Jeff..That is AMAZING! Thanks for the entertaining post...Joe
top fuel
A friend sent this to me . Many of you will enjoy this I'm sure.. :!:
Top Fuel Trivia (we're talkin horsepower, folks)
>>
>>
>> One Top Fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more
>> horsepower than the first 4 rows at the Daytona 500.
>>
>> Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1œ gallons
>> of nitromethane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet
>> fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced.
>>
>> A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to
>> drive the dragster supercharger.
>>
>> With 3000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on
>> overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid
>> form before ignition. Cylinders run on the verge of
>> hydraulic lock at full throttle.
>>
>> At the stoichiometric 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture for
>> nitromethane the flame front temperature measures 7050
>> degrees *.
>>
>> Nitromethane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen
>> above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen,
>> dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing
>> exhaust gases.
>>
>> Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the
>> output of an arc welder in each cylinder.
>>
>> Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass.
>> After œ way, the engine is dieseling from compression plus
>> the glow of exhaust valves at 1400 degrees *. The engine can
>> only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.
>>
>> If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro
>> builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with
>> sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in
>> pieces or split the block in half.
>>
>> In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds dragsters must
>> accelerate at an average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200
>> mph well before half-track, the launch acceleration
>> approaches 8G's.
>>
>> Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have
>> completed reading this sentence.
>>
>> Top Fuel Engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from
>> light to light!
>>
>> Including the burnout the engine must only survive 900
>> revolutions under load.
>>
>> The redline is actually quite high at 9500rpm.
>>
>> The Bottom Line; Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the
>> crew worked for free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each
>> run costs an estimated US $1,000.00 per second. The current
>> Top Fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for
>> the quarter mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed
>> record is 333.00 mph (533 km/h) as measured over the last
>> 66' of the run (09/28/03 Doug Kalitta).
>>
>> Putting all of this into perspective:
>>
>> You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter
>> "twin-turbo" powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road,
>> a Top Fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch down a
>> quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the advantage of a
>> flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the gears
>> and blast across the starting line and past the dragster at
>> an honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at
>> that moment. The dragster launches and starts after you. You
>> keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal
>> whine that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds the
>> dragster catches and passes you. He beats you to the finish
>> line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him.
>> Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had
>> spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted
>> you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1320 foot
>> long race course.
>>
>> <<That, folks, is acceleration. >>
Top Fuel Trivia (we're talkin horsepower, folks)
>>
>>
>> One Top Fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more
>> horsepower than the first 4 rows at the Daytona 500.
>>
>> Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1œ gallons
>> of nitromethane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet
>> fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced.
>>
>> A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to
>> drive the dragster supercharger.
>>
>> With 3000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on
>> overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid
>> form before ignition. Cylinders run on the verge of
>> hydraulic lock at full throttle.
>>
>> At the stoichiometric 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture for
>> nitromethane the flame front temperature measures 7050
>> degrees *.
>>
>> Nitromethane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen
>> above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen,
>> dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing
>> exhaust gases.
>>
>> Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the
>> output of an arc welder in each cylinder.
>>
>> Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass.
>> After œ way, the engine is dieseling from compression plus
>> the glow of exhaust valves at 1400 degrees *. The engine can
>> only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.
>>
>> If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro
>> builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with
>> sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in
>> pieces or split the block in half.
>>
>> In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds dragsters must
>> accelerate at an average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200
>> mph well before half-track, the launch acceleration
>> approaches 8G's.
>>
>> Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have
>> completed reading this sentence.
>>
>> Top Fuel Engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from
>> light to light!
>>
>> Including the burnout the engine must only survive 900
>> revolutions under load.
>>
>> The redline is actually quite high at 9500rpm.
>>
>> The Bottom Line; Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the
>> crew worked for free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each
>> run costs an estimated US $1,000.00 per second. The current
>> Top Fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for
>> the quarter mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed
>> record is 333.00 mph (533 km/h) as measured over the last
>> 66' of the run (09/28/03 Doug Kalitta).
