RT help

[Ron Gusack]

I footbrake in a 6.50 index class that uses a .400 tree. To get decent lights, I have to deep stage. This works really well as long as the starter doesn't send the tree the instant I put out the top bulb. I made 4 passes on Saturday and my worst light was .021 because he gave me time. On the 5th pass he sent the tree as soon as I put out the top bulb. I was .240. Will a transbrake allow me to stage light? Will a 2 step? I'm running a 400 trans but seriously thinking about going to a glide.

[Mike Gray]

Ron, there are 2 reaction times involved in leaving the line. The drivers reaction to the light on the tree and the cars reaction to the input from the throttle, trans brake etc. If your car is slow changing the transmission may not help much. A two step or trans brake may help slightly with the increased rpm over the foot brake method but until you get the car set up to cut a good light the best driver in the world may always be late on a pro tree. There are plenty of places to look to improve the cars reaction time. I would start with optimizing what you have and then make the changes needed for improvement. My vote would be to go to a tran brake and then start the sorting out process all over again, you may soon need a delay box.
Good luck

[Ron Gusack]

I should have posted this in the tech section. Thanks Mike. It's been a long time since I tried to stage light with a .400 tree, but I think my lights were .075-.095.

[Lenny5160]

Very few 6.50 door cars will be able to go .000 on a .400 Pro tree.

I think you would be a little quicker with a transbrake/2-Step setup with a Pro Tree transbrake, but you'd still be in the .040-.050s at best.

Most of the Super Gas guys run some combination of aggressive chassis setups, small front tires, and front travel limiters to cut a light. And that is likely launching with a lot less weight and more power than you have.

[Ron Gusack]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

Very few 6.50 door cars will be able to go .000 on a .400 Pro tree.

I think you would be a little quicker with a transbrake/2-Step setup with a Pro Tree transbrake, but you'd still be in the .040-.050s at best.

Most of the Super Gas guys run some combination of aggressive chassis setups, small front tires, and front travel limiters to cut a light. And that is likely launching with a lot less weight and more power than you have.

Thanks Lenny, that's what I was afraid of. A .400 tree is kinda ridiculous for a 6.50 car, but that's what the two tracks in this area run. I guess I just have to beat my opponent to the tree and get staged first. I hate to double bulb people and look like a jerk. I've tried just rolling in and not bumping, but I'm not in the same place every time so the RT and the ET vary.

[Bill Baer]

Mike Gray's advice is spot on.
You might also look into a device Called a "Bump Box" which will allow you to roll in deeper while keeping the top bulb lit. (If the blue light is on)
Note this device is only NHRA legal for Pro-Mod so check with your local track before you consider buying one.