Need Help Getting 4 Speed Down The Street/Track Faster

Discussion in 'U-shift em' started by haganlee, May 9, 2017.

  1. haganlee

    haganlee Well-Known Member

    So I took my car to the track(1/8th mile)for the first time for the car and myself. I got this car to cruise and maybe jump on it off a light every now and then. Quick info on the car:
    1970 Buick GS clone
    455 bored to 464
    4 Speed M21
    Stock pistons and heads
    TA 288-96h cam
    Edelbrock Performer intake
    Edelbrock 750 Performer carb
    Stock exhaust manifolds going into 3" pipes down to two Spintech mufflers turned down at axle
    Chevy 12 Bolt rear end with new Richmond 3.08 gears
    All new UMI tubular suspension and springs
    15x7 rally wheels with 235/60/15 front and 295/50/15 back Cooper Cobra GT tires

    So anyway, had a hard time figuring out the rpm to launch to reduce bogging when it would hook and spinning if I revved too high. Had terrible times in the 60' but seemed to feel strong the rest of the way. Don't want to change gears either as they are great for cruising. Also, little afraid if I do rev high and side step the clutch and it does hook it will break something. Being new to the track, what would you guys suggest with my setup to get it down the track faster? Best time I could get was a 9.6(1/8th), was hoping it would be running mid 8's. Would try a set of track tires if I knew I wouldn't grenade the Muncie. Maybe I need a lot of practice...
    Any help or suggestions is appreciated
    Attached a couple pics of the car...

    Lee
     

    Attached Files:

  2. standup 69

    standup 69 standup69

    your going to have a real hard time with the gearing of the m21 (2.220) and a 308 .you really need a bunch more rear gear (which you don't want) or put a trans with more first min 2.52 m20 gearing or a preferably 2.99 or so( check out autgear trans.. otherwise it will bog from too low a leave or spin once it does break loose with the high gear situation.

    you could try a set of hoosier qt pros short as 26 inches and it will sort of spin but recover unlike your radials do leave around 3000 and pray
     
  3. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    your gearing is your issue. the 21 and 3.08s will be doggy off the line. what year are your stock pistons? I think your whole combo needs tweaking. when I'm racing i plant my right foot and leave it there. that shaves time.
     
  4. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    They are right. With a rear gear like the 3:08,you need a wide ratio transmission,like an M20,with the steeper first gear,
     
  5. standup 69

    standup 69 standup69

    if you can swing it get yourself an autogear m23z 2.99 low and a set of BIAS PLY!! cheater slicks and it will be a whole new ride
     
  6. moleary

    moleary GOD Bless America

  7. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    I still like the tried and m&h cheater slicks. I think the size we used to run was the g60. But it's been many years. The last time I had anything with gear ratio that low was when my motor was totally stk with 3.08. Best we could get on normal street tires was 14.25s in the 1/4 after the m&h it ran 13.80s

    If going to run a second get of tires the shorter you go the more it will help your gear ration.

    Not sure who your leaving the clutch and gas, but might have try finding a set rpm, say 3000, then work on what it takes to ride the clutch to get the best launch, too fast cold bog, or shock and spin, the middle ground is tough. The sticky tires will help it not spin and help it recover once it spins
     
  8. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    What was the Mph 85 or so?
     
  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    I'm thinking his 455 doesn't have enough compression to support that cam. stock replacement pistons and stock heads with a set of fel pro head gaskets is probably netting him 8:1 or so.
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2017
  10. 1972 Stage 1

    1972 Stage 1 Well-Known Member

    Lee,

    If the trans in your car is still the trans you bought from me, it is a M20 wide ratio trans, not a M21.
     
  11. crash

    crash Well-Known Member

    If you want to keep the 3.08 rear gears, you should look into a Nash/Richmond street 5-speed...

    With the 3.27 1st gear and 3.08 rear its like you've got 4.56 rears...

    Hope this helps... Crash
     

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