Does anyone still use a three step for a dragster burn out. It use to be very popular and then it faded away in my neck of the woods. I’m thinking about using mine. Any thoughts or warnings?

yes

I did with what I think to be good results. Just consider the burnout is always at the same RPM, plus, you can simply deck the throttle. I used a switch for the burnout and trained myself to operate the switch as part of the routine.

Upon reflecting, "why do I no longer do a three-step for burnout?"

I will think about that and get back to you.

i use mine 7000 rpm

I recently started using the three step....about 20 years ago being recent I guess. LOL.

I have broken a rocker arm twice in my drag racing experience, both in a burnout while on a three step.

Ryan, can you offer any insight as to why the three-step broke rockers? Such happenings are a puzzle to me because I do not understand how limiting RPM to a set point causes damage.

My deal is not like a normal bracket set up, I use mine as a backup to keeping the RPM where I want it. Banging off the limiter is not the best thing for an engine, keep it to a minimum.

NO.

I stopped using one 2-3 years ago. I think it was after reading a David Reher article about engine harmonics.

I don't think he said that RPM limiters are bad as a rule, but if you happen to be holding the engine at a steady RPM where harmonics are it can have disastrous results. Using your foot will keep the RPMs fluctuating and avoids that.

Found it!

Are Burnout Abusing Your Engine?

Yup we use them on our cars.

Yes and if I don't conditions can be drastically different and rpm can get away from me....or you try to control it with your foot...and you end up doing a poor burnout...

Cool conditions....lots of water
Hot conditions.....not so much water

I do very short burnouts in hot weather....
Don't even go over the starting line at Atco on a regular basis....



6800....

Have a buddy, gxp on here, who will set his 3-step at say 7000 rpm but then use his foot to keep it around 6600-6800 only hitting the limiter when rpm goes too high, like a fail safe for your foot.. I plan on trying to do that routine this year with switching to a spread port motor and having the offset valvetrain.. On the conventional headed, smaller cam motor I had previous years I'd set the 3-step at around 200-300 rpm more than converter stall and let it eat.

We have a burnout button...simply dont use it. Very abusive to valve train IMO.

VERY easy to control rpm in burnout in a bracket dragster...i get it with a blower,turbo, or procharger... nut NA from 500 inch to 900 inch we had not issue controlling burnout rpm in door car or dragster.

Was it Reher Morrison who did a video with clear valve covers on a high side chip? Looked like it was coming apart?

Yes.

yes

I've never used my three step as of yet. My intention is to use a 7000 chip. When i check my recall i feel like i get it a little excessive high for just a burnout. I leave @ 4400, shift completion on time @ 7050, cross @ 7000-7100. This where I came up with my chip size, i have no intention of going to floor and just banging off of chip.

I have a screw blown hemi and it's easy to just use the throttle for the burnout

For those who don't use the three step...do you use the two step on the brake?