Frequently Asked Question

Super Dampers

Teao Product Page

Why does ATI manufacture so many different dampers? Which one do I need?
Is the Super Damper a press fit?
How often should I have my damper rebuilt or inspected?
I don't see a damper for my application. Can ATI make a custom damper for me?
Should I use the damper retaining bolt to hold additional pulleys and accessory drives to the damper?
Can I use my externally balanced damper on my internally balanced engine?
Where is the part number on my damper?
What you need to know about damper bolts

Torque Converters

How do I send in my converter for a freshen-up?
Will my stall speed change after an overhaul?
What happens to the converter if I change anything in my combination?
Where is the serial number on my torque converter?
What is the deal with big block converters?
How do I determine my stall speed - is it different than flash?
Should I do a stall test?
What affects my stall speed?

Transmissions

What type of fluid should I use in my transmission?
Should I install a transmission temperature gauge and a transmission pressure gauge?
What are the benefits of low gear sets for 3-speed automatics?
What is the proper transmission / flexplate clearance?
Should I soak my friction materials before I install them?
ATI will not warranty any "no park" issues if you use a Precision Performance Products shifter.
Do not start your car on jack stands while in park, ever!
How important is it to center my transmission and converter behind my engine?
How hot is too hot for automatic transmission fluid?
What is the proper way to warm my Powerglide?
When is the best time to check my transmission fluid?
How can I troubleshoot my transmission?
Why should I check my shifter cables?
How can I prolong the life of my aluminum drum?
Should I monitor my line pressure?
Storing a transmission
What is the purpose of an input shaft?
How much fluid do I need to add to my converter and transmission after I install it?
How do I calculate converter slip in low or second gear?

General Racing Tips

Why do some racers pack their carburetors with ice?
Should I adjust my brake bias for foot-brake racing?
Should I heat up my brakes during my burnout?
Can I improve my ET by short shifting?
What is the best way to heat up my tires?





Q: Why does ATI manufacture so many different dampers? Which one do I need?
A: ATI now manufactures approximately 500 different damper combinations. For an externally balanced engine, there is only one damper available for each application. For an internally balanced engine, however, we have a variety of choices. Just like everything else in racing, if you are looking for maximum performance, you need the right part for the right application. ATI dampers are available in many different weights and sizes. Just provide your ATI sales specialist with some general information and they will be able to tell you which damper would best suit your needs.



Q: Is the Super Damper a press fit?
A: Make sure that your ATI Super Damper has the proper press fit. If the damper is too loose on the snout of your crankshaft all of your engine&#;s harmonics will not transfer to the damper and allow it to do the proper job. For best results, use a damper installation tool when you install or remove your damper.



Q: How often should I have my damper rebuilt or inspected?
A: If you have had your damper for nearly 10 years, you should send it in to have the rubber O-ring inspected and changed. ATI will also check for any problems with the hub and other damper components. We can have your SFI damper re-certified if necessary. Please speak to your ATI technician for further information. If you are racing in any sort of pro class or have over 800 horsepower, you should consider having your damper rebuilt at the end of each season. Remember, the smaller the damper you run on your car, the harder it has to work to protect your engine!



Q: I don't see a damper for my application. Can ATI make a custom damper for me?
A: Yes! ATI&#;s engineers can custom manufacture an ATI Super Damper to fit almost any application. If you'd like us to make a damper for you, contact our sales department and talk with one of our damper techs. In some cases we will need you to supply us with a stock damper for measurement. We have made dampers for all types of engines, from Ferrari & BMW to John Deere and Massey Ferguson.

Q: Should I use the damper retaining bolt to hold additional pulleys and accessory drives to the damper?
A: No! Never use your damper retaining bolt to hold any pulleys or accessory drive equipment. The damper retaining bolt should be used only for bolting the damper to the crankshaft. The damper must be banked on the crank gear and must remain tightly secured in order to function properly. When you use a long bolt or stud in an attempt to hold accessory drive components and your damper, the damper will usually come loose and walk around on the front of the crank. This will quickly result in damage to the keyway in the crank hub, the key in the crankshaft, and possibly the crankshaft. Accessory drive components should be registered on the damper face to prevent run-out and they should be retained using the pulley mounting bolts.

Q: Can I use my externally balanced damper on my internally balanced engine?
A: No! Many people think you can simply remove the weight and the damper would be okay for an internally balanced engine. This is an incorrect assumption, however. Due to the design of the damper, when the weight is removed the damper will not function properly and could potentially damage your engine. Send your damper to ATI and we can convert your damper from externally balanced to internally balanced.



