Hot Rods Gold Digger goes 6.80 (1000ft)

Last Sunday, I entered my front engine dragster in the AHRA Reunion race at MO-KAN Dragway. They were only running the faster cars to 1000 feet. This was the first chance I've had to make a full p*** since we put in the new engine. First run, it went 7.41 at 153.9 MPH. Second run, I stepped on it a little harder and laid down a 6.80 at 158.5. What a rush! I believe that stood as the quickest and fastest of anyone that day. I know I can go a lot faster than that, because I was babying it out of the hole and short shifting, just feeling it out.

I got knocked out in the first round of eliminations. It was a bracket-race type staged-start, so the other rail took off first. When my light came on, I felt like I had some catching up to do. I let off the transbrake at a fast idle but then nailed the throttle at about 20 feet out. The tires just lit up in smoke. It started to veer toward the wall so I had to let out of it. I found out that when you let off this thing in first gear, there's a lot of engine-braking. It wants to stop. I guess that's good for safety but the other guy got the win light.

I'm real happy with the engine. Everybody I've talked to has commented on how great it sounds and how good it looks. It's a hell of a thrill ride. I just need to sort out my tires and gearing.

 

Nice lookin' rig. Impressive numbers for a small block. What is your engine set-up?

 

It's a new Dart block 400ci. Custom roller cam matched to CNC heads. 1050 Dominator carb on Alky. 10 or so pounds of boost.

 

Congratulations on your outing.
Good numbers for sure, and they will get better.
Please look at the Photo in your post, I am concerned that your helmet is forward of the front hoop, by alot.
This is not good. Please check your local sanctioning racing org. for rules.
I hope to see updates with your progress, and also see you safe.
All the best with your FED

 

Thanks for your expert advice. The ch***is is NHRA certified to 7.50 in the quarter. That's not my normal seating position I am hunched-over to see thru the tire smoke.

 

You shouldn't be able to "hunch over" with your belts tight. You also shouldn't be past the front hoop. Don't leave your safety up to the tech guys. It may be legal, but not safe. Take a second look. Nice digger btw.

 

It's not legal in any way, your 7.50 cert has nothing to do with it. Read the rules = Your helmet with you strapped in must be at least 2 inches from the top bar and with your head tipped forward, lay a straight edge on the face of the front bar - you must have 3 inches minimum from your helmet to bar face. The track starting line guys at most tracks will shut you off at the line & send you back to the pits. Please fix it !! Badshifter is giving good advice. Are you running a floater ?

 

I enjoyed your runs. It was a great day. We had fun with the Henry J shootout.

John

 

Thanks WZ JUNK.

I removed the photo. By attaching a photo to a post about a 6.80 run, I should have realized most veiwers would ***ume the photo was ***ociated with the run. It's easy to infer a lot from a photo without having all the facts. The photo is of the first fire-up, with the throttle-stop out all the way, and a different rev limiter. Regardless of any excuses, the fact is: I was not strapped-in properly in that photo. The car is fine. Please let me ***ure you that I am aware of the presence of the rules. I appreciate the reasoning for the mandate, and I have the ability to read and comprehend the text.