I'm worried about Dom, seriously...

[magindat]

Motorhead350 has got his engine rebuilt and a supercharger. There are posts showing his not so great track runs and his apparent disappointment and later posts about getting slicks and so forth.

Dom, from the heart... It's too much, too quick.

I know you are young, but an old soul. However, that doesn't make up for experience. Rome wasn't built in a day and all that cliche crap. I feel you are 'rushing it' and putting yourself and possibly others in danger.

This by no means is any kind of slam. Anyone who has been to the track will tell you it takes practice to get times down. One you reach the maximum potential of what YOU ALREADY HAVE, then you have enough experience to get more.

I've watched a very scary near miss with two very good Marauder friends when they were racing. By pure luck, the experienced racer got the oily lane. The car went sideways about 1/2 track and roughly 70MPH. He saved it by pure experience and skill. The novice racer int he other lane would have died. We were ALL freaked out that night. It was THAT intense. Those who were there will remember.

Dom, I have always been a believer in 'baby steps'. Build your experience. Become an expert. There's no rush. We think no less of you. I understand the eagerness. Understand my (and I'm sure other's) concern.

On the technical side, your issues won't be at the line. Your issue will be controlling the car if the track is not pristine perfect (and it rarely is) and controlling the car after about the 1000' foot mark as you get much over 80-85 MPH on drags. It's soberingly scary to see what a 500+CHP car will do when it hits a slick spot on the track.

This is a friendly note from a little older (though not much) and little wiser old soul to another.

Be careful out there. As Zack has said... Know your limits.

All the best.
Rich

[DefyantExWife]

Yeah, please be careful Dom. Your life is just starting at 21. There is too much at stake. Just dont forget that. Accidents do happen. :lovies:

[oldekid]

Excellent advice Rich. Another beauty of this forum. There is a ton of knowledge out there, and it's great that guys like you take the time to share.

:beer:

[snowbird]

^^^^ What Rich/magindat said^^^^^truthful and great advice.

At 21 years old, you've got 50 something years to learn about the MM on the track !!

[RF Overlord]

Dom, I think Rich has a point. This sport can be very dangerous and you don't want to take shortcuts or leapfrog the proper steps.

When I mentioned in the other post about my car running 13.2 with stock Trilogy tune and street tires, it was not with me behind the wheel. I've never been in a car on the 1320 and I knew it would be foolish for me to attempt running a supercharged car with no experience, that's why I asked Zack to do it for me. I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the results he did, if I even made it to the other end at all... :rolleyes:

Take your time. In my Telecom job I've learned not to just throw parts at a problem...one reason is that even if I fixed it, I wouldn't know exactly what I had done or which one thing was actually the problem. There are lots of experienced people here who can help you with your launch skills. Work on that, then start adding pieces to your car.

[sailsmen]

From another post, "Please wear a helmet and have someone take pics.

Good Luck."

I have seen a lot of wrecks all in cars that run under 12.5. Most could have been avoided had the driver let off the throttle. Both feet up and keep the wheel straight has saved me and others.

I am amazed at the number of drivers who will keep the "pedal to the metal" knowing there has been some mechanical breakdown. As if they are in a war and breeching the enemies line is the mission.

I have seen MM's do this. They crap all over the track and the return lane and the pitts. Not only are they wasting everyones time but making it dangerous for those that follow.

The track I run at has adopted severe penalties for this dangerous behavior.

Just make sure you have someone take pictures.

[MarauderTJA]

I TOTALLY AGREE WHAT EVERYONE HAS SAID HERE:up: Take your time to hone your driving skills and to learn the car. Just because you have a fast car doesn't mean you will be able to drive it fast at the track without experience. No hurry my friend.:beer:

[Local Boy]

Magindat...That's awesome of you to start this thread...I can feel the ALOHA way out here...From all you guys...RIGHT ON!

Dom, I can tell you from experience, that these good people are right...

I was your age when I lost it with the Bronco...almost killed my best friend and my self...Will never forget that moment in time, when life changed me...

Learn from our mistakes and take your time...Your car will be there tommorow...

Remember: It's not the destination that brings true happiness...It's the journey, that will fill your heart with wonderful memories of the excitement of your experiences...

Good Luck...

