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Old 05-16-2007, 12:51 PM   #1
mechmike0034
aka the keg killer
 
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Top Fuel by the numbers

This article is a couple of years old, but it is still an interesting read:

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...ers/index.html

Quote:
It takes 900 horses just to drive the supercharger on this engine. Welcome to the world's most brutally powerful motorsport.


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Old 05-16-2007, 04:13 PM   #2
johnnymk
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Everyone should see a top fuel dragster racing within their lifetime. It is an amazing experience. Viewing them running down the track on TV does not convey the power, the noise and the excitement.

I go to the Summernationals every year mostly to watch them and funny cars.

A little tidbit: Top fuel dragsters broke into the fours in 1988. And they are running in the low 4.4's now. I had figured years ago that they would increase their elapsed time by 1/20 of a second per year, which would mean they should be in the three's by now.

If I remember correctly, for safety reasons, NHRA put a limit on the rear axle ratio: 3.25:1?, they also limited the amount of nitromethane and I believe the supercharger speed. I may not be correct about the last item.

But I believe IHRA doesn't have as many limitations???

Oh well, I guess we will never see a 3.99 in drag racing.
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Old 05-16-2007, 06:18 PM   #3
Maarchk
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23 gallons is scary...
900 dollars to fuel up is more scary.
I can't believe those things weigh a bit over a ton.
7 minutes... total racing time in a season! thats ill. and thats if you make the finals every time out.. haha i like it but dang that gratification is too instant.
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Old 05-16-2007, 09:38 PM   #4
mechmike0034
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maarchk
haha i like it but dang that gratification is too instant.

Kinda like sex, don'tcha think? About as expensive, too...
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