I was having a reasonably ggod time learning how to launch my 1971 455 Firebird when I lined up against this sweet baby blue 340 Cuda. I thought it was going to be an easy race because even though I was only getting 2.3 60' times I would run him down mid track. As we launch I was surprized to be having an easier time than him getting rolling. At 3/4 track I still had him but when I look in the mirror ... here he comes. I make it through the lights and win, then he flies by me. I managed a pathetic 13.5 at 109 and he ran a 13.6 @ 114.

As I'm punishing myself for almost getting whooped by a small block he comes up to me to chat. Come to find out, he's got a 440 in the car! Fun day overall.

 

Damn, you boys need some traction. Hah nice kill.

 

Note to those who never owned cars like that (I owned both at various times). Remember one thing: leaf springs. Hooking up a the torque of a big block on leaf springs takes some doing. Sticky tires alone don't get it done. Think hooking up a stock suspension 4th gen with DRs is a dicey proposition? Try it with an old leaf spring rear- springs trying to twist up into the letter "S", pinion angle going up and down as the axle twists. Ugly.

Good run! Now, as for him putting down 5 more MPH with fewer cubes...... that's gotta change, man!!

 

Good runs

 

good run.

i can't think of any small-block mopars that trap 114mph stock, though. even if it did turn out that he had a 440, you shouldn't be hard on yourself for loosing to a mod'd car.

 

That did change ... I sold the car, but sure miss the incredible torque. I never did manage a sub 13 second time with it, but it sure could smoke the tires!

 

he had a 440 guys...not a small block

 

I just love those 455 TA's