[TurboLX]

1.) More RPM - I've found that it's just about
impossible to have too much (higher number) gear in
your car if your goal is the lowest ETs. Just keep
adding gear ratio until you stop gaining ET, even if
the MPH falls off. Remember: racing is usually ET not
MPH.

2.) Jetting - If I had to guess I'd say that 80% of all
race engines are jetted too rich. Some of the signs of
a rich setting are an engine that misses or surges. Try
jetting down two sizes and see what happens. Learning
how to read spark plugs is my best advice.

3.) Ignition Timing - Go up or down two degrees and
make a test. I've seen engines tuned with just a couple
of degrees too much timing lose 30hp, so don't think
you can't have too much.

4.) Oil - If you aren't using synthetic oil already,
try it, it's worked every time for me. The other big
thing is oil level, on a wet sump engine too much oil
is a killer. No engine needs more than 6gts, no matter
what the pan manufacture says. In fact; too much oil is
bad.

5.) Shift Points - If you're going to miss your shift
point, miss it early. A late shift is an ET killer,
especially in the lower gears. Here's a test: If you
seem to really be knocked back into the seat after the
shift, you're late. The Reason? Your body went forward
before the shift because of lack of acceleration.

6.) More Traction - Obvious subject I know, but here's
one I've seen missed more than any other traction aid:
Weight. So many people are afraid to add weight to
their car, but I would guess that 80% of cars could
benefit from weight in the trunk. Don't take my word
for it, give it a try.

7.) Lower Coolant Temp - With all other variables being
the same, lower coolant almost always makes more power.
There are a lot of ways to lower the temp and I can't
mention them all here, but a problem I've seen more
often than not is low coolant level. Make sure the
radiator is full.

8.) Kill The Accessories - A water pump takes 10hp to
drive, an oil pump takes 10hp and the alternator can
take up as much as 35hp. Use a low drag water pump or
electric drive and put a switch on the field of your
alternator to turn off the drag during the run.

9.) Aerodynamics - Now I know changing aerodynamics of
your car is not a simple thing to do, but there is one
quick modification that I've seen work more than once;
Lowering the front end of your car. I've seen drag cars
pick up as much as .01 of a second in ET and 3 MPH in
speed by just lowering the car two inches. (Lower Center Of Gravity)

10.) Test Different Carbs - Carburetors all have their
own personality and some just seem to work better than
others. Buy two carbs that are exactly the same and
you'll have different results. My advice: test ever
carb you can get your hands on and never get rid of a
good one.

[BWAL09]

my dad told me that when he used to drag race, he'd get better traction if he launched out of the groove

[White Thunder]

interesting

[riceburnin03]

good advice

[SWEET2KSTANG]

some other little things too:

good tire pressures
equal tire pressures
front sway bar removal for weight transfer
stiffened chassis (sub frames, control arms, etc.)

[TurboLX]

i will update this to

[TheBusher]

nice write up

Originally Posted by TurboLX put a switch on the field of your alternator to turn off the drag during the run.

Details?

[Jason White]

Don't forget to turn on the extra stages of nitrous, that works too....

[tom2000r]

MY 2 cents,,dont get out there and try to act like john force in a street car...

[2006greyGT]

last sunday was my first time ever at the strip.. I was not very good... I will just have to keep going back I guess...

[labelskater4]

great advice

[04mustang232]

just my .02, but dont over drive your car. i have seen countless guys out tehre with really fast cars trying to shift fast as hell and miss a gear. Start off just normal shifting and then progress to faster shifts. You might be able to bang the gears out on the street, but on the strip, your heart is pounding and its hard to think straight sometimes.

[v606er]

now dont get mad about bumping, but should over drive be turned off or left on when drag racing?

[04mustang232]

Originally Posted by v606er now dont get mad about bumping, but should over drive be turned off or left on when drag racing?

it makes no difference unless you have a tall enough gear that requires your car to shift into over drive on the last leg of the track. Overdrive is just another gear after 3rd. Stock, you will barely used third in an auto.

[onebad2v]

how hard is it to remove the front sway bar and what are the benefits?

Originally Posted by SWEET2KSTANG some other little things too: good tire pressures equal tire pressures front sway bar removal for weight transfer stiffened chassis (sub frames, control arms, etc.)

[KidOfPonyMaker@aol.com]

Originally Posted by BWAL09 my dad told me that when he used to drag race, he'd get better traction if he launched out of the groove

I have been down on the Starting line for a LOT OF RACES.. Wondered WHY People do this? Hmmm

Anyway.. when the track prep guys (and I KNOW THE BEST ..or so I think.. personally..) Prep the track..they will account for RUBBER IN the GROOVES to get you the best traction...

HOWEVER.. if you don't have the best track prep...well I guess there would be more VHT or whatever Sticky stuff they are cutting costs on .. (I LOVE VHT want to make a Perfume of it!!!!) ... there would be more out of the groove..if you don't have good track prep..where they don't scrape regular etc..and its almost impossible to hook up anywhere really, when the track prep sucks....

HAPPY MUSTANGIN'!
Holly Clark

(Just my thoughts/experience)

[KidOfPonyMaker@aol.com]

Originally Posted by 2006greyGT last sunday was my first time ever at the strip.. I was not very good... I will just have to keep going back I guess...

You'll get better with practice!

Holly Clark

[1SLO85]

Great suggestions.

[BORDEN]

nice write up