Q: Where is the part number on my damper?
A: The part number is not stamped anywhere on the damper itself. All of the part numbers you see stamped on the damper are for the individual parts that comprise the damper as a whole.




Q: What you need to know about damper bolts
A: The flat head countersunk bolts used in ATI&#;s Super Dampers require a T40 Plus Torx Bit. If you are trying to source one yourself, this bit is also referred to as an IP40 Torx Plus Insert Bit. Do not use a standard T40 Torx bit as it will not work and ultimately strip the head. Remember! You must install, torque and Loctite® all bolts supplied with your Super Damper regardless of whether or not you are bolting a pulley to the face of the damper.

Q: How do I send in my converter for a freshen-up?
A: Send your converter to: Whitestone Road, Baltimore, MD . When sending converters to us for a freshen-up or stall change, please make sure that it is completely drained so transmission fluid does not soak the box resulting in a torn box, or worse &#; no box at all for the converter to be delivered in. Also, be sure to provide us with a good daytime number where you can be reached. This will help to ensure that your converter does not sit on the shelf waiting to be repaired and keeping you from racing next weekend.
Click here to download the Converter Overhaul Form




Q: Will my stall speed change after an overhaul?
A: No! Utilizing a detailed database of converter combinations and specifications, ATI keeps detailed records of your converter&#;s internal dimensions, build heights and other necessary information. The converter is then rebuilt to the exact specifications as before, unless you request a dimension change.




Q: What happens to the converter if I change anything in my combination?
A: It is best to check with an ATI representative before making the change. Something as simple as tire size can affect torque converter performance. Gear ratio, stroke and cam timing are the three major changes that will alter flash characteristics. If you purchase another car, engine or transmission, your torque converter can be sent back to ATI to update it to the new specifications. If you switch from a Powerglide to a Turbo or Turbo to Glide, the splines can be changed inside the converter. You will need all the specifications on the new combination before ATI works on your converter.
Click here to download the Converter Spec Sheet



Q: Where is the serial number on my torque converter?
A: ATI torque converters have serial numbers stamped across the snout of the converter (the part that goes up against the back of the crank). Note: In January 1, ATI started stamping the number on the side of one of the mounting pads so the customer can see the number when it's installed in the car.

Any other numbers stamped on the converter are foreign numbers and usually mean that another manufacturer has worked on the converter.



Q: What is the deal with big block converters?
A: With the advent of affordable 4-1/4&#;, 4-3/8&#; and 4-1/2&#; stroke big block Chevy cranks, and the resulting increases in torque and horsepower, has come the increasing need for more efficient converter designs. If your current or future engine combination is based on a long stroke crank, don&#;t forget that the torque converter may need to be modified or changed to harness the additional power.



Q: How do I determine my stall speed - is it different than flash?
A: In order to check your torque converter&#;s stall speed, put your vehicle in high gear and drive the car at 1 to 2 miles per hour. Push the gas pedal to the floor and note your flash on the torque. This is the same as your stall speed. DO NOT DO STALL TESTS ON CARS EQUIPPED WITH TRANSBRAKES. When speaking with your ATI sales rep or distributor, be as succinct as possible regarding stall speed and your converter. To converter builders, stall speed and flash mean the same thing. If you ask for stall, this means if you flash your converter from idle, it should go to approximately rpm. For example, a torque converter in your car will probably only footbrake to rpm before moving your car depending on the quality of your brakes. Furnishing as much information as possible to your sales rep ensures that you get the correct product you are looking for.



Q: Should I do a stall test?
A: No!! ATI strongly recommends that you do not conduct stall tests. Stall tests break parts, and not just converter and transmission parts. Remember, you are at Wide-Open Throttle (full power) and maximum load. The pistons, pins, rods, and crank will really take a beating.

Many racers ask why it is okay to leave the line at Wide-Open throttle, but not okay to do stall tests. The difference is this &#; when at the starting line at wide-open throttle, you release the brake and the RPMs accelerate from that point. In the converter, the stator is locked via the clutch assembly (sprag) and goes from maximum load in a controlled constant reduction in force to zero load (free wheel) as the car accelerates. The hydraulic forces in the converter are directed in a smooth and efficient manner for maximum torque multiplication and flow for adequate cooling. When performing a stall test at wide-open throttle (or even with a rev limiter such as the MSD Two-Step), you lift off the throttle and the RPMs, now at 5,000 or 6,000, get jerked down to idle. The stator and clutch assembly goes from maximum load and torque multiplication to zero load in an instant. The clutch is unloaded rapidly and the hydraulic forces are instantly disrupted into unknown flow paths due to the rapid reduction in torque.

