I have a 93 LT1 Ram Air Formula Firebird. I have done bolt on modifications mostly (shorty headers, 3.73 gears, underdrive pulleys, SLP exhaust, K&N air filter, Hyper-Tech chip, Hi stall converter w/Transgo shift kit, & Nitto Drag Radials) I have been running low 13.3's @ 101 mph w/1.98 60 ft times. My biggest problem is I can't launch very hard due to wheel spin. I have to take off kinda soft. I have been trying to decide what modifications would be the most productive in helping me getting more traction. My father-in-law suggests that L-control arm brackets would help, but that pan hard bars, subframe connectors, and shock tower braces only add weight and do little in terms of drag racing applications. Can anyone let me know what their experiences have been? What can I do to help me launch better besides losing the sway bar? Thanks in advance for all of your help. I am sick of getting dusted by LS1 cars, and would like to get into the 12's. Thanks in advance.

 

Lose the sway bar, get some 90/10 shocks for the front, lose the front bumper support, put the battery in the rear, and some drag springs and an airbag.

Drag radials will not be as consistent at ET Streets.

 

Thanks for the advice. I am sure that you are right about all of the information you mention. The problem is the closest track to my home is Lebanon Valley in NY. I have about an hour drive to race there, and my wife drives the car around town from time to time. It is registered, but isn't really a daily driver, but I do like to drive it when I can. I just would like to keep it as streetable as possible, especially with the wife driving it around. I know race cars are lousy street cars, and street cars make lousy race cars, but I would like to get hooked up better anyway I can. I plan to add 1:6 ratio roller rockers, an electric water pump, and maybe longtube headers this winter. I know traction is an issue which needs to be addressed. I worry that drag shocks and springs, and no sway bar will add up to trouble on the street. Thanks

 

If you don't mind spending money, there are adjustable shocks that you can set loose at the track and firmer on the street. It doesn't take much to disconnect one side of the sway bar in the front when you get to the track and just wire it up for the day. Just try those things first.

My car gradually evolved from a stock street car into a car my wife doesn't even like to ride in any more so you can reach a point of no return. If you just go to the drags once in awhile this may be a reasonable compromise. The drag springs are a bit softer than stock so the ride is less harsh than the stock springs. It will not corner as well, but it isn't dangerous or anything as long as your shocks are set normally, the tires and wheels are regular width, and the sway bar is hooked upon the street.

My car is not good because I have skinnies, 90/10 shocks, drag springs, no front bumper support... as a matter of fact it rolls like a 1970's eldorado on an off ramp.