ALOHA

[DEFYANT]

+1

Chill out you crazy kid! :D

[Motorhead350]

First off, I have more experience than it may seem like. I have been racing the car since I was 17 so I have about as much experience as one can legally get. Next, the reason I keep wanting more yesterday is because my goal this summer was to have a mid 12 second car. According to the adds for just about any supercharger that is sold for our car... a 12.9 is what one will run and if they don't it's blamed on poor driving skills. I do not have poor driving skills and I know how the car reacts. I know I gain experience everyday, when when something says it should be 12.9 and it's a 13.7 on a cool day MINUS the drivers headlight.... I think I speak for everyone when they can see themselves feel short changed and become angry. I think the car needs a tune or something, but this is total B.S. (the situation, not you guys) that this car is still slow.

Ya wanna know my hurry? Well when my dad bougt me this car (call me a brat if you wish) and he said as soon as it's outta warranty I can do whatever I want to it. 36,000 miles comes and I'm totally ready for mods.... guess what? Hello extended warranty! No fun for another 64,000 miles! Good luck getting there!!! So I had to wait four and a half years to go nuts on the car and now it's time to shine. I always look into things before I made a performance decision. I was all ready to order wheels off Jegs last night, but I lacked the numbers I needed for a proper fit, so I waited for feedback. See I always have to wait and when the time comes around to spend $5,000 hard earned dollars and it does even make a one second difference.... well we have been on that topic before.

I always ware a helmet to the track and I have driven an 11 second Marauder down the track probably around 30 times... I know what I am doing and I am sick of waiting for my turn for performance. Your only young once so rather than put this off I figure I should have fun now before I have to take care of a family, take care of bills or take care of court fees. Buy what you want when you can and right now I can, but can't seem to enjoy what I got.

[Pat]

Dom, I read every post in this thread and you are a blessed man to have friends like this. Some are folks who may only have a passing acquaintence and others who know you more but ALL took the time to express concern for you and your welfare.

Gee, I would give my left N-- to have people around me that care as much as these.

Anyway, back on topic, I think your right, the car seems slow, I raced you at MV V and really expected you to win or a least be neck and neck.

You may indeed have a "soft" problem. I'm saying this because the check engine light is not on, but if I'm not mistaken some parts were removed and the code disabled but the car's other sensors may be inhibiting the engine.

I would recommend you talk to someone in your area about all your mods and things about your car that have been altered or changed and see what comes to light. My 2 cents.

[RCSignals]

You should have known what Dom's reaction would be.
as they say about leading a horse to water....

Dom is a man on a mission, and there is no stopping him.

[BigMerc]

Relax, I rely on natural selection. That is the theory that nature has a way of culling the ones from the herd, that is does not want to reproduce.

The example of which wildebeast is attacked by lions, the one which nature has deemed unfit to continue. Natures Way!



So do not fret nature will take of this one way or another if was meant to be, it will be. If not.............."Natures way":D

[Mike]

Your only young once so rather than put this off I figure I should have fun now before I have to take care of a family, take care of bills or take care of court fees.

If you hurt yourself or God forbid, kill yourself, you'll never know what it's like to take care of a family. Drive and think smart :beer:

[ctrlraven]

We are all just looking out for you Dom, that's all. I am only a few years older than you and I know exactly what your going through cause I am still going through it, I want more power. I had another 1989 Mustang 5.0 ran mid 12's all day long but that was only after several years of piecing things together, install a part then take it to the track and test the performance increase

When I got my large settlement from my accident I wanted to buy a s/c so bad but I told myself no I am not ready for that kind of power with this car, still feel the same way about it today. Remember you have to learn how to crawl before you can walk and run. I haven't even hit 13's yet and I'm ready to dump thousands of $$$ to get me running with the big dogs but I am not at the right comfort level yet to do. Plus my new project 1989 5.0 has asked me nicely for a new 8.8 rear, heads, intake and exhaust so that will be my new passion for some time.

Did you ever take your car to Lidio's? I bet he can get some things squared away on it and get it to your liking.

[Motorhead350]

:corner:

think

Great, this might take a while.

[Hotrauder]

I have been worried about Motorhead for a long time and it had nothing to do with the track but he seems to be doing just fine. If he pays attention at the gas pump ...no worries. Dennis:lol:

[MarauderTJA]

First be proud that everyone here is concerned with your safety. Driving skills aside Dom, you do need drag radials and the car needs to be tuned properly. Your car should without question, be a 12 second car. I would get your car to Zack or someone else competent to check your tune and all the drivetrain. It should be in the 425-440 RWHP range in power. Even in hot weather we have here in Florida most of the S/C cars here can make mid-high 12's with traction. 13.7 for your car is WAY off. Be patient though, getting everything together takes time.

