking about a beast !!As long as you went in a straight line .. hehe He sold it the day I got my drivers license.Smart Guy he was .

[TexasMadrone]

yodawill2000

I remember the "Tiger" very well. Saw them run at a couple of East Coast SCCA race track events. The Sunbeam Alpine was offered with a 260HP small block Ford V8 and named Tiger. It was a hot little buggy for it's day.

TexasMadrone