Any tips, new to drag racing?

360 Charger said
With an 1/8th mile track and a $1000 budget - it really is going to be about quick acceleration and traction. 3 things I would look at

1. Diff ratio
You haven't mentioned if the diff is a suregrip (LSD) and what gears she is running. Depending on how streetable you want it then I would be looking at something like a 3.5 to 3.9 diff ratio gear set (and LSD if she doesn't already have one). If less streetable then 4.11 - 4.30

Aren't Suregrips really expensive? What is the difference between a suregrip/limited slip diff and a posi?

360 Charger said
2. Wheels and slicks
As you identified these will assist enormously on the short track. Mickey Thompson street et's seem to be getting a very good reputation for quick times and good hook-up - just need a bit of heat to get the best out of them.

Yeah, I was looking through a summit racing magazine and was planning on getting a set of MT's

360 Charger said
3. Decent tune
Assuming she has a 4 barrel carby of some description on her then you'll get a good time by making sure the jetting, airflow ratio and tune are giving you everything the 318 has to offer.[/qoute]

Yeah I wasn't thinking about that, on my camaro we have a edelbrock tuning kit with different springs and jets. Does Holley have a kit like that? or just buy random jets?

360 Charger said

Keep the nitrous for later - just have some fun with this - on 1/8th track the 318 in a Duster will feel pretty dam quick especially if she hooks up off the line well.

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I wouldn't want nitrous, kind of want to stay all motor, im not a big fan of nitrous.

360 Charger said

Just my 2 cents worth
Cheers

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