Weekend before last at Pinks I had changed my gearing from 5.14 to 4.56 for the 1/4 mile, last week I didn't have time to build the new aluminum case and put the 5.14 back in so I left the 4.56 in to run our bracket program. I lost a couple of tenths in time mainly in the 330' but WOW the consistency was just killer, 6...5.72 passes in a row, 3 of these with a 6, in the quarterfinals a strong headwind had started to die down and the temp dropped a few degrees which tempted me to put a 5.71 on it, I resisted and ran a 5.72 with a 1 and won, in the semis I went ahead and dialed it down to a 5.71, (that 1 was playin it just to close to the vest) the car goes a 5.71 with a 1, just freakin incredible... BUT I got treed and lost to the eventual winner by 30/1000ths. I had been cuttin just god awful lights all day long but the car would keep redeeming me over and over again. So here's what I'm doin, rather than put the 5.14 back in I ordered a Richmond XP 4.86 gear set to go in the new center section, in theory this SHOULD give me the best of both time and consistency and keep me from having to switch center sections to run 1/4 mile. I'm rather leary about doing anything to the car but I'd like to get a little of that lost time back. Thoughts?
You're learning fast, Rick. That's always been a great way to improve consistency...put shorter gears in there & use a "looser" converter to keep the RPM up. Plus, it's a little easier on the engine by keeping the RPM down a little.
Ooops...Todd I had totally forgot about the added benefit of being easier on the motor. Setting the new center section up will be my first attempt at setting one up. New gears, daytona pinion support and setup kit should make it a little easier plus an old pro lookin over my shoulder wont hurt. Yeah Simon it's fun when your car keeps snatchin your A$$ from the jaws of elimination when your having a lousy day on the light. It's like I've just totally lost my comfort zone on the light compared to last season, going back and forth from a pro tree to a sportsman tree just totally screws me up also. Just an FYI...I have a brand new Pro pinion support, 35 spline pinion and 3.73 pro gear with a female coupler for sale if anyone is interested...this is something you would find on a dragster or funny car usually...PM me if interested.
I have a funny car.....just prolly not the same kinduv funny car y'all have in mind....... Congrats on some killer runs!! Oh, and the stuff you have for sale, I just mount that on the hood right?? It'll add weight and keep the front end from lifting too high on my launches I'm thinking...... But hey, I could be wrong on the installation in this instance....... Take care and GOOD LUCK!!
Thats great....definite trial and error. Questions: are you leaving at the same launch RPM's? are you running the same air pressure? *I am trying to think of things at the starting line....your running a box, so I am just wondering if the gear (if launch rpm and air pressure are the same) change is causing the problems of your inconsistancy. Now its not launching as quickly, causing a slower reaction. Then the air pressure being the same, but the tires are not getting "hit" has hard as before, so would that cause the "hit" to vary? Maybe go up/down 1/2 pound of air?......I have no freakin' idea=========just thinking out loud
John your exactly right..."same launch rpm's and air pressure" it doesn't hit as hard therefore no tire spin it doesn't unload and doesn't hit the bars, rises only a couple of inches and is smooth as a Sunday drive. I've lost half a tenth just in the 60' but the trade off is worth it, going back with the 4.86 should get me a little of that lost time back without sacrificing the consistency. I think I could pull the wheelie bars off now and it would have no effect other than to make the car 50 pounds lighter.
Wow, Rick. Excellent consistency! And this is on Nitrous, right? Incredible! I like your thinking (going to a "medium" gear). And, I like the idea that you can lose the wheelie bars (that's worth something) and that there's less wear and tear on the engine (relatively speaking). Good luck with your new combo. I'm excited for you!
Yup...still just a 100 shot, all that nitrous does is provide a consistent temperature to the intake no matter the air temp it mixes with. I've got my own filing station now so it only cost me about 50 cents worth of nitrous to make a pass. I'll ponder pulling the wheelie bars after some passes on the 4.86....again..."trial and error"
I think we all know something about that "Trial and Error" deal. Glad you're getting a good handle on it.
Ya know Jerry we don't live so far apart we couldn't get together for some Trial and Error sometime....hehe
Rick did you ever try messing with the 4 link or shock settings? It could be a really good way to improve your 60' times and do away with the wheelie bars or at least help take some of the hit away from the bars. Lots of guys are running DEEP in the 5's with no wheelie bars...with similarly set up cars. Friend of mine runs 4.90's to 5.teens on 10.5" tires without 'em. That's on a 2870 lb '98 Cobra tube chassis car with a 421" SBF. Lifts the front just barely and lays down consistent 1.18-1.21 60' times.
