It's not rocket science -- the optimum setup for traction is where the weight is placed over the drive wheels.

Conversely, the worst setup is where the weight is furthest away from the drive wheels. That's us.

 

Yes and no. When you launch there is a thing called weight transfer,and that moves weight toward the back wheels no matter what wheels are pulling

 

Then tell us Tim how the optimal setup seem to perform poor at the track and the street? Can you name any FWD "sports" car that hooks well?

 

It's a simple engineering truth, fellas. I will not waste time debating it. Open any automotive engineering textbook and flip to the section on drivetrain layout. Hint: Dr. Porsche.

 

Who cares about text books, we are talking about actual real world results. Racing theory is about as good as racing dyno graphs. I specifically questioned your FWD / Front engine claim, so Dr. Porsche isn't going to teach me much. Please provide ANY good examples of what you have claimed. If it isn't rocket science, the proof should be just a google away.

-Mark

 

Then why are all the tube chassis drag cars front engine rear wheel drive?

I don't think a self proclaimed "1%" should comment on what the other "99%" of us do.....

Keep in mind I don't have one thing against the 1%'ers; just what was said about FWD/RWD.

 

I think all he means is rear drive, rear engine is optimal.

 

On what planet?

They are mid-engined, like the majority of purpose-built race cars (where the rules allow for that configuration).

First, 1% of Lightning owners may road race, but 99% do not drag race. Not even close.

Second, because drag racing street cars does not personally interest me does not mean that I do not understand it or am otherwise not qualified to comment on acceleration. You think that road racers don't accelerate? An 800-900 HP F1 will smoke all but the highest levels of drag racing machines. You think that street drivers don't accelerate?

Most importantly, there is no reason to pick a fight with me. We don't disagree. Your response of "Yes and no. When you launch there is a thing called weight transfer" is right on the money. High-powered FWD cars can lose traction because of weight transfer. We lose traction because not enough of our front-heavy weight can be transferred.

BTW, I am a card-carrying member of the NHRA.

 

You threw out a huge generalization without qualifying it and then continued to question our answers with your snide (it isn't rocket science). Now you are doing the typical backpedaling. Congrats on at least being consistent in your posting style.



And remember, the whole thread is about 60 ft in DRAG RACING, so why would we talk about the best road racing configurations?

 

That sounds more like driver than truck. Only way I get jumped out the hole is if I blow the launch or I'm running someone who is on stickie tires.

 

Happy for ya

 

Having the engine over the wheels is good when you can have rear engine and rwd. But having the engine over the front wheels when it's FWD is no help at all.

 

sounds great, are you stock? I am. it all depends on what you're running against too. I've been racin for years, have owned 37 different vehicles, and I have LOTS to compare to, these trucks (or at least mine) in stock form are not Hole-Launchers at all, but they make up for it at the 1/8 mile mark. I did outlaunch a v6 05 Mustang one time really bad though, but that was one in 10, and it was reaction time truthfully. ..still not bad for a truck though.

 

The reason these cars have front engine and rear wheel drive is because oif the "CLass Rules" ..Funny-Cars are a "street-production" class that means you have to be somewhat like a street/production car to be in that class. Top Fuelers are Mid-engine and are the fastest of everyone, PERIOD. NOt sure on the specifics but look at the world's leading cars for ALL the tracks except Nascar which is also limited by production, rear wheel, and front engine ONLY..it's a limitation, and that's what makes racing fun, overcoming limitations. The fastest cars are all rear or MID-engine cars, Porsches and Lambo's. McLarens, and Ferraris all dominate the road coarses, Indy cars are either mid or rear engine as well. Front engine, rear whell drive cars are fun yes, better than rear or mid-engine,? NO. You want the weight on the drive axle or as close to it as possible, PERIOD. If I wanted to be the fastest guy in the world I would have a mid engine top-fuel dragster. The fun part about the Ford Lightnings is the challenge, and overcoming the obstacle of having too much front versus rear weight, yet still doing 10's in the quarter!!!