We have seen many converters damaged by this rapid unloading when a ring and pinion, planetary gear set, or input shaft fail. The rampant hydraulic pressure actually breaks the pump blades (fins) completely off the converter pump.

It is for this reason that converter manufacturers have for years warned against &#;snagging the slicks&#; coming out of the water as RPMs can go from 5,000 or 6,000 to an idle as the tires catch. Once again, damage can be done to the sprag assembly. Also remember that the converter builds up a tremendous amount of heat in a short period of time. By not running an engine after a stall test, all that heated fluid lays in the converter without having a chance to go through the cooler. Excessive heat eventually &#;fatigues&#; the metals in the converter.

So, just say no to stall tests. They damage parts. Use the transbrake ON THE STARTING LINE ONLY &#; not in the pits, not in the driveway, not for your burnouts &#; AT THE STARTING LINE ONLY! Your cost per run will diminish significantly.



Q: What type of fluid should I use in my transmission?
A: ATI recommends Type F in all Powerglides and Manual Operation TH350, TH400, TF904, TF727, C4 and C6 units. If you are a Street Rodder with under 450 HP then fresh Dexron Mercon 3 is a fine choice as well. ATI only recommends Super F if you want to run a Full Synthetic transmission fluid. If you are running a turbocharged or high horsepower engine, consider using ATI&#;s new 30 weight Max Duty Super F ATF. It&#;s a 100% mPAO based synthetic and provides better lubrication than straight hydraulic oil. Great for Hyrdamatics, Powerglides, C-4s, C-6&#;s and Torqueflites.

Q: What affects my stall speed?
A: Stall speed is affected by engine size, stroke and even camshaft duration. Small changes in engine combination can change the stall speed. At ATI, we custom design each converter to your needs. With the exception of our 10, 11, and 12-inch street converters, each race converter is hand built one at a time for individual applications.




Q: Should I install a transmission temperature gauge and a transmission pressure gauge?
A: Yes. The information your racecar shares with you is highly dependent upon the gauges you install. Two commonly overlooked, but very informative gauges, are transmission temperature and transmission pressure.

Transmission temperature is important in determining that sufficient heat has been built to send the car to the starting line. Over time, a range of average operating temperatures can be established for &#;before run&#; and &#;after run&#; readings. Transmission temperature can be an important factor in your search for ultimate performance and/or consistency. Any excessive high or low temperature condition should be noted, and might help to indicate a present or future problem.

The addition of a transmission pressure gauge can not only reinforce what the temperature gauge is telling you, but also provides information about instant damage, and normal operating wear occurring in the transmission.

For a transmission temperature gauge, look for one offering a high range of about 225-250 degrees. Ideally, the sending unit should be located in the pan to provide the most stable source of temperature. If a dedicated transmission pressure gauge is not available, an engine oil pressure gauge offering about 200PSI will work well. Most popular transmission used in drag racing, both late and early, have pressure sources that are ideally suited for this purpose. While originally provided for temporary dealer diagnostics, it can also be plumbed to provide a permanent information source. Your ATI technician can supply you with further details.



Q: What are the benefits of low gear sets for 3-speed automatics?
A: One of the most effective improvements that a performance street vehicle can utilize is a lower first gear set for the transmission. When such a 2.75 gear set is installed in a T400, T350, C-4, C-6 TF-727 or TF-904, it allows a conservatively geared 3.50 ratio car to launch with the potential of a 3.90 rear gear. Likewise, when a 4.10 rear ratio is present, the 2.75 low gear allows the car to accelerate with much more aggressive potential of a 4.56. Highway RPM in third gear is unchanged from stock. These gear sets have shown as much as a 3 tenths improvement in overall ET &#; often half of which occurring in the first 60 feet.



Q: What is the proper transmission / flexplate clearance?
A: The clearance between the transmission and the flexplate should be checked on every torque converter when it's installed. Clearance should be a minimum of .100" but no more than .175" throughout.



