Question on top speed - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I know this is a autoX/road course site but I though some of you might have some insight on this question so I decided to throw this out. I'm thinking about running my car at Maxton N.C. at the E.C.T.A. 1 mile event. I'm putting down around 540RWHP and right now I'm running a 4.10 gear which should max out somewhere around 165 or so. I should get to that which is cool by me since my tech speed should be 175mph. To go over that, I will need a real cage which I'm not willing to do right now.

Later, I would like to replace the gear so I can get some more mph but I'm a bit confused. I've heard that you really should do your best to run 4th gear {1:1} for top speed events because that is the most efficient but my my set-up would really be doggy with something like a 2.73 in the rear. I'm really thinking of running a good dose of nitrous in an effort to get to 200mph {one of my goals} and I think I should have the power to do it but just how much will running 5th gear hurt me? Sure would like to run a 3.42 or 3.73 so I wouldn't have to swap out axles all the time.

Also, I will be carrying a trailer with extra wheels, tools and possibly a bike so I really would like to keep a low gear.

Judd View Member Profile	Dec 25 2007, 08:29 AM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 231 Joined: 9-January 04 From: N.E Ga. Member No.: 112	I know this is a autoX/road course site but I though some of you might have some insight on this question so I decided to throw this out. I'm thinking about running my car at Maxton N.C. at the E.C.T.A. 1 mile event. I'm putting down around 540RWHP and right now I'm running a 4.10 gear which should max out somewhere around 165 or so. I should get to that which is cool by me since my tech speed should be 175mph. To go over that, I will need a real cage which I'm not willing to do right now. Later, I would like to replace the gear so I can get some more mph but I'm a bit confused. I've heard that you really should do your best to run 4th gear {1:1} for top speed events because that is the most efficient but my my set-up would really be doggy with something like a 2.73 in the rear. I'm really thinking of running a good dose of nitrous in an effort to get to 200mph {one of my goals} and I think I should have the power to do it but just how much will running 5th gear hurt me? Sure would like to run a 3.42 or 3.73 so I wouldn't have to swap out axles all the time. Also, I will be carrying a trailer with extra wheels, tools and possibly a bike so I really would like to keep a low gear.

Teutonic Speedra... Teutonic Speedracer View Member Profile	Dec 26 2007, 12:43 PM Post #2
LS1 Inside! / Toolbox / Mechanical Engineer Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,215 Joined: 5-February 04 From: NJ Member No.: 179	Not sure what what the rules are, but I would work on any aero advantages that you can (narrow tires, no mirrors, covered up fog light openings, etc.).

dailydriver View Member Profile	Dec 26 2007, 07:09 PM Post #3
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,528 Joined: 13-January 07 From: Solebury, Pa. Member No.: 1,589	QUOTE (Teutonic Speedracer @ Dec 26 2007, 07:43 AM) Not sure what what the rules are, but I would work on any aero advantages that you can (narrow tires, no mirrors, covered up fog light openings, etc.). AGREED!! I would even think about a splitter, maybe even one of those aero noses. You do NOT want that front end 'dancing' around or "getting light" at those (200 mph (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_eek2.gif) ) speeds!!!