Can't get better than 2.06 60' with slicks. Help!

1980 Z28
automatic, 2500 stall, 3.42 gears, all suspension meets oem specs. + slapper bars.
26x10.5 ET Streets
400+hp at the crank
runs 13.0's @108 on street tires
runs 13.0's @105 - 107 on slicks, depending on tire pressure pressure.

I've run the slicks at 16, 15, 14, 13 and 10 psi. at all pressures I get 2.0x 60 times, and 10 psi is a little scary with the car wandering all over the road. I've tried a variety of launching techniques and the best seems to be to bring it up to 1800rpm, then hit 3/4 throttle as soon as the light comes on, quickly 'rolling' the pedal to the floor. I've tried going full throttle, but the tires spin. Anything above 2000rpm and the tires break loose, and I get pushed through the lights.

What do I need to do start pulling some decent short times? As things are now, I can get better short times on street tires :irk:

what kind of tire are u running? i know that i have to heat the hell out of slicks or ET streets to get them to hook. i mean do a HUGE burnout. and spin to the line so they dont cool down.hope this helps a little

Drop the front sway bar, put on some loose front shocks, and see what happens.

Originally posted by tnthub
Drop the front sway bar, put on some loose front shocks, and see what happens.

I was thinking the same thing.........need more weight transfer.

What kinda gap is between the slapper bar snubber an d the chassie, 1/2-2" is a good place to start. Yes front shocks are the most important and often overlooked item in a chassie setup. If yur hard up for money go to the local parts store and check out a whole bunch of shocks to see which ones rebound the quickest (some even say thier rating ) look for a 90/10 front shock. Gotta get the weight back on the rear tires if ya want to hook:cool:

I figured a little work on the front end is whats needed. Looks like I'll be getting some 90/10's for next season :) Thanks for the suggestions.

Another idea.

Air bag at 25 psi in right rear spring.

buy some drag springs, no front sway bar, and adj. shocks. Heat the tires untill there is lots of smoke. get to the line quick so they stay hot.

Competition Engineering makes some inexpensive front shocks for your car. I would drop the slapper bars and get some Cal Tracks.

Daren

IIRC, stock 1980 F-bodies had less than stellar suspensions for drag racing. Does the car wheel hop or do the tires just break loose cleanly without any hop?
If it hops, I'd suggest some suspension work.