stony Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Ok i did a search and got alot of hits but nothing in this area. which kinda surprised me. I have heard that the front suspension is almost as importtant as the rear in drag racing. Is there anyone out there that has a good strut/spring combo for drag racing? If i remember right you want the front suspension to extend quickly then come down slowly? if im wrong please correct me ;> After im done with my 8.8 install i will work on the front alittle this winter thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Most drag racing cars use a 90/10 drag shock in the front. But I have never heard of a 90/10 strut for a Z car. I remember someone here said their buddy built a pair of 90/10 struts, but can't remember who it was. The best you can do for now is use adjustable struts and set them to soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aaron Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 Didn't Terry (blueovalz) use some NLA drag struts on his car? Maybe it was someone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie-GNZ Posted October 8, 2003 Share Posted October 8, 2003 Stony, you have it correct. I am having good success with Illuminas set on #1 (softest) setting when at the track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stony Posted October 8, 2003 Author Share Posted October 8, 2003 what size springs? obviously 550 LB'ers arnt going to work and where can you get those inserts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie-GNZ Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 My springs are so old I do not remember the spring rate but I am sure it is in the 200# range. I bought my Illuminas from shox.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stony Posted April 18, 2007 Author Share Posted April 18, 2007 OK im gonna pour some gas on this one, It's been a while..... now that i have my struts sectioned to the length i need them. Anyone know anywhere out there that can make an insert to certain specs (custom). For example i need a certain valving for a certain vehicle weight and the shock needs to be a certain size with a specific stroke. I sectioned my struts with VW inserts and it's ride height is perfect. now i just need a set of inserts that are adjustable and specifically made for drag racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_hunt Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 IMO it depends on how hard or violent the launch is as to what front springs and shocks you want. My boy's z launches with the wheels up all the time. So, that being the case I want a little shorter spring with alittle higher spring rate for less stored energy in the front to minimize the wheelstands. That coupled with something other than the stock strut would be nice. Ideally you want the front wheels just barely coming off the ground if at all. Wheelies cost you time since it's energy wasted in picking up the front end versus moving forward. While impressive to watch and drive, it really isn't the way to go. WTF am I saying, they are fun as heck to drive and almost as good as sex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy canuck Z8 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 That's toooo funny,Dr. Hunt,I can't wait for the day that there is air under my front tires.At this point i'm taking it pretty easy out of the hole,but soon i'll be brave enough to hit the switch off the line and break some parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnjdragracing Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Stony, Jon Phillips gave me the part number of a Koni struts he is using on the small tire car and they are adjustable, I just pulled my folder and I can't find the part#. You can send Jon a message and get the numbers, if I find them I will forward them to you.Jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stony Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 Thanks, Unfortunatly i have a very short VW strut insert in the car now. Thats why i say I'm gonna need custom inserts. Stony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gr8White Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Ideally you want the front wheels just barely coming off the ground if at all. Wheelies cost you time since it's energy wasted in picking up the front end versus moving forward. I would agree that in the vast majority of cases little or no wheelstanding is the way to go, but not the case in all cars. My GT (Mustang) is an example of an exception to that rule. My car consistently runs better 60' times with medium to hard launches and wheelstanding- not excessive wheelstanding but 6-8" of air under both wheels for about 50 feet. Any less and the 60' is off, any more and it's off as well. Before getting the suspension right it was really pulling the wheels excessively (around 24-30") and the 60' times really suffered. It's bad on parts (not to mention your rear bumper) and not only do you waste the energy going up, the rebound of the suspension will also affect the 60' time. Tripping the 60' lights with your rear tires is also a downside to big wheelies! I guess what I'm saying is every car is different, but excessive wheelstanding is bad regardless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stony Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 Ok here are some pics of the suspension installed and how it looks ride hieght wise. can you tell which welds were done by a pro and which one were done by a hack!!!!! I think im gonna need bump steer spacers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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