>>
>> Putting all of this into perspective:
>>
>> You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter
>> "twin-turbo" powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road,
>> a Top Fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch down a
>> quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the advantage of a
>> flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the gears
>> and blast across the starting line and past the dragster at
>> an honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at
>> that moment. The dragster launches and starts after you. You
>> keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal
>> whine that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds the
>> dragster catches and passes you. He beats you to the finish
>> line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him.
>> Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had
>> spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted
>> you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1320 foot
>> long race course.
>>
>> <<That, folks, is acceleration. >>
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
That was not only a very entertaining post - it was impressive, and very informative, too. While reading the posting I learned a lot about the "real fast ones"......just 900 revs/a run... :shock:
Loaf
Loaf
Just left off a zero. Each run is some where around 9,000 RPM's to as high as 10,500. The idle is at 2,500 to 3,000rpm's at the starting line.
Love those big babies.
Adrian
Love those big babies.
Adrian
....and Adrian knows!...Joe
Maybe he didn't leave out a zero.
I think he was saying that the engine actually rotates a total of only 500-700 times in a 4.5 second run. If it is turning 9500 RPMs at full throttle, then it is turning 158 times per second. 158 times 4.5 seconds equals 711 rotations of the engine (under load) in a full 1/4 mile pass...AMAZING! I had never thought of it that way... being such a small number of rotations.
I love to tell all the NASCAR fans out there that each of the eight cylinders of a Top Fuel engine makes more horsepower than an ENTIRE NASCAR engine.
Bill
I think he was saying that the engine actually rotates a total of only 500-700 times in a 4.5 second run. If it is turning 9500 RPMs at full throttle, then it is turning 158 times per second. 158 times 4.5 seconds equals 711 rotations of the engine (under load) in a full 1/4 mile pass...AMAZING! I had never thought of it that way... being such a small number of rotations.
I love to tell all the NASCAR fans out there that each of the eight cylinders of a Top Fuel engine makes more horsepower than an ENTIRE NASCAR engine.
Bill
I thought that didn't sound like enough total crank revolutions going the whole length of the track , but the way you figured it out , it does add up. Its just amazing.
Another friend just emailed to inform me that now its only legal to run 90% nitro. Early on, the blower explosions were too violent when they were still using 100%.
I'll stick with nos. Its so much tamer !!
Another friend just emailed to inform me that now its only legal to run 90% nitro. Early on, the blower explosions were too violent when they were still using 100%.
I'll stick with nos. Its so much tamer !!
Adrian,
My understanding is that each cylinder gets 1 cup of fuel on each intake stroke. Does that sound about right?
My understanding is that each cylinder gets 1 cup of fuel on each intake stroke. Does that sound about right?
The fuel tank holds between 25 and 35 gals so between the warm up, burn out and the run there is almost no fuel left.Bryan Ward said:Adrian,
My understanding is that each cylinder gets 1 cup of fuel on each intake stroke. Does that sound about right?
We run a AA top Fuel Nostalgia, 400 inch Donovan with 18% over drive on the blower, between 54 and 60 degrees advance in the magneto. We are restricted to the size of tires and gear ratio of a 4.11 or 390. Even at that we still run 250 at 5.85et. Our tank is 14 gallons and we use it up almost ever time. Our engine puts 4,000 HP out and the Top Fuel Funny cars and the Dragsters develop 8,000 and more HP.
I may have read the 900 revelations wrong and that may be almost correct, however with the slippage of the clutch and tires it will be a lot higher than 900. We have a computer on board that after the run we plug it in and can see what the temperature of each cylinder, drive shaft speed and engine speed so when the driver hits the throttle it takes .2 seconds before the blower comes up but more interesting the engine and the drive shaft don't lock until after the 1/8 mile. The engine sets at 8,500 to 9,000 till the clutch locks up. If it locks up before 1/8 mile the tires lite up and the race is over.
We are running 200 MPH at the 1/8 but the big boys are at 270 to 295 at the 1/8th.
Adrian
Is the clutch setup "very adjustable" so you can add or subract 50 feet or so before it locks up ? I guess the computer tells you exactly when it happens , but you still have to make a best guess as to what you need for the rest of all the variables for the next run.
