[GTOLou]

Went to 1/8 mile track - my second track visit w/ my 69 gto convert. Was pretty cool, a bunch of folks where I work had pitted me against a buddy who has a blown 2005 mustang gt. I took two out of three against him (neither of us know what we're doing).


My first visit 6 weeks ago - 474, ported iron heads, CCams HR 288 and RA 2.5 inch manifolds. 60's were 1.95 range, speeds 84-85 mph, about 8.5 seconds or so. (My first ever - so my technique was questionable, not that it's any better now). It is a four speed car. Only thing then not stock about suspension are tubular lower control arms in back. (tires are Nitto, DR's 275/60/15 - 12 bolt, 3.42 gears, Autogear M22 - w/ wide ratio gearing - tire pressure 31, much lower makes wheel hop worse).


Visit two days ago - same 474, 310cfm KRE's and 1 7/8 headers w/ 3" full exhaust. TERRIBLE traction problems. Only sub-two second 60 time was 1.96 at 89mph and 8.06 seconds. On another run, I hit 89.6 mph, but 60 times were above 2 seconds and time was a little slower. My last run (only time he beat me - I fishtailed through the 60 foot for 2.2 seconds, my wife wasn't happy watching that - she thinks I won anyway. Incredibly, even w/ his blower and high rpm motor, I was noticibly catching him at the line - once I had traction). Only suspension change was adding Summit drag shocks to the front, set medium (80/20). I can't tell any difference w/ them.


Advice/Plans:

1) I guess I can change the front to 90/10 and unhook my sway bar (I don't really want to, I drive it almost an hour to get to the track, something I am a little proud of) and then re-attach for the drive home.

2) Add Summit rear drag shocks (are their shocks any good?).

3) I am strongly considering the anti-hop edelbrock bars and boxed/adjustable upper control arms (my first burnout both nights went well, but all burnouts after that had moderate wheel hop).

4) I've got a 1" rear sway bar - I've read about anti-roll bars - and about the lakeside and SSM deals that go on the lower CAs. I hope that #3) will give me what I need.


Car is a driver FIRST - but I want a little more squat and traction off the line.