Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters

Wheelie bars

(1/6) > >>

retroboy:
Howdy
I don't see the need for a long wheelie bar/bars on a FED with a basic 5 sec 1/8 mile combo leaving from idle or say up to 2200 rpm. I recognize the extra length will add a bit of stability but does anybody run a single wheel at the rear of the chassis like some of the early fuel cars?  Photo's of the early set usp please if you have them.
Cheers
Tony

dreracecar:
Your problem is the powerglide and the amount of torque it develops. A single wheel at the back of the car could pivot the rear tires off the surface. To leave off idle you must have enough power to launch the car without climbing the ring gear and enough weight up front for balence. My wheel was 48" back and spring loaded so that it would not bottom till the front raised 12" and carried 140# on the nose. Leaving off high idle the front would still rise 5" and carry for 20' and never touched the wheel, as it was there for back-up, just in case.

ricardo1967:

--- Quote from: dreracecar on January 26, 2016, 08:17:34 AM ---Your problem is the powerglide and the amount of torque it develops. A single wheel at the back of the car could pivot the rear tires off the surface. To leave off idle you must have enough power to launch the car without climbing the ring gear and enough weight up front for balence. My wheel was 48" back and spring loaded so that it would not bottom till the front raised 12" and carried 140# on the nose. Leaving off high idle the front would still rise 5" and carry for 20' and never touched the wheel, as it was there for back-up, just in case.

--- End quote ---

Bruce this is good info for me too. Based on newer FEDs I see around, I was assuming that 'modern' wheelie bars were all mono-wheel and two-wheel designs like mine were history. Wrong?

gregm784:
Two pictures of my bar.  when we remember to chalk it, it leaves a 4" mark, then nothing for about a foot, then a 30" mark.  My front axle of my car weighs 360#, we run 1.10 60's, leaving at 5000rpm.  1.80 first in a glide.

retroboy:
Thanks for the reply's. I don't remember mentioning a Powerglide. I run a 3 speed so first is 2.45:1. The long mono bar pictured is exactly what I feel a basic 5 sec eighth mile car doesn't need. 30 years ago I ran home made wheelie bars that were two short leaf springs maybe 14/15" long with skate board wheels using a gas lift strut to the chassis up right. This was with a small block and clutch auto so it left hard ( pre dates 60ft timers) and they were just in case.
Cheers

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page