Faster Launch
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold Georgia
Faster Launch
I have a new fastest 1/8th mile time of 7.66. My 60 ft. time is 1.697.
Any tip less than drag radials or slicks to help reduce the 60 ft time.
It was suggested that I disconnect the fromt sway bar, any suggestions will be welcomed.
Any tip less than drag radials or slicks to help reduce the 60 ft time.
It was suggested that I disconnect the fromt sway bar, any suggestions will be welcomed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Highly dangerous; have you ever driven with no shocks? Totally un-controllable if you get any bounce going
If you are getting that time on street tires you are doing well.
What engine , stall , gears?
Disconnecting the front bar does allow the front to lift better giving better weight transfer
What engine , stall , gears?
Disconnecting the front bar does allow the front to lift better giving better weight transfer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
I've done it at the track (most tracks are very flat) and had no problems with excessive bounce or control issues but every car is different...the hook is better because of the quick squat/weight transfer factor.
The OP has a 383 motor and higher stall already so it seems he is running out of options other than the slicks or weight reduction efforts.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Disconnect the front sway bar and change to 90/10 drag shocks up front (they're cheap and easy to do). Do not disconnect the rear shocks. The car might have too much squat at launch and might make it uncontrollable down the track. Tracks are not all level. They often have bumps or expansion cracks where the concrete meets the asphalt. Set the rear camber to zero to get more tire contact.
I'm cheating, I've got a 12 bolt.
I
I'm cheating, I've got a 12 bolt.
I
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold Georgia
My set up is a 11:1 383 built strong, 3600 TCS stall, Professional built 700r4 and 3:73 gears in my dana 36. I also have newly installed energy suspension bushings, KYB shocks, all new suspension, ball joints, bearings tie rod ends rack etc. I also have the lowering block on the front, and longer bolts on the rear. ZR1 rims with 315-35-17's on the rear. I dont want to break the dana 36, my plan is to upgrade to a dana 44 then I will get drag radials or slicks. every bit I take off the launch I put back greater on the fat end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,926
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Rear end alignment is very important. Our Vettes tend to go negative on camber when launching and the tires toe out.
It was recommended to me to have shocks set on stiff as possible(rear), stiff spring (ZO7), disconnect front sway bar, go Positive 1 degree camber in rear, and Zero toe in rear. If all suspension pieces are good, you should get into the 1.5 60' easily.
Higher stall converter helps significantly as well as stickier tires.
It was recommended to me to have shocks set on stiff as possible(rear), stiff spring (ZO7), disconnect front sway bar, go Positive 1 degree camber in rear, and Zero toe in rear. If all suspension pieces are good, you should get into the 1.5 60' easily.
Higher stall converter helps significantly as well as stickier tires.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold Georgia
sounds like the most reasonable options are to disconnect the front sway bar, drag shocks and new alignment specs. Has anyone made a quick disconnect for the swaybar similar to rock crawler type jeeps? I am sure I can figure something out. Will some of the double adjustable shocks go 90/10? if so would love some recommendations. If I get close to a 1.50 60ft time them my present set up should be in the 7.40's possibly 7.30's. Then I have to do a roll bar. That would be awesome.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 644
Likes: 15
From: Clarksville Tennessee
My set up is a 11:1 383 built strong, 3600 TCS stall, Professional built 700r4 and 3:73 gears in my dana 36. I also have newly installed energy suspension bushings, KYB shocks, all new suspension, ball joints, bearings tie rod ends rack etc. I also have the lowering block on the front, and longer bolts on the rear. ZR1 rims with 315-35-17's on the rear. I dont want to break the dana 36, my plan is to upgrade to a dana 44 then I will get drag radials or slicks. every bit I take off the launch I put back greater on the fat end.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 3
From: Indian Trail, NC
We have somewhat same set up. (See Sig) I'm running the stock torque converter. I have dana 36 with 3:73's on my car with BFG's drag radials on my 85 stock 16" wheels. If you're not running DR... you need to get a set. You'll certinly be in the mid to low 1.6 60' range.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
My set up is a 11:1 383 built strong, 3600 TCS stall, Professional built 700r4 and 3:73 gears in my dana 36. I also have newly installed energy suspension bushings, KYB shocks, all new suspension, ball joints, bearings tie rod ends rack etc. I also have the lowering block on the front, and longer bolts on the rear. ZR1 rims with 315-35-17's on the rear. I dont want to break the dana 36, my plan is to upgrade to a dana 44 then I will get drag radials or slicks. every bit I take off the launch I put back greater on the fat end.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 644
Likes: 15
From: Clarksville Tennessee
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Ihave seen them take a fair amount of gear, just not with 500hp
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Are you racing at Brainerd? I have been running at Paradise, until I got laid off that is.
If you are interested I have a set of almost new Nitto 555Rs, 315/35/17 mounted and balanced on new black ZR! replica wheels. For sale, but not cheap. PM me if interested.
If you are interested I have a set of almost new Nitto 555Rs, 315/35/17 mounted and balanced on new black ZR! replica wheels. For sale, but not cheap. PM me if interested.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 3
From: Indian Trail, NC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold Georgia
I am not sure what my HP numbers are but I launch at 2400 to 2500 rpms but I dont kill the throttle pedal I just mat it. I am afraid a violent dead hook will kill the dana 36 so I am just trying simple little things. I just installed a B&M pro stick because I spend so much time concentrating on the shift I sometimes miss the shift light. If the weather is agreeable I will run this Friday Night at brainerd. With the new shifter I can better shift at key RPMs and possibly pick up ET that way. I have several modifications planned for this season. I am very happy with the start I am having.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold Georgia
There is no sure thing. My car is a purpose built street hot rod designed to run in all aplications, drag, road race hill climb, etc... I have been looking for a trade or a deal on a dana 44 but until then I am living on the edge. Three seasons on my Dana 36 with many many launches. I have a 3:73 gear in it the whole time. I have not run soft tires yet, I run some sumitos at 18 psi and they break loose if the track is not prepped well. I have been told that if the tires will spin the rear will live. I have seen some stiffening options for the dana 36 but if I break I will go to the Dana 44. I like living on the edge.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
There is no sure thing. My car is a purpose built street hot rod designed to run in all aplications, drag, road race hill climb, etc... I have been looking for a trade or a deal on a dana 44 but until then I am living on the edge. Three seasons on my Dana 36 with many many launches. I have a 3:73 gear in it the whole time. I have not run soft tires yet, I run some sumitos at 18 psi and they break loose if the track is not prepped well. I have been told that if the tires will spin the rear will live. I have seen some stiffening options for the dana 36 but if I break I will go to the Dana 44. I like living on the edge.