Ask anyone on this forum and they will all tell you that getting just .02 can be frustrating. There is a lot of variables in drag racing from track conditions, temperature, air density, traction, launch, 60 foot, 1000 foot and 1.4 mile times from race to race can vary greatly. Having drag raced for 35 years, I can tell you things are not easy,

And Yes, I know where you are coming from. My car prior to going "nuts" with my forged motor was very a respectable and consistant 12.3 & 12.4 car here in Florida. Had I been up north it would have been a high 11 second car. It took serious money to go a full second faster. But guess what, I too want more and really want 10's. SO don't feel bad if you want faster, most everyone here does as well.:beer:

[TooManyFords]

Dom, ignore all the mamby-pamby advice above... Last time I checked, if you're old enough to vote you are old enough to spend your money to get what you want. And order it Next Day Delivery too!

I made 479 to the rear wheels with my procharger but I did grenade the motor. (shrug) Didn't stop me from going right back out and buying what I was told would never work. HA! Works great!

If you need help on coming up with something insane, just ask me. I'll help!

John

[Smokie]

Be grateful people care about your well being. Yes, you are old enough to drive fast at a track. Yes, your car does seem slower than it ought to be.

Do you have a current dyno run of your car in it's current configuration? Our cars all weigh about the same so a horsepower and torque curve will be good indicator of what your car could do.

Your trap speed in my opinion is not where it should be for 12.9's. Trap speed is your horsepower estimator.

Your 60' has to come below 2.00 to get into the 12's (there may be some exceptions, lets not argue) this variable is about the only one you can truly control in drag racing (with auto tranny) work on it.

I looked at my S/C timeslips today, I have a total of 41; 4 of those are in the 12's. Most are between 13.0--13.4, I have some timeslips in the 14's from when I was relearning the start after the s/c was installed.

I think 2 factors are keeping you from 12's, your car's power output and your 60' times. Have your car checked and practice your starts. Good luck, Javier.

[KillJoy]

I was here --------------> .

KillJoy

[Mad4Macs]

"I think I speak for everyone when they can see themselves feel short changed and become angry."

Ummm, no you don't.
Anger never enters the equation when I'm in pursuit of a goal.

[MarauderKnights]

I feel much like Dom, been building and raceing since 15 years old. And at this point do not feel that an 11 sec 1/4 mile is out of experiance or maturity. Go for it!!

[HwyCruiser]

Dom, #1 get some drag radials on wider wheels and work on your 60 foot time. I agree with Smokie, It wasn't until I got mine below 2.0 until I broke into the 12s. My best et of 12.23 was with a 1.82 60 foot time and my goal is still to break into 1.7's 60 foot times. Do you have an aftermarket torque converter? Drag radials and a tc are the ticket to get your digs down with a centrifugal. BTW, I'm happy to see your working this out on the track instead of the street. Have at it and have fun.

[sailsmen]

UD/4:10/Tune/Denso/Tstat - 2.168 6.062 9.214 78.53 11.95 14.274 97.05 60* 40%

Stage II Trans, 3,000 Stall, Cobra Exhaust - 1.961 5.71 8.806 79.64 11.508 13.808 97.91 55* 65%

DR Vortec KDW2 Damp track - 1.881 5.362 8.227 84.99 10.744 12.862 106.71 95* / 99%

Nitto Drag Radials - 1.782 5.049 7.8 88.16 10.231 12.287 109.74 50*? 50%?

We know it is possible to get 1.8 60' times on KDW tires. Dom practise your launch. We know Marauders w/ 4:10 gears and an S/C can run 12.9 to 13.3 depending on weather.

[Motorhead350]

I took a member of our site for the ride last night and he told me there is nothing wrong with my car or launch. I do have a 3500 stall, but have not installed it yet. I ordered some 16x8 rims and am looking for a good set of tires drive to the track with and hook up like a slick.

[KillJoy]

I took a member of our site for the ride last night and he told me there is nothing wrong with my car or launch.


:D

:beer:

KillJoy

[sailsmen]

I ordered some 16x8 rims and am looking for a good set of tires drive to the track with and hook up like a slick.

When u find them let us know.

[knine]

I took a member of our site for the ride last night and he told me there is nothing wrong with my car or launch.
That's great news. One question, had he been drinking beforehand? :eek: Oh heck. Explore option number two then.