Quarter Mile Time

[skullandbones]

I would appreciate some opinions on whether the platform I am building for my MKIII will meet my goal of running a sub 11 sec time at the drag strip.

Here is the setup so far: 302 (balance and bp) ATK rated at 300 hp at 4800 rpms (using E7 heads). GT40P heads (port matched) to Holley Systemax EFI and BBK 4 into 4 headers. 75 mm throttle body and matched MAF. 24 lb injectors. 1.7 alum rocker arms. RAM clutch/pressure plate alum fly wheel. T5 trans and Cobra 3.55 diff. Short throw shifter. Stock fuel pump, fuel rails, and HEI distributor. Wheels and tires TBD. Right now P235/75-15 rollers. PCM is from a 92 Mustang GT.

This is sort of a budget build. I was trying to keep the build cost under $25000 but have exceeded that a little (I bet that's a first, NOT!). What do you think? Has anyone built something similar and what was your result?

Thanks,

WEK

[Mike N]

Your current plan should get you mid 12's, may be low 12's with drag radials. You need somewhere well over 400 rear wheel HP (460 engine HP) to get close to 10 second potential in a well set up roadster. My car puts 362 HP to the wheels and will run 11.70's all day long on a good track on street tires. I figure I need at least another 50HP and drag radials to hit the 10 second mark. Your engine build is perfect for adding a supercharger at a later date and that will certainly have the potential for getting you closer to your goals. For 10's in a streetable package plan on needing 500 flywheel HP and you will be pretty close.

[skullandbones]

Well. That's pretty sobering. I was only 1.5 sec off but missed the mark by about 4 to 5 thousand dollars.

Still it's good to have a reality check now and then!!.

Thank you, Mike.

[Mike N]

If you have the time it shouldn't cost you that much. There are always great deals that pop up on used superchargers where people are upgrading or going a different direction. If you are lucky you can get a package that includes larger injectors and MAF along with the blower for 50c on the dollar or less vs buying new. I've waited well over a year for the right deal to come along for certain things, just be patient.

[Wayne Presley]

12.4 w/drag radials and 12.8 w/o

[Someday I Suppose]

Wayne... haven't you been on Pass Time a few times???

[Wayne Presley]

Wayne... haven't you been on Pass Time a few times???

Only once, but ended up making $2000 per episode :D

[Jeff Kleiner]

I am running a 302 with Trick Flow heads, Street Heat intake, Stage 1 cam, 24# injectors, etc. along with a T5 and 3.55 rear. Trick Flow says the combo is good for 350 HP (I don't know but think that may be a little optimistic. One of these days I'll make it to Enterprise, Alabama... :D ). Have only made a few runs; all were traction limited on street tires (Sumis at that :p) with a best of 12.2 @118. That MPH is high for the ET which is indicative of not getting a hard launch.

Wayne, too bad they don't send $2K your way every time it airs---I bet I've seen that episode 4 or 5 times!

Jeff

[Wayne Presley]

I am running a 302 with Trick Flow heads, Street Heat intake, Stage 1 cam, 24# injectors, etc. along with a T5 and 3.55 rear. Trick Flow says the combo is good for 350 HP (I don't know but think that may be a little optimistic. One of these days I'll make it to Enterprise, Alabama... :D ). Have only made a few runs; all were traction limited on street tires (Sumis at that :p) with a best of 12.2 @118. That MPH is high for the ET which is indicative of not getting a hard launch.

Wayne, too bad they don't send $2K your way every time it airs---I bet I've seen that episode 4 or 5 times!

Jeff

I drove Gary Cheney's car at R&G with a full cage, BFG drag radials, TF heads, intake and cam and ran a 12.07 at 107 mph with a 1.71 60ft time.

[Mike N]

Jeff.

118 mph shows that you have the power to run well into the 11's you just need better rubber than the Sumitomos. On fresh Bridgestone street rubber and a well prepped track I was getting 1.7XX 60 ft times in my 4 link rear car, with fresh drag radials you should be able to get 1.6's.

[JoeT]

your sig also state that you live at elevation (a quick search show superstition mt being about 5000 ft). I'm assuming that your track is at elevation too. That'll slow you down a bit too

[Qwik 1]

My FFR ran 10.44@ 127mph with just about 400rwhp...certainly no more than that. It can be done if its set up correctly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-whV_8NhNXk

of course I was turing the rpms's just a little.:p

Brian

[skullandbones]

Enjoyed the "10.44" video! If that doesn't get your blood moving, you're dead. Are there some tuning ideas you will share that can translate to the lower hp level of my roadster (app 375 bhp)? I have Biltstein 450 lb in the front and 250 lb in the rear. The diff is 95 Cobra 3.55 and the 4 link upper control arms are set at the lowest position. It's pretty basic. Thoughts?

The track in my area is about 1500 ft elevation, I think. The Superstitions are wilderness so nobody live up there but coyotes, snakes, and scorpions.

[Richard Oben]

Traction is the limit. With 470 RWHP a car can run 9.9s but on slicks with wheelie bars. Of course they will kick you off if you run under 12.0 without a LOT more cage than the standard hoop. HTH, Richard.

[skullandbones]

I am interested in taking the roadster to the track when she's ready so I'm installing a drive shaft loop. I think that is required plus safety factor for these cars no matter what (my opinion). So there are limits based on performance? I thought the class determined the regs for safety devices. What you say makes sense. But I have seen some pretty hairy FFR roadsters on the strip without full cages. Thanks, WEK.