I find it interesting, and NOT in a good way, that not long ago the topic of discussions here were about camshafts, carburetors and mechanical components, now it's all about electronic equipment and the "gadget of the week".

Drag racing has evolved, (or from my perspective devolved) from ability to the number of electronic items you use. Skill and mechanical ability becomes less important with the purchase of every electronic item.

Are we headed toward the day that we ship the car to a race, have it operate automatically like a Tesla and just tell the track where to mail the check?

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by RPROGAS:
I find it interesting, and NOT in a good way, that not long ago the topic of discussions here were about camshafts, carburetors and mechanical components, now it's all about electronic equipment and the "gadget of the week".

Drag racing has evolved, (or from my perspective devolved) from ability to the number of electronic items you use. Skill and mechanical ability becomes less important with the purchase of every electronic item.

Are we headed toward the day that we ship the car to a race, have it operate automatically like a Tesla and just tell the track where to mail the check?

Bob

It's a sign of the times. A modern hot rod from the factory is loaded with electronic gizmos. You either master them or be a slave to them. Not a lot of new blood in the racing world that know what a carburetors is.

quote:

Originally posted by B KING:

quote:

Originally posted by CURTIS REED:
BK I mean no disrespect to you saying this but this is one reason I dislike No-Box and am glad we only have Footbrake around me. I'm sure it's possible to do the same with the electronics available in Footbrake, it doesn't seem to be as prevalent.

Oh, and the long throw adjustable delay boxes are another. LOL Sorry for the derail.

Non taken!

Technology is in all classes, including Footbrake & as you alluded to "possible". IMO, it can be done in & is probably being done.

Oh, I used a long throw adjustable Footbrake many...many moons ago. It would be interesting to see your rule set for Footbrake, pretty sure there are loopholes.

There are many ways to slow/quicken or adjust reaction times without "long throw adjustable delay boxes". It takes a little more work but still easily done.

Most all threads get derailed & I consider this a good one & appropriate for the thread.

2BKING

1. Computer: Prohibited unless stock OEM equipment. See general regulations 9:1.

From our local track^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ rules.

From NHRA rule book.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

9:1 COMPUTER
A computer is defined as any device (electrical, mechanical,
pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) that activates any function of,
or in any way affects the operation of, the vehicle based on
measurement, sensing, processing, etc. of any data related
to the performance of the vehicle. Except those installed on
stock vehicles by the new-vehicle manufacturer for the proper
operation of such vehicle, no vehicles may be equipped with
computers. Per Class Requirements, OEM or aftermarket
OEM-type electronic fuel injection permitted. Electronic fuel
injection must be closed, OEM-type system; i.e., may monitor
only engine functions. Monitoring of vehicle performance
criteria, wheel speed, driveshaft speed, vehicle acceleration,
etc. by fuel-injection system prohibited.


While the people who use them would probably argue differently I believe this would prohibit a Grid or the type of ECM that Mark has in our Footbrake class. JMO though. Also you can't use any of the hand throttle setting controls.

^^^^^^^^

Mark, that is why I said it's JMO. I know NHRA allows it but I think they contradict themselves.

Also this proves the first part of my next to last sentence.

.

I like the different views from members & find them pretty interesting! It's nice to have a civilized forum discussion about this subject.

This will be my next experiment to slow the car. I will shorten up the shift time also. Hopefully get it close to the index. Then use the driver gas pedal throttle stop.

2BKING

quote:

Not a lot of new blood in the racing world that know what a carburetor is

EFI/ TBI have been in millions of vehicles for many years, yet 95+% of engines in et brackets are still carbs. Some MFI and very few EFI/ TBI.

I predicted the demise of the carburetor in 1987. I'm still waiting.

Thing is a lot of dirt track racing requires them. I went mechanical FI because I thought is was even simpler then a carburetor.

quote:

Originally posted by markemark:

quote:

Not a lot of new blood in the racing world that know what a carburetor is

EFI/ TBI have been in millions of vehicles for many years, yet 95+% of engines in et brackets are still carbs. Some MFI and very few EFI/ TBI.

quote:

Originally posted by Stickshifter_55: I went mechanical FI because I thought is was even simpler then a carburetor.

Agreed. I’ve never owned/ used a carburetor on my drag car.