Q: Should I soak my friction materials before I install them?
A: Never install dry friction materials! Always soak clutches and bands for at least 30 minutes prior to installation. Soaking allows the friction materials to be fully impregnated with oil preventing glazing while adding to the life of the friction material.



Q: How important is it to center my transmission and converter behind my engine?
A: It is critical to maintain a straight centerline from your engine crankshaft through to your converter and transmission. If your transmission and converter are NOT centered, internal parts may experience costly premature wear. Factors that cause misalignment include engines that have been line-bored with the crankshaft sunk in the block, flexplates and converters that are out of round or unbalanced or even a flexplate that does not &#;flex&#;. Internal converter and transmission components must be bored to center themselves in line with the engine crankshaft.



Q: How hot is too hot for automatic transmission fluid?
A: In stock applications, a transmission operating at 150° to 175°, offering a service life of miles, has its range cut in half when the temperature increases to 195° to 200° At 295° service life falls to only miles! In specific terms, varnishes form at 240°, seals and sealing rings begin to harden at 260° and friction plate slippage is unavoidable by 295° At 350°all seals and clutches totally burn out and conventional fluid solidifies to form carbon. Synthetic fluids offer higher heat resistance to thermal breakdown, but no better protection against failure of the internal components at the stated temperature levels.



Q: What is the proper way to warm my Powerglide?
A: Warming up a &#;bodied car&#; can hurt the tailshaft bushing in a Powerglide. This bushing is only splash lubed and will quickly run dry with the back end of the car up in the air. If you need to warm up the car, take it for a drive through the pits &#; your tailshaft bushing will thank you for it.



Q: When is the best time to check my transmission fluid?
A: Always check your transmission fluid level after thoroughly warming up the vehicle. Levels will read much higher when warmed than when cold. With your car on jack stands, run it through each gear and reverse. Then put in neutral and check at idle. Right in the middle of L and F is perfect.



Q: How can I troubleshoot my transmission?
A: There are five things that could keep your transmission from moving in any direction

1. Pressure regulator valve in the valve body is stuck open
2. Broken front pump gear
3. Broken Input Shaft
4. Sheered splines in the torque converter turbine
5. Pin on the linkage that moves the manual valve in the valve body is out of the slot on the valve, and not moving the valve to direct pressure to the band or clutches. To verify pressure, remove a cooler line and start the motor and see if the pump is pumping fluid. If it is, pull the pan and check that the manual valve is moving with the shift linkage.

Q: Why should I check my shifter cables?
A: Check your shifter cable in each gear! Not all &#;shifter to bracket to transmission&#; installs will line up perfectly in EVERY gear. This will cause burnt clutch packs in the gear that is not fully seated!

Q: How can I prolond the life of my aluminum drum?
A: When using an aluminum drum in your Powerglide transmission, it is important to change the fluid and filter regularly as well as check your band adjustment. Aluminum is lighter in weight but it also wears very quickly. A regular fluid flush and filter replacement can extend your aluminum drum life significantly. Also, always use a red-lined band with an aluminum drum. Kevlar will tear the drum up in short order.

Q: Should I monitor my line pressure
A: The line pressure of a transmission is the &#;life blood&#; of the transmission and is just as important as oil pressure for a motor. You should monitor the line pressure on every tranny you use.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Gear damper for automotive Interior. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Q: Storing a transmission
A: Rust can be a real killer when storing transmissions and converters for long periods of time. Be sure to store your units in a dry, well ventilated place with all holes capped and plugged!

Q: What is the purpose of the input shaft?

1. Transfer power from the converter to the input sun gear while in low gear.
2. Transfer power from the converter to the high gear hub in high gear.
3. Direct oil coming from the converter to the front ring on the shaft and out through the pump to the oil cooler.
   
4. Direct oil from the cooler between the 2 rings and down through the center of the shaft to lube and cool the direct clutches, gear set, output shaft bushing and the entire transmission.
   
5. Maintain proper oil pressure in the converter and cooler with its sized holes that are &#;downstream restrictions&#; to control the flow out of the converter.
   
6. Center and support the Input Sun Gear from its pitch diameter to the ½ diameter that goes into the bushing on the output shaft
   
7. Center and support the Output Sun Gear (flange gear) via the &#;wedding band&#;

Which companies in the industry are capable of making input shafts properly? Who has the hobs, shapers and cutters to cut splines? Do they have the machines and the expertise that is required to manufacture this critical part? Can they properly heat treat it, straighten and finish grind it? Or, do they just buy it from someone and resell it? One thing is for sure: at ATI, if we have a problem, we have a REASON, not an EXCUSE, because we make it in-house from start to finish. We find the problems, not you. The bottom line is simple: Manufacturing technique for this product is critical. Material is critical. Heat-treat is critical.

Q: How much fluid do I need to add to my converter and transmission after I install it?
A: Always look for a converter to be full (generally about a quart +/-) before installing on the trans. Likewise, always fill the transmission with approximately 4 quarts of fluid +/-. And don&#;t forget the engine, rear, etc. It&#;s easy to do after a new build or rebuild when everything is reinstalled and ready to go.

Q: How do I calculate converter slip in low or second gear?
A: Drive shaft rpm x gear set ratio = total rpm / engine rpm=percentage of slip. If you have a converter that is &#;too locked up&#; it stops pulling on the engine and the car suffers from spinning on the gear change. This is because the converter needs to pull on the engine thereby producing horsepower. When a converter is &#;too locked up&#;, the horsepower falls off so when you shift, the full load goes onto the converter and spikes the driveshaft causing the car to spin. This is VERY dangerous for small tire cars that have a front suspension limited to no travel. Without travel to help hook the tire, the car will lose control. You can help this by shifting out of low gear sooner, but the converter will ultimately have to be changed.

Q: Why do some racers pack their carburetors with ice?
A: Heads Up or Class racers can gain a slight elapsed time advantage during the hot summer months by using the age proven method of packing the intake and carburetor in ice prior to an important run. Dual or high capacity &#;cool cans&#; filled with dry ice will add a similar, temporary gain. More recently, racers have found that by keeping a very minimum amount of fuel in the car, and adding cool or chilled fuel stored in the trailer or tow vehicle immediately prior to the run will add to the total elapsed time save. Replace and re-circulate the engine cooling system with ambient temperature water and you are ready for the next round, a few hundredths of a second quicker. Some racers have even drained the third member lube for and an extreme situation final round only advantage, but be warned &#; component damage or other consequences might result.



Q: Should I adjust my brake bias for foot-brake racing?
A: Yes. In order to get proper performance and winning results, do not forget your car&#;s braking system. OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) vehicle braking systems typically put up to 80% of the braking bias on the front wheels. This may need to be modified to provide more pressure to the rear tires. Not only does this provide for better holding power at the starting line for maximum performance and reaction time for &#;No-E&#; racers, but is also provides safer &#;brake light racing&#; in all forms of ET (elapsed time) racing. When rear tire width is often three to five times that of the front tires, front to rear braking bias must be adjusted to ensure safe, predictable high-speed braking.



Q: Can I damage my car doing a burnout?
A: When doing a burnout, try to avoid dry hops, tire hop and wheel shake &#; a major factor in broken driveline components. Although it is not always possible, avoiding this behavior will extend the life of many parts in your vehicle.




Q: Should I heat up my brakes during my burnout?
A: When doing your burnout, slightly apply the break pedal to build some heat in the rear brakes. This allows the &#;foot-brake&#; racer maximum holding potential at the starting line, and warms the brakes to boost stopping power in all types of cars.



Q: What is the best way to heat up my tires?
A: First, spin tires slowly in water in order to get them wet while avoiding soaking the wheel wells. Second, pull to the front edge of the water using Low to High for Powerglide, Low to 2nd to high for Turbo 400, Ford C-4 and C-6, and 2nd to High only for Torqueflite and Turbo 350. Thirdly, when the tires are hot enough, release the line lock and power the car out of the water 5 to 10 feet and lift. Avoid hook up that will scuff tires. Finally &#; Stage immediately! Dry burnouts reduce traction and consistency. If you do not believe this, pay attention to your first dry leave behind the line. It will hook solid every time. Small amounts of water left on the tires will dry completely from the tire heat long before the green comes on.



Q: Can I improve my ET by short shifting?
A: Three speed automatic transmission cars can sometimes realize an ET gain by short-shifting the first to second gear change. This is because there is significant rotational resistance involved in turning the reduction planetaries. By shifting sooner, the time period that this parasitic horsepower loss is imposed on the engine is minimized, freeing horsepower to the rear wheels. A similar, but less dramatic effect may also occur on the second to third up shift. When optimal gearing is present, the highest RPM level reached during the run will occur in high gear at the finish line where the least internal transmission drag is present.




Q: Are short tires quicker?
A: The arrival of late generation performance cars brought attention to the idea that huge, massive rear slicks were many times not only unnecessary but also undesirable. Twelve, eleven and ten second (and quicker) ETs have become almost common place on modified, later model Mustangs, Camaros and Firebirds while using only 26&#; &#; 28&#; tall tires that are 9&#; &#; 11&#; wide. The restriction of smaller wheel wells combined with highly improved suspensions in these cars has brought about the &#;small tire revolution&#;. Remember, any car has a much stiffer effective gear ratio with a 26&#; tall tire than with a 32&#; or 33&#; tall tire. Of course, using too small of a tire will only result in wheel spin, thus a slower 60 foot and ET clocking in relation to the MPH achieved.



Q: Are tall tires faster?
A: In Bracket Racing, it is usually true that the car should have rear tires that are large or wide enough to prevent any wheel spin at all for absolute round to round consistency. However, it is possible to have tires so huge that the ability of the car to &#;plant&#; the tires effectively in every launch is hindered. Likewise, too tall of a tire is often responsible for unnecessarily slow 60 ft and ET clockings. While taller tires can generally produce a higher MPH reading, dragging a too wide, too heavy slick through the finish line lights can easily nullify a potential MPH advantage.



Q: Will my body style affect my MPH?
A: Yes. In cases where the MPH results are &#;slow&#; in relation to ET and 60 foot, often there are several possible causes. A pick up or shoebox body obviously pushes more air than an early Corvette. However, other bodies, such as full fendered street roadsters, are also notorious wind catchers (3 to 5 MPH slower). Look for a wing on a dragster to produce a similar predictable result. Even slight changes, such as adding air to under inflated front tires have been proven to produce a 1 to 3 MPH increase in extreme cases.



Q: What type of things can I do to gain additional performance?
A: Experimenting with cam degree location, total distributor advance, RPM at which the total advance occurs, carb jetting, plug heat range, etc. may result in a two tenths or more difference in otherwise &#;componently identical&#; engines. In addition, a superior piston-ring-cylinder wall sealing combination may provide &#;hidden power&#; that provides a clear performance advantage over other similar engines.



Q: What type of things can keep my car from running properly?
A: A misadjusted cable shifter, a throttle which doesn't fully open, a bad ignition wire, a foam hood seal pulled into a carb, a crimped or clogged fuel line. We all have personal lists of glitches that have hurt or stopped vehicle performance over the years. Be sure to check first the same sorts of things that you would in a street vehicle when vehicle operation is impaired. The &#;trickest&#; engine, transmission, chassis, etc. combo can be slowed or stopped in its tracks by a broken wire connection or less.



Q: How can I become more consistent?
A: Racers, by nature, are always looking to go quicker and faster &#; usually a good thing. However, if bracket racing is your game, a week in &#; week out thrash to uncover the next two hundredths of a second may be clouding other issues involving driver/vehicle reaction and predictable, repeated performance. A successful and well-known bracket racer once said, &#;fix your car and leave it alone.&#; The major part of &#;fix&#; he refers to is the installation of absolutely reliable products such as ATI converters, transmissions and components. Eliminate the &#;gypsy&#; components and let the driver concentrate on his part of consistent performance.



Q: How can I make the most of a Test & Tune session?
A: You can learn a lot about optimizing your race car&#;s performance and consistency at a test and tune session. Choose a track that you are familiar with that offers decent track conditions. If you are a dedicated bracket racer, resist the temptation to &#;thrash&#; your racer in an attempt to find .04 of a second. Instead, use this opportunity to carefully monitor and record engine and vehicle conditions prior to staging and immediately after each run. By eliminating the pressures of actual competition and minimizing between round maintenance/tune up changes, you can focus on the time intervals and procedures required to produce absolute consistency. By integrating cooling, starting, burnout and staging activities into a series of events, you can find the desired gauge readings for each. Plus, it allows the driver to prepare for the next round with confidence under actual race conditions at readings that will most likely produce equal results.

Paulie

I think I can visualise that (I am never content with knowing what, I must know how and why). Does that mean to get a car to hook up faster stiffer dampers are more useful on the rear? It's like pushing on a solid rod as opposed to pushing on an exntended slinky. With the rod the action/force is instantaneous at the other end, but on the slinky it sends through a wave and the force/action doesn't reach the other end until that wave travels through the slinky.

Click to expand...

Exactly right in terms of the visualisation side of things, but not quite right in regard to how things 'hook-up', see the next bit for that.

Paulie

None of this explains why soft suspension is better for drag racing and traction though.

Click to expand...

Part of it is down to how rubber works (and we are stepping away from GT here for as moment - as while it does model the following to a degree its not perfect), to maximise the grip available from a tyre you need to ensure that the forces build up rather than are just thrown at it all in one go.

To get the maximum grip (either in lateral or longitudinal terms) tyre prefer the forces to build at a steady pace rather than all arrive in one go, now in reality we are talking differences of milli-seconds, but they all count. This is something that you can experience in the real world, particularly if its been raining/snowing/very cold. If you suddenly steer you can end up loosing grip even when you know that enough grip 'should' be available, and had you been slightly more smooth and progressive with the input you would have been able to get that grip out of the tyres.

Its why racing puts so much importance on the smooth application of all controls, from steering to brakes to the throttle.

The same logic applies to tyres and suspension settings, too stiff a damper setting will allow the load to be placed on the contact path too quickly and as a result the rubber will not have 'time' to do its job.

In reality tyres are hideously complex things, particularly when the get to having very large side-profiles (such as pro-drag and F1, etc), when the rubber actually becomes part of the suspension, having its own effective spring and damper ratings. This can have so great an effect that it can often play a major part, F1 being a classic example, in which the rear tyres are actually the dominant suspension component.

What you also have (as I did mention earlier) with drag racing is also the effect torque being delivered will have on the suspension. A huge amount of torque is delivered in very quick order at the start of a drag race and the suspension has to be 'quick' enough to react to any axle bounce that may come with it, softer suspension is quicker in reaction and so can help to ensure the tyre remains in contact with the road and ensure that the load is delivered to the tyre smoothly to make the most of the grip the tyre has to offer.

Edited to add - nearly forgot about this.

Also you need to take into account gear-changes. No matter how quickly they are done they will cause the car to (for a very short amount of time) reduce its acceleration, which will try and shift load forward. Softer damper settings ensure this is done slowly (well as slowly as these kind of forces can be made to go) ensuring no sudden loss of load off the rear tyres. One of the last things you want in a drag race is sudden loss of rear grip (well not unless you have a great fondness for going backwards and walls).


Regards

Scaff

Exactly right in terms of the visualisation side of things, but not quite right in regard to how things 'hook-up', see the next bit for that.Part of it is down to how rubber works (and we are stepping away from GT here for as moment - as while it does model the following to a degree its not perfect), to maximise the grip available from a tyre you need to ensure that the forces build up rather than are just thrown at it all in one go.To get the maximum grip (either in lateral or longitudinal terms) tyre prefer the forces to build at a steady pace rather than all arrive in one go, now in reality we are talking differences of milli-seconds, but they all count. This is something that you can experience in the real world, particularly if its been raining/snowing/very cold. If you suddenly steer you can end up loosing grip even when you know that enough grip 'should' be available, and had you been slightly more smooth and progressive with the input you would have been able to get that grip out of the tyres.Its why racing puts so much importance on the smooth application of all controls, from steering to brakes to the throttle.The same logic applies to tyres and suspension settings, too stiff a damper setting will allow the load to be placed on the contact path too quickly and as a result the rubber will not have 'time' to do its job.In reality tyres are hideously complex things, particularly when the get to having very large side-profiles (such as pro-drag and F1, etc), when the rubber actually becomes part of the suspension, having its own effective spring and damper ratings. This can have so great an effect that it can often play a major part, F1 being a classic example, in which the rear tyres are actually the dominant suspension component.What you also have (as I did mention earlier) with drag racing is also the effect torque being delivered will have on the suspension. A huge amount of torque is delivered in very quick order at the start of a drag race and the suspension has to be 'quick' enough to react to any axle bounce that may come with it, softer suspension is quicker in reaction and so can help to ensure the tyre remains in contact with the road and ensure that the load is delivered to the tyre smoothly to make the most of the grip the tyre has to offer.Edited to add - nearly forgot about this.Also you need to take into account gear-changes. No matter how quickly they are done they will cause the car to (for a very short amount of time) reduce its acceleration, which will try and shift load forward. Softer damper settings ensure this is done slowly (well as slowly as these kind of forces can be made to go) ensuring no sudden loss of load off the rear tyres. One of the last things you want in a drag race is sudden loss of rear grip (well not unless you have a great fondness for going backwards and walls).RegardsScaff

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