Hello! New to site looking for some advice on proper gears (482 now) and better 60 foot consistency (would like for it to be lower as well) running .1983's now....:bananaman Car is deadly otherwise!!!!!!!
I asume you meant 1.98 60 foots? Are you running 1/8th mile, 1000', or 1/4 mile? Also, what tranny are you running? If automatic, what does your car stall at? What brand/size rear tires are you running? What rpm's are you currently turning at the trap? ..and welcome to the board
Reply Hey, I am running an eighth of a mile and I did mean 1.98 for 60 foot. My stall chip is at 2500 RPM'S and I have M/H Drag tires 9 inch Would 10 inch be more efficient? Also, my tranny is automatic (I use an air shifter, reverse throttle body). Have you heard of a company called DAYCO? I hear they make good torque converters for the Mav's. I was in Gainesville for the Fun Ford Weekend last weekend. I didn't know it was only for 1/4 mile. My dad couldn't run his '88 Ford Ranger, but we attempted my Mav. We have 482 gears and were worried. So we put the rev lim at 7000. It did okay, but had a small oil leak and now there is a cracked bellhousing unit, maybe from another time, but we noticed it at the track. Only two other Mav's there though!!!! I would like to be geared for the 1/4 mile as well! Thanks, Jen
Hey Jen, Without knowing what your torque curve looks like (cam dependant), and the fact that you're able to run it to 7 grand might indicate that you could benefit from raising the launch rpm's. Personally, I'd start by using low tire pressure (then eventually add later). Raise your launch rpms until you car is spinning at lauch, then lower the rpm and raise the tire pressure each time until you've got the balance (for that particular track on that particular day at least). re: Dayco convertor If you think it might be slipping or binding - ditch it and try a different brand I've heard mixed reviews on DAYCO but mostly that they're okay. How high rpms can you hold the car in place (without spinning)? BTW, any brand can go out at anytime, right? It may just need to be adjusted to a higher stall (cheaper than buying a new one). I'd check with a converter builder, one who will actually interview you (have your cam specs, tire size, etc. ready) and try it when you replace the bell. What are you 1/8th and 1/4 miles e.t. and mph currently?
Thanks for the info, I will look into this. Right now I have the Mav at the transmission shop. The gentleman that works on the tranny is also a super pro driver and has four other team members. He is real trustworthy to work on her. Well, since you ask I run anywhere, depending on the track and temp. 8.19 to 8.32. How about you and your mav?
Jennifer I would be very interested in how you got the weight of your car down to 2380 give some info please. Now for your 60 ft. times they should be alot better. For the mph you are running you should be in the 7.90 range for the 1/8 mile. My suggestion is seeing how your car is so light I would put some weight in the trunk over the wheels maybe 50 to 75 lbs on each side. Also in your timeslip profile you list your tires as drag radials. I would suggest going to a Mickey Thompson or Hoosier Drag Slick. You should be able to take 2 tenths off your 60 ft. times. Just my thoughts Derek
My Maverick is still work-in-progress. The engine that I have in it was in my 1990 Mustang Convertible that went 7.2's @ 101 mph in the 1/8th. That was with iron Windsor Jr heads, Cobra intake and a 175 shot of Nitrous. Since then, I've swaped out the heads to AFR 185's and replaced the Cobra intake with a (better flowing) Holley Systemax. I race my '89 Mustang Coupe to keep the rust off my driving skilz until I get the Maverick to the track (by the end of this season hopefully). I'm expecting good things from the motor with the changes in components and it being in a MUCH lighter car now.
Response Hey Derek, The weight of the car is coming from scales at Darlington, SC dragway. This is including me in it. Interesting enough we have not been concerned with the weight. We did put the batteries in the trunk to weigh her down a bit. Other than that it has no passenger seat and everything else is metal, no fiberglass. I hope the scales were not wrong... would 2600 lbs sound better? It would definetely be in this range. The MPH, that is exactly what I thought.. It has been frustrating, but the car has kept me at bay because of the general consistency. Do you not recommend M/H's Alot of people recently have been saying to use Mickey's I am just a little weary because I win races with the M/H's.... Tough Decisions. I may try to come out the hole at higher RPM's and lower the tire pressure for now (that is what RickBook suggests). Thanks for all ya'll's help. I really appreciate it... I need to start learning more about draggin. This is my second full year in NHRA points. I hoping to do well this year....
I personally would run the E/T DRAG tires......I have went 1.39(60 foot) with a 9 inch foot print. I usually leave at around 2,700 rpm(when running a .500 tree). I would guess.....if you have done nothing for to help weight that the scales "might" have been wrong........this is usually not the case at the track, but I know there is a couple guys on this board(Ivy for one) that have done alot to there cars to get it down to the same weight you are at. Mine weighs 2,650 without me, and it is a very stripped down drag car. Keep us updated on your progress.
Thanks for the input... Last weekend was a bad weekend for racing. Friday night there was an accident at the JAX Raceway and a driver passed away due to internal injuries. Saturday at the Savannah Dragway (we were having a Pro Mod Shootout) 6 people got struck by lightning. Everyone is doing fine now but it was nerve racking then. My Maverick started smoking real bad after the second pass in time runs and she was coughing off the line as well as sluggish from first to second. We had to load her onto the trailor. I ended up sharing with my Father. He has a 1988 Ford Ranger. It was my first time crossing the finish going 6.98 seconds, pretty nice, think I'll do that again!!!!!
Speed is very addictive! My mav went from a 7.70 to a 6.50 and man what I difference......but its still a pretty smooth ride once you get past the launch!
