Check Out That Chassis

I have a 215" hard-tail rear engine dragster. It is making a little over 1,000 HP. I have 4:29 gears with the 1:76 first gear in the glide. I now have M/T 33.0/17.0-15 L8 tires & it is a little violent trying to leave the starting line (can't leave at all). Everyone tells me I must go to the 16" tires & wheels & change the rear gears to 3:89. What would be the best tire for my dragster & can I get by with out using the bead locks (regular 16" wheels)? Do you think I can get by with the 4:29 gears or need to go ahead & change to the 3:89 gears? Thanks.

Billy Humphrey, Valley, AL

Billy,

The first and best change you can make would be the rear end gear, for 2 reasons. First a 3:89 gear will com the car down leaving so you may be able to keep using the tire you have. 2nd is you will brake your 1:76 gear set and have to go to a straight cut gear set, you will have to use a 1:80 or a 1:68, if you go to the 1:80 then you may want to go to the big wheel and tire set up. But I would try the rear gear first.

Scott Weney
President, S & W Race Cars
610-948-7303X111