Is that one of the main things it comes down to when it comes to winning ? The clutch that is..
thanks Jeff
I'd like to see a picture of the clutch setup!
Is that one of the main things it comes down to when it comes to winning ? The clutch that is..
thanks Jeff
I'd like to see a picture of the clutch setup!
Adrian,
That's amazing stuff :shock: . It looks like that first 1/8 is the real fun part, you're at 80% of your top speed at halfway and the big boys are almost at 90%. If you were allowed to run their tires and ratios you would be quicker than you already are. From what you've written, it works out that your car uses about 1/2 cup of fuel per intake stroke per cylinder and the big boys are double that. I can't imagine ever driving anything that pulls that hard. The Boss Hoss is as close as I'll ever get to it.
That's amazing stuff :shock: . It looks like that first 1/8 is the real fun part, you're at 80% of your top speed at halfway and the big boys are almost at 90%. If you were allowed to run their tires and ratios you would be quicker than you already are. From what you've written, it works out that your car uses about 1/2 cup of fuel per intake stroke per cylinder and the big boys are double that. I can't imagine ever driving anything that pulls that hard. The Boss Hoss is as close as I'll ever get to it.
The clutch we use is much like the Crower glide. It has 3 disc with 2 floaters and is very sensitive. You can add stall speed by adding spring pressure and lock up comes when the adjustable weights overcome the spring. We have to remove the clutch after each run also pull all the rods and pistons. Each guy (about 6 of us) has a job that he has to take care of. It is hard work and you loose site of the fun we use to have, until you win a race or two.imzz4 said:Is the clutch setup "very adjustable" so you can add or subract 50 feet or so before it locks up ? I guess the computer tells you exactly when it happens , but you still have to make a best guess as to what you need for the rest of all the variables for the next run.
Is that one of the main things it comes down to when it comes to winning ? The clutch that is..
thanks Jeff
I'd like to see a picture of the clutch setup!
The guy that owns the car has been my friend for over 50 years and we have raced everything that would run. To day it is a very expensive sport and even in our class we have weekends that will exceed $20 to 35,000 bucks. If it was my money I'm afraid I would just go lean on the throttle of the Boss Hoss and get the same kind of thrill.
I was the crew chief in the beginning but after I had my accident on Da Boss I had to give up the chief job and just set around, drive the push car and check on the crew as much as I can.
Adrian
This **** blows my mind...8000 HP? Forty 200 HP vehicles! I had no idea that that kind of power was being produced and thought it was in the 2000 range. This is mind altering :shock: stuff...Joe
Draggin
Adrian,
What is the farthest East you come with your dragster? I'd love to watch it race.
Neil
Adrian,
What is the farthest East you come with your dragster? I'd love to watch it race.
Neil
Re: Draggin
We really go to the west coast meets due to the travel times. We run in Boise, Washington, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Phoenix and generally out here. The time thing keeps us from going all over. I will say this, if we are some where you are close to, I will put you to work helping make this thing go, if you want, also introduce you to guys. People like Force and others are really easy to get to know at the Tune up weekend runs, other wise they are to busy to take the time to visit.
This is when I ask Force if he had ridden a Boss Hoss and he told me that there is two things he won't do and that is "Drive a front engine Dragster and ride a V8 Bike". I called him a weak suck so he tried to give me a bear hug but I was to big to get his short arms around.
Adrian
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Neilhossbuilder said:Adrian,
What is the farthest East you come with your dragster? I'd love to watch it race.
Neil
We really go to the west coast meets due to the travel times. We run in Boise, Washington, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Phoenix and generally out here. The time thing keeps us from going all over. I will say this, if we are some where you are close to, I will put you to work helping make this thing go, if you want, also introduce you to guys. People like Force and others are really easy to get to know at the Tune up weekend runs, other wise they are to busy to take the time to visit.
This is when I ask Force if he had ridden a Boss Hoss and he told me that there is two things he won't do and that is "Drive a front engine Dragster and ride a V8 Bike". I called him a weak suck so he tried to give me a bear hug but I was to big to get his short arms around.
Adrian
Boy,
What a sissