Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters
How fast with short wheelbase?
wideopen231:
Have to agree with Bill. Just look as some old pics. Front end up cpl feet motor almost out of frame.Center of gravity must have been 3 feet off ground.
I know we all here love the old cars but face it some of the engineering left a lot to be desired. Heck the rollcages where below thier heads in lots of cases.
Lets not forget the tires of the day where junk by todays standard.
Short wheelbase will never be as stable as longer wheelbase cars.But they are awsome to watch and fun to DRIVE,you know thats the thing that drivers do,unlike the long wheelbase rear engine car where your more a passanger along for the ride. That being said I'm building longest wheelbase I can becuase being consistent and beating some RED butt is the goal for my car.
masracingtd1167:
Something a lot of guy's tend to overlook when they are building a car is how fast or slow the steering is . This can make a huge difference in the way a car handles and drives . As an example my son's RED 240in wb has short steering arms very quick steering . It is very touchey at speed . You can't move the wheel much at all . Now my fed has slow sreering very lazy . Ilike it that way .
wideopen231:
If memory serves me well. The steering ratio was one of the reason first attempts at RED didn't work well. I think Garlits decided that after first run or two in his history making RED.
Bill you running 5 or 6 inch arms on frontend? Got to order spindles next week . and then its body fab time.
Dolmetsch:
For me 147 wouldnt be short. Mine is 96 inch wheelbase. (fits in the back of my truck. )
It runs like it is on rails. Goes straight as an arrow. I have even made a pass without touching the steering wheel (Dont ask. It is embarrasing) I have had two other rail pilots run the car. Both have commented how straight it runs. I dont think squirrley comes simply from a short wheelbase. I believe the set up plays into it big time. I spent a lot of time setting mine up. I made the front axle using handi van spindles. Alignment is 3 degrees positive caster. 1/2 degree pos camber and 1/8 toe. My car has Ackerman designed into it as well. The faster I go the better it tracks and there is no correction required once you release the brake. I dont run up in the 150mph bracket (yet;>) but nothing so far would indicate that would be a problem. Funny cars are short comparatively speaking and that doesnt bother them.
Don
FatOldGuy:
one of the problems with handling with increased speeds is due to the front end being lifted due to airflow under the chassis .
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