Just a quick question, how the hell do people pull those 9 second times with just two speeds in a powerglide? I'm not sure but if I remember coprrectly, the final gear in a PG isn't even close to a 1:1 conncection like a TH 350 or 400. I think it's still in the 2.??:1 region. TOp speed for my car is about 140-150 with the 2.73s in 3rd gear, but I'm slow as hell off the line, so how do these cars pull off there times with the high MPH finish since I don't know how they could run anything higher than 2.53s and not blow their motor??

 

Actually, 2nd gear in a 'glide is 1 to 1, first is a 1.76, or 1.82. You have to realize they have quite a bit more power than you, and run a transbrake, leaving the line around 5000 rpm. Kinda like dumping a clutch in a manual... then, they are running 29 to 32" slicks, compared to your 24 to 26" tire, which gives them more gear ratio. Lastely, they spin the motor to 7000-8500 rpm... add it all up, in a 2600 lbs. car, and there you go!

 

He said it well. Also, in a drag car, you won't need any more gears anyways, especially if you make insane power, the race will be over by the time gears run out. Powerglides are also bulletproof. In a full on drag car, 2 speed autos don't suck at all!

 

Texlurch, sums it up for our car except we weigh in at 3010 lbs . If we would put the same drive train into a lighter car we probably be in the mid 10s instead of 10.90s to 11.20s.

Our rear end gear is 4.56, 1.82 first gear powerglide, tire diameter 30", leave the line at 4400 rpms, shift at 6400 rpm, and go through the finish line at 6900-7000 rpms.