Springy Dyno Day..vic...most Forum Members Are In It.

[ratter]

mph does not always tell the 100% truth as many believe

taken from another site

Ok everyone. Just as some background about myself, I'm a 23 year old who had the
fortunate luck of growing up with a father who owned a very successful drag
strip for 22 years (New York International Raceway Park in Leicester, NY near
Rochester). Over the years I've gained insane insight into the world of drag
racing, some of which most average or inexperienced racers would never know or
even consider to be a factor in your times. Here's some, and please do add if I
missed anything.
1. WIND
Most racetracks
have an American Flag a flyin'. My father had one right next to the starting
line. It wasn't happenstance... he put it there so that racers could look to see
the wind direction and roughly how fast it was moving. A headwind slows down
cars up to two to three tenths (that's like a 15.0 vs. a 15.3) Crosswinds
(perpendicular to the car) can also slow you down, and a tail wind can help you
gain speed and lower ET. Remember this and take note when you run!

2. Heat/Humidity
I have a
degree in meteorology and in a bunch of physics classes I really got to figure
out how heat and humidity affect motor performance. Heat is the number one power
reducer, which is why we are always trying to eliminate it (TBS, COLD air
intake, interCOOLERS). A hot day will slow the car down, its just how it works.
Consequently, too cold will also have adverse effects.

ALSO, and even some advanced racers may not know, but tracks
have an ideal temperature as well. Traction compound turns to sludge when its
too hot, especially when the sun is overhead. Most of the fastest runs occur
after 3pm or so, or even near dusk, when the track isn't sucking in all the
light from the sun. Ideal track temp is about 68 degrees or so, which means
early or late season for most. Now this effect with street tires is
far less that those with 500hp, and slicks, obviously.

Humidity, you simply want less. The more humid it is, the less
oxygen there is, the lesser the "quality" air going into your car.

3. WEIGHT
I've seen
people take out spares/seats etc. Maybe even go on a diet? LOL. What about gas?
I see so many people show up to the track with a FULL tank of gas. FYI, a gallon
of gas weighs 6.18lbs. Our fuel capacity is 13 gallons. You do the math... but I
don't like an extra 60 lbs in my car if I don't need it. Figure out the mileage
to the track and then leave home with the bare minimum for your truly ideal
times.

4. I think that if you post on
here, especially for newer or more inexperienced people... you should list all
applicable mods, the RPM you launch at, and whether you power shifted or granny
shifted. Some people don't know how or aren't willing to power shift and that is
pretty much the difference between the 15.2 guys and the 14.9's stock.

5. Altitude
Some tracks
will be able to tell you, or you can find an experienced racer in the pits with
the handheld computers that give you the altimeter. This also effects engine
performance based on air density most of the time. Higher pressure will usually
give you a better running car. Consequently, high pressure usually means sunny
days too!

6. For our cars (Si's etc.),
unless you are putting down insane horsepower, there is NO NEED to roll through
the water. I go right around. You're immediately giving yourself a disadvantage
by dirtying the tires and
wetting them. Heating them up will take off miles that they could be used for,
and will give you a negligible effect if any. Just get better tires in
this case.

7. Tire pressure
How many of you have a pressure gauge in your glove box at the
track? How many use it? This is HUUUUUGE when dealing with traction/top
speed/etc. Check tire pressures and play with them to find your ideal spot. You
want a balance between traction and top speed. Experiment! Most tracks have free
air somewhere on sight ( or make buddies with someone who has an air tank!)

8. Talk to other racers
There is ALWAYS someone who knows more than you. Lanes at certain
tracks can make a huge difference. At my dad's, the right lane is always faster
for some reason. That could be a huge difference.

9. Analyze and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Read the time slips at each part. Figure out what they mean if
you don't. Compare with others on the board to see where you are and where your
weaknesses are. This will tell you what you have to work on. MPH and 1/4 time
can't be their best until your 60', 330', 660' and 1000' are perfected!

I hope this gets you started on your way to
drag racing. I strongly urge anyone to try it out if you haven't before. It's
safe, fun and god I love the smell of the track. Good luck!

[bossmang]

your car made good power ford freak.. tune look good to mate.

cheers mark

yer was a nice smooth curve.

I think that's what mark was referring to mick!

[Kosij]

And I assume afrs and boost!

[F1PERFORMANCE]

This is how you tie down a high hp car and if done this way you can go from dyno to dyno with little or no power difference with a DD dyno..

[bossmang]

They know how to tie down cars

End of story. Stop fkn the thread about it.

Ok back to me being a movie star

[rednose]

mph does not always tell the 100% truth as many believe

taken from another site

It tells enough, but as I said before as long as everyone had fun.

[Paulie2256]

cheers mark

yer was a nice smooth curve.

I think that's what mark was referring to mick!

It was Adam with the question

[bossmang]

My bad. Yes your right it was Adam.

[AirStrike]

LMAO @ watching the DD video. Didn't see a single wheel chock at Springy.

[freeze_dk]

Saw them chock every car at springy.