I've gone over to the dark side...and I'm LOVIN' IT!

[PaVaSteeler]

I wrote briefly of my initial impressions on the A8 vs the M6 when I first got my 1320, but had not been to the track at the time of writing that.

I have now been to the track...and all I can say is "...I'm all yours Emperor Palpatine! I'm loving this Dark Side!"

Whatever "joy" is lost rowing gears on the street is more than compensated for by the amazing performance of the A8 on the strip. So much so that I can now forgive myself for forsaking my Barton-enhanced M6.

My maiden run with my 1320, with a 1543 DA was 11.983. I was asleep at the light, fussing with the transbrake, then hanging on for dear life as my car shot down the strip faster than I ever drove my M6. More importantly, on subsequent runs (nine in all over two days at MSHS @ VMP) I was able to concentrate on where I was in relation to my competitor, and landmarks - very important when you're trying to keep a sub-12 second car at or slightly above 12.50 for Index Racing.

Since one of my primary objectives in getting the 1320 was to get much more involved in racing, I am now quite comfortable in my decision...I only wish I had succumbed to the dark whisperings of the A8 sooner!

Right Lane, car #646

 

[REDEYE]

Excellent run.

 

[Ravenna2000]

Sometimes the “DARK SIDE” is the right side!

 

[Speedy!]

Yep, same experience for me after racing an M6 for 9 years. First pass in the A8 and I was like CYA.

 

[Markp]

Congrats on a great run. I went from a M6 to A8 also and I don't care what anyone says I know the A8 is way better. Welcome to the dark side. Yes manuals are more fun to drive but when trying to get the most out of the car auto is the way to go.

 

[Speedy!]

With the inclusion of paddles, I've honestly not missed the manual at all, at least in the Challenger.

 

[Markp]

With the inclusion of paddles, I've honestly not missed the manual at all, at least in the Challenger.

I am not a big fan of paddles. I do use the slap shift once in awhile gives it that old school feel. Lets me pretend I have a manual.

 

[HemiPacer]

It’s tough for some of you old fellas to find your way from the dark
I love driving stick cars but the A8 is a weapon and that old “ I’m more at one with the car “ maybe true with a three speed borg Warner , but welcome to the A8 May the Force be with you .
Great start with the racing, wait till a Scat trees you of the line and you run him down about three quarter track and head off into the distance. Have you tried running in manual 1 ( on the paddles) and letting the car shift itself ?
Good to see you enjoying the car Clark .

 

[PaVaSteeler]

Have you tried running in manual 1 ( on the paddles) and letting the car shift itself ?
Good to see you enjoying the car Clark .

What’s the difference between being in auto mode and starting in Manual 1 then letting it shift?

 

[Demon1]

Lol. The crisp shifts of the A8 in Drag mode is just awesome. For racing, there is no comparison to a manual. A8 all the way.

 

[Slowpoke387]

Yep. M people are a stubborn bunch. And many havent tried the newer A8 yet. Shame. It really is that good.

 

[ACMAVRO]

I’d prob be in jail if I had an A8

 

[MaxCarnage]

Went from an M6 HC to an A8 Redeye, night and day difference. I love driving around town in it much more. The barton is a must with the M6, even still the A8 is way more fun to drive than my M6 was. I've noticed I've been putting on more miles than I ever did with my M6. Less and less manuals are sold every year. They will eventually not even be an option.

 

[HemiPacer]

What’s the difference between being in auto mode and starting in Manual 1 then letting it shift?

It will hold each gear to 6k rather than 5.8 . I’m still unsure if it’s helpful but it sure doesn’t hurt on my time slips . Friends in scat pacs say there is a measurable difference of 0.1 ( similar to my front skinnies) on the scat .
I’ve been doing some experimenting with the car in auto stick as it will hold on to 6.2 but you need shift or it will hit the rev limiter. I start in 2nd gear because the first gear is so short I can’t get it right .
I’m hunting for any advantage I can get as don’t think I can get much more out of this car without some real modifications. I ran a 11.16 in the spring air so that 10.99 is so close yet worlds away.

 

[PaVaSteeler]

It will hold each gear to 6k rather than 5.8 . I’m still unsure if it’s helpful but it sure doesn’t hurt on my time slips . Friends in scat pacs say there is a measurable difference of 0.1 ( similar to my front skinnies) on the scat .
I’ve been doing some experimenting with the car in auto stick as it will hold on to 6.2 but you need shift or it will hit the rev limiter. I start in 2nd gear because the first gear is so short I can’t get it right .
I’m hunting for any advantage I can get as don’t think I can get much more out of this car without some real modifications. I ran a 11.16 in the spring air so that 10.99 is so close yet worlds away.

Thanks, but I believe when I'm in Drag Mode my shift points are raised; I know there's quite a noticeable difference between rpms with the car controlling the shifts on the street between the regular Sport Mode and the Drag Mode...your '15 may benefit from the "Manual 1" trick whereas my '19 may not need it. Nonetheless I'll try it out tomorrow night (going to a local 1/8 Test n Tune).

 

[MaxCarnage]

Thanks, but I believe when I'm in Drag Mode my shift points are raised; I know there's quite a noticeable difference between rpms with the car controlling the shifts on the street between the regular Sport Mode and the Drag Mode...your '15 may benefit from the "Manual 1" trick whereas my '19 may not need it. Nonetheless I'll try it out tomorrow night (going to a local 1/8 Test n Tune).

On my Redeye full manual mode (shifter bumped over to manual) it will stick in whatever gear you want and not shift until you want it to. In drive but paddles switched on you can choose a gear, but it will auto upshift for you. Your best results will come from Drag Mode. Line lock to warm the tires, then race in drag mode and go. I run 18psi, but I'm on MT ET Rs. If you are on factory tires you may need a bit more air in the tires. Play around with the rpm you launch at (air in tires too) until your 60ft is the best you can get it.

 

[EricG]

Welcome to the A8 world! I converted myself back in 2015 when these A8s came out and have been preaching the virtues to mostly deaf ears...glad you came around!

My A8 was about .9 seconds quicker through the 1/4 than my M6 and 5 mph faster - that's huge on the track!

Love the new ride BTW!

 

[Hickster]

I'm a control freak. But the M6, found out, has it's shift points. It will teach you not teach it. I have sticks since the 70's. Just have to be in control. Why me and the local constables don't see gear to gear. Have driven both, but just have to be doing sumtin other than that 18 speaker stereo.

 

[HemiPacer]

A friend of mine won a pro charger install at HHP and his M6 still can’t keep up with the A8 ( he’s a gun bracket racer to ) , each to there own but I wanna go fast .

 

[SilverBillet]

Great 60’ but I’m surprised you are not getting higher mph out of the 6.4? It seems like 114-115 is more the norm?