[Mike S]

Hi guys, Is there a good way to soften (slow) 60' times. I am running 10.0 index and the car is 60'ing real good with the new radials. It is pulling 1.35 60's. Yesterday just pulled a 1.34 60' in 3rd round which made me run under with a 9.97.
I am running a restrictor plate with 1.65 holes and have 200lb of ballast. I am also pulling 4 deg of timing in high gear, Car runs 10.00/132 with a 1.35 60'.
I am running a th400 with an 8" converter. I launch with a trans brake at 3800. I need to keep the brake to hit the pro tree. I am running all stock a body suspension.
I have the slowest mph and best 60' in my class. So it is a little disadvantage getting chased. Getting tired of looking behind me.

[Bill Eveland]

Have you tried dropping launch rpm , maybe to 3600?

[johnta1]

I would think a higher 1st gear would work good?
Especially if the top end RPM is where you want it.

Is the 1st gear still a 2.48 gear?
A 2.10 may soften the launch enough.

Or launch in 2nd gear.

[Mike S]

I have but then my reaction time slows.
I have tried foot braking but can't cut a light. Foot braking at 2000 60' is 1.40.

[Mike S]

Yes 2.48 first gear with a 4.10 rear gear. I am flirting with changing the rear gear. Not many choices in pro gears for a 12 bolt unless I go back to street gears.
Right now my shift light (6400) comes on 50' before the stripe. I cross at 6800.

[johnta1]

Changing the rear gear to a higher gear may soften the whole run?

[Scott65]

Pull timing at launch, if thats an option. You may be able to get the reaction times you need with lower launch rpm if you can really finely tune the front suspension.

[grnmnstr]

JMO, but in Pro Tree racing, I would want 60' to be great, so the lights are good.
I would concentrate on other things. Pulling timing at top end, shifting sooner, etc.

I understand your point about being chased, but they should be next you most of the way. Easy to tap the brakes.

[aaronman]

When index racing I typically set-up .05 fast and then spot drop to my number. It's better to be fast than slow. If you run a GRID you can pull timing with a couple key strokes without hurting the rest of your set-up.

[Lee]

Holley carb? If so, go with smaller squirters.

[beemergary]

Run a 11:50 index foot brake nostalgia super stock class. Car 99 % runs too fast. Use my shifty light and extra mini shift light near finish line. Won more $$ and no. 1 qualifier this year than probably past 8yrs.

[Dragncar]

I run one of the MSD dials instead of a chip.
I usually launch at 3600 RPM but it sure slows down if you turn it to 2200 RPM.
Its easy, reach down and turn the dial, play with it and find out what works.

[Mike Davis]

I run a 3.90 gear and my car is set up for a 10.00 index. 60ft the way its set up is 1.37 and the MPH at the stripe is 134 which gives a decent top end charge. Going from a 4.10 to a 3.90 the ET didn't change much but the 60 went from 1.35 to a 1.37 and the MPH from 132 to 134.
My car is 3750lbs with stock suspension.

[Dave Polichena]

Originally Posted by beemergary

Car 99 % runs too fast. Use extra mini shift light near finish line.

This doesn't smell right, what exactly is the second light for?

[Formulas]

A second light could advise a driver of potential breakout, RPM is wheel speed which is MPH when that light comes on back off or tap brakes
My guess anyways

[ponjohn]

Glide?

[beemergary]

Originally Posted by Formulas

A second light could advise a driver of potential breakout, RPM is wheel speed which is MPH when that light comes on back off or tap brakes
My guess anyways

Good answer for me. This event happens allittle before finish line. I base it by the weather also and don't add weight or adjustable throttle plates.

[Dragncar]

Higher RPM at the stripe does not necessarily mean better E.T.more MPH.

[mysticmissle]

stripe driving is tough but if your consistently 03 to the good i would prefer that to cutting an 00x light and not being able to get to the stripe and having an mediocre light get past you, if you spin ever so slightly

[Mike S]

There is starting to be a lot more new vet's and camaro's running High mph close to 140. Seems most cars are 134-135. Everyone I run is faster.
Main problem I am having is when I am in the right lane. Having a tuff time picking them up if they are behind me, ever since I installed the window net.
I love the way the car launches. Have it set to cut .00 to .01 lights if I remember to concentrate.
I am going to add a door mirror and adjust it for the other lane be for I do anything to change the car.

Kicking myself for losing 3rd round. Had him beat on the tree his .090 light to my .015. Couldn't find him and hit the brakes to late (9.97). The 1.34 60' got me by surprise. Actually it was embarrassing I would have rather red lighted.