Timing (how low can ya go)

Hello all,

I'm running a 13:1 455 with iron heads and a 308s cam. I'm looking to reduce my 60' times by 3-4 hundredths. My car always has ran it's best 1/4 mile times with 31-32 degress of timing. I'm thinking of droping back to 29 for this weekend. What would be the down side to doing this? Could I burn an exhaust valve or anything else? I've been 60'ing at 1.55 but would be much happier to see some 1.58's.

I've done a few 1/8 mile races recently and that's what this weekend is. At 7.0's my car is by far the slowest so I need to dial in real tight. It's been pretty fun pulling up in the later rounds and there's like 15 guys with their dragsters look at you like your lost. Of course I'm putting on my best "just a little street car here, nothing to worry about" face. :grin: Been to the pay window at a coulpe of tracks. The Super Pro guys at the track this weekend have little experience with me, so hopefully I can sneak up on 'em.

thanks

 

Shayne, are you trying to slow the car down or speed it up? Retarding the timing will most likely slow down your 60 foot times and also slow the car down over all. Jim Burek

 

Jim

Looking to slow down the 60's. I don't care if the e.t. slows down. I would like to keep my m.p.h. up as high as possible but don't care what the e.t. is.

Basicly, my car is heavy (3850 w/me) and is limited on tire size. My main goal is to win. As the slower car in Super Pro (box) I would like to have my 60' times be the same for 2 time runs and 7 rounds. Last year my 60' time where in the 1.51 range but they would vary by several hundreds through the day. So I sent off my converter over last winter and had it tightened up (it was loose anyway). My 60's did slow up, my e.t. stayed the same and I picked up a about 2.5 m.p.h. The car is much better racecar this way.

With limited racing in the last 3 years, I've been to the semi's a handful of times and 7 finals with 4 wins. I found this is a lot funner than just going as fast as I can only to spin and lose in the early rounds.

I just don't want to back off my timing to much and hurt something.

 

Shayne ,I run 30* in both the Hawk and Scat.no problems.
gary

 

Shane
When my 505 was first running I only used 28 degrees.......I also have made some passes this year at 26 degrees while figuring out the crank trigger,Retard control,Etc.

I wouldn't worry about running it at 26 or so...

 

Gary & Gary,

Thanks guys that's what I was hoping for. I think I'll set it at 28. Now I just need the rain to go away. I'll post how the timing change worked out if I get out.