Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters

Is it Monkey see Monkey do ?

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retroboy:
Howdy
Gee it's been quite here the last few weeks everyone must be busy racing. Way back when I ran a SBF powered FED with a 3 speed clutch auto.
In the early 1980's Powerglides were becoming the thing to use - "You'll be more consistent" they said "you'll go faster because of less parasitic losses" they said, so like others I jumped on to the band wagon and fitted a two speed PG up behind my Cleveland. It was no more consistent, it was no faster but it did turn my car into a boring ride overnight. Now 30 years on a lot of development has gone into the Powerglide and they can be build to handle big power. But why? Are people using 'glides because that's what your supposed to use? Monkey seen Monkey do.  I've seen discussion here about different ratio gear sets and the merit or other. Why not stick with a three speed and get the benefits of the lower first gear. I'm just waiting on our (Australian) summer so I can make my first passes in 26 years and I'm using a 3 speed. Remembering my comment about making the car a dull ride I would never consider a 2 speed. 
Cheers

novacain:
  My FED had a 3 speed auto in it when I bought it and it works great. Only problem is that it likes to get the front in the air. I've been told to go to a 'glide to change the gear ratio to shave off some low end torque and keep the front end down. Going to add some weight up front and keep the 3 speed.

Scott Krieger:
We run a turbo 400 with a trans brake. We can leave in first or second gear with the brake.
We bracket race in the no-electronics Pro class here at LVMS and leave in second gear to slow down the vehicle reaction time to go off the bottom bulb. Works great, two tenths slower with same MPH.

wideopen231:
IMO its because there are more parts,more R&D,less weight which all and all adds up to better mouse trap. While they can be very costly when built for high hp levels glides are cheap option especailly when you shop around for use parts Personally would never think about 3 spd trans as option over glide. To top it off the design is just so dang simple and they can be built to handle 2500 hp.

Van:
Yes It's monkey see Monkey do !!  Most all the glide guys will say whatever to make the Glide fall into the "PUT A CHEVY & A GLIDE" in everything mentality. Even if you don't run a Chevy, They will still say "put a glide in" I run a T400 in my FED.

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