First time down the track

[falston1]

Anybody have any advice for a newbee to the strip? I just stopped by Z-max Dragway's test and tune today and was tempted to sign up to run a few times when I saw how simple it was to register. After watching for a few hours, I decided I'd try to make next Saturday's test and tune.

My car definitely is not set up for the strip now, but I'm curious about what it'd run. It's a '74 Duster with a 360/727 combo. .455" Purple Shaft, Airgap intake, 9.8:1 CR, 750 Speed Demon. Any advice on what to do to get ready for a few runs? Or techniques with starts? It's got a 2.71 open dif out back, too. (My main concern)

 

[70aarcuda]

anywhere between low 14s to 17s...depending how much the tires spin ....along with that acceleration killing 2.71 open rear....

depending on your tires..converter....you might need to walk it off the starting line...full throttle will probably spin the tires..and kill your et....

 

[67Dart273]

Probably the best advice I could give you is to find an experienced local racer, however casual, and have him show you around. Teach you how to stage. If the track will allow it, might be beneficial to make a SLOW run so you know what to expect in the way of traps, turn off, return road, etc.

If all you are interested in (to start) is "see what she run" don't get too hung up, for now, on the yellow/ green. For ET and speed readings, you can "sit" at the green for a few seconds and it won't matter. The clock starts when your front wheels leave the stage lights.

What size rear? 7 1/4? 8 1/4? Even and 8 1/4 "open" rear is easy to break (spider gears) if you get carried away on launch, or start to wheel hop.

 

[falston1]

It's an 8.25. I'm planning on swapping in an explorer 8.8 this summer. It has SS springs, too, so I'm not expecting any wheel hop. Thanks for the advice!