Milestone - Finally

[drofdar]

After many setbacks and rebuilds, we have finally got that big heavy 55 Chevy to break through the 12 second barrier.
The new cam gave us a much higher torque curve, so the old converter was too tight, and the rear gear ratio too high. A new 4500 stall converter, 4.56 gears, and a two step rev module really helped the launch and 60 foot times.

After some throttle adjustments, it ran 11.99, then 11.86 and qualifications were over. For eliminations the next morning, I dialed an 11.75 to compensate for the cooler air. We lost anyway.... by running an 11.615!! I have never been so happy to lose!

If anyone ever thinks building and dialing in a drag car is easy, just PM me. But, oh man, what a great feeling when it all comes together!

[Itoldyouso]

Congratulations. Now wipe that big ole grin off of your face. (I'd have one too.)

Don

[Whiplash23T]

No don't wipe that big grin off your face,enjoy for as long as possible. What a buzz that must of been to lose with that time, congratulations.

[Dave Severson]

After many setbacks and rebuilds, we have finally got that big heavy 55 Chevy to break through the 12 second barrier.
The new cam gave us a much higher torque curve, so the old converter was too tight, and the rear gear ratio too high. A new 4500 stall converter, 4.56 gears, and a two step rev module really helped the launch and 60 foot times.

After some throttle adjustments, it ran 11.99, then 11.86 and qualifications were over. For eliminations the next morning, I dialed an 11.75 to compensate for the cooler air. We lost anyway.... by running an 11.615!! I have never been so happy to lose!

If anyone ever thinks building and dialing in a drag car is easy, just PM me. But, oh man, what a great feeling when it all comes together!

Way to go! Got that old barn door flyin' now!!!

Usually the one's who bad mouth dial in's, running brackets, and breakouts have never dealt with the science of dialing in a car to make it perform consistently (+ or - a couple hundredths or less) round after round. I suppose it's just the nature of man to bad mouth and berate what they've never been involved in or just flat don't understand!!!

About the best way we've found to analyze what weather changes are going to do to the car is to have a good weather station and copious notes from previous sessions. Been running the "Super" classes since the early 80's and it gets tougher to be at the top of the ladder every year. Even locally now your "package" better be within hundredths of .000 if you're going to win consistently..

Keep at it, take lots and lots of notes and soon you'll be going rounds!

[jyardgirl]

excellent job. wished i lived closer so i could see her run.

[skids72]

Congrats on getting her done and running strong! Next is "predictable" which can also be quite a challenge. Like all things, it comes with experience/practice/analysis... And can still be elusive with all the above.

Happy racing!

-Chris

[drofdar]

Thanks All,

I forgot to mention that it ran 117 MPH, as well. Launches straight, and stays true all the way down the track. I spent a lot of time getting the toe-in right, and added shims to increase caster. I have a rack on the straight axle with a telescoping steering shaft. So, no bump steer at all. Not a bit of vibration either.
Since it can run bracket, or the E-Gas 11.60 index, I call the car done. Now, like you said, consistent predictability is the key. I think we may just be getting to the hard part!! Rad

[John Palmer]

Thanks All,

I forgot to mention that it ran 117 MPH, as well. Launches straight, and stays true all the way down the track. I spent a lot of time getting the toe-in right, and added shims to increase caster. I have a rack on the straight axle with a telescoping steering shaft. So, no bump steer at all. Not a bit of vibration either.
Since it can run bracket, or the E-Gas 11.60 index, I call the car done. Now, like you said, consistent predictability is the key. I think we may just be getting to the hard part!! Rad

Congrats on getting the car running.

There's one more race this year in WCHRA at Famosa so bring it out. E/G is a tough (11.60) index, but a great bunch of "hard core" guys. You will have a great time. You have to not only "run the index number", but also cut a "good light" in the class.

If you make it out stop by and say high, we will be running the 1960 light blue VW in E/G.

[Dave Severson]

An update from the weekend for all of us to wonder about... My pal Rodney has a 13 year old daughter running Jr. Dragster.... During time trials, qualifying, and elimination on Sunday she did four .00 lights... Then in the finals cut a .000 perfect light on her way to her 3rd win of the summer!!!! I'm really jealous!!

Hmmmm. Is it legal to put a 13 year old under contract to drive for me when she is 16 and gets her driver's license???? I suppose it's going to be tough to outbid her Dad to get her to drive my car when she's old enough!!!!