Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

No matter how many good runs I have stored can't seem to predict that 1st run very well. Why is this ? Same track , same DA and weather almost identical , even using a couple programs for the prediction. Can't figure it out ?

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

The temp of the fluids? I always pick up a couple on the second run

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

What about getting it really hot before your first run. Leave the hood shut and let it gradually cool down some before your first run? I believe that it helps the engine and driveline get some head soak and warm the oil up some. I know there is limitations but it is worth a try. It has helped one of my cars be more predictable on the first run.

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

X2 You may not be warming the engine and driveline up enough prior to your first run.

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

Even warming it up on jackstands doesn't seem to work as well as making the first pass, from my experience anyway.

I think there maybe more factors involved besides oil and water temperature??

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

Put a temp gauge on the trans. Trans fluid temp will definately make a differance.
Get up on the converter in the staging lanes or get a magnetic pan heater.

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

So you guys think temp is doing it ? I warm it up good through the pits but never got on the transbrake. Try to keep the water temp around 160-180 when I go in. I can`t get it any closer then within 20 deg. if that would make that much of a difference ? Thanks

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

You see cars driving down the return road to the end and back each morning at the races for a reason. I would not warm mine up on jack stands myself. I (and several others I encounter doing the same thing when I am) drive down the return road to the end, turn around, stop, set on the trans brake for ten seconds, and if the scales are open check my weight. The digital scales we have now don't vary much, but you never know. When I get back I plug in my cool down battery & charger until I get the engine back to ambient. Always runs the number first pass.

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

Could possibly be spark plugs loaded up and maybe after making one pass it cleans them up?

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

I would think you would hear it miss. If tuned correctly, your plugs will always stay clean.

Re: Predicting 1st qualifier ?
 

I do drive up down the return roads but never got on the brake. I'm sure most of you have 3 jet settings for a season, but I just use the same logbook for a given track. Maybe it would be best to separate them by jet settings too? Thanks