Competition preparing to dragrace

[smittybuilt]

i have just completed my bombing with adding a pdr hx-40 and my question now is how do i take off from the line in dragracing. i have a 3500 with 3:55 gears and a six speed. the rest of my mods are listed below.

 

[Diesel Freak]

When I have raced I usually bring RPM's up to about 1600 at the line. I launch in seccond gear by feathering the clutch and fuel just enough to keep fron spinning or bogging. I went through the trap at 91 MPH in 5th gear (with the stock turbo).



I have heard of people doing 3rd gear launches, and holding the e-brake while dragging the clutch to spool up the turbo, but this sounds like it would be really hard on things. I have not raced with the '40 yet, but I think it would be cool.





edit: I have an '01 ETH DEE, 3. 55 gears, 295 tires, DD3's, Power Puck, CON Fe, and a PDR 40.

 

[DHRA]

jsmith,



What do you have on your schedule for April 26th? There is a race in Bowling Green. I used to race a 5 speed and can show you how I launched. From there it's just gear selection and how well the clutch responds (or not!?!).

Check out the Events forum for TS Performance All Diesel Challenge. There will be alot of beginners at that race and some seasoned pros. We are like a big family and we all like to share tips on racing.

 

[KennyM]

I only have a five spd but here is what I did. I would do a second gear start, rev no more than 1000 RPM if any at all. I seemed to get almost no spin getting out of the hole. I consider my self a beginner so I also expect some coaching from the pro's.

 

[cmonroe]

Oh my, put that thing in 4x4 put it on the rev limiter and when the third light starts to illuminate lift your left foot. I launch in second at about 4000 rpms and that gives me a 1. 78 second 60'.

 

[MCummings]

I have you what you got, except different year. .



'98. 5 2wd QC 3500 6-speed PDR HX-40/18 3. 55 gears and Bigger injectors. .



My best launch technique??



Rev 'er up to 2,200 and when the last yellow light lights up,, let the clutch out pronto fast. . (don't pop it, could break stuff) and go WOT at the same time. You will only use 2nd gear for about 10-15 feet (depending on wheel spin) then don't let up the GO pedal till the 1/4. Just step on the clutch and grab the next gear. (unless you want to go slower, and be easier on your truck. . Then don't shift lightning fast. )



If you are racing the 1/4 mile for the first time,, remember a few things,, a 1/4 mile seems alot longer when you are racing, and don't forget to lift off the go pedal and get into the brakes about 5 feet after the 1/4 mile.



I have a friend who stayed on the Go Pedal WAYYY past the 1/4mile,, LOL,, His first time at the track. ('90 Ford Explorer)



That's my Two pennies. .

 

[Rip Rook]

Originally posted by cmonroe

Oh my, put that thing in 4x4 put it on the rev limiter and when the third light starts to illuminate lift your left foot. I launch in second at about 4000 rpms and that gives me a 1. 78 second 60'.

I want to watch cmonroe launch !

 

[FFutch]

Use that 4wd. I'm only at a measly 400 rwhp and I ran 2wd but kept breaking loose. I finally tried 4wd and had my best reaction time and best e. t. I was conservative with my r. p. m. s at launch(2,000-2500). Also start in the highest gear you can without burning up the clutch. Smaller tires will help some too,I've got 285's on mine but I'm thinking about a set of 245 "strip tires"just for drag racing. Test and tune as much as you can,launch in 2 and 4wd,try different gears/r. p. m. s you will see what works and what doesn't by r. t. /e. t. /speed/60 ft. times. These drivetrains are pretty tough in our trucks and will take alot of abuse/experimenting. The biggest thing to watch for is the clutch. If it starts getting hot/spongy give it a break if you can. I'm by no means an expert but I know a little. Get good at the tree as r. t. s sometimes mean the difference between winning and going home. Also try to be consistent because that is what bracket racing is all about. I seen a guy in a Dodge caravan win his class running an 18 sec . e. t. cause he did it everytime. Also LETS SUPPORT THE FLEDGLING D. H. R. A. We need to have a good show of support to get this thing off the ground and prove to some people that Diesels aren't slow/doggy camper pullers ... Doug

 

[cmonroe]

rrook, we will be out for May Madness so if your coming down you can see it launch. I think its funny when people come up to the truck after a run and they ask me how I like my auto.

 

[JTroiano]

I've been practicng, 4x4, fuel cut and dumping the clutch in second. I've only done it on wet pavement and it goes like a rocket. The clutch slipped the last time when I shifted from 3-4. I need to get some smaller tires.

Jon T

 

[CumminFast]

He(( yeah!! I am w/ cmonroe. Rev that baby waaay up there and dump the clutch while in 4wd. I remember launching one time and seeing out of the corner of my eye, my buddy in the passenger side getting plastered to the back of my seat. 4wd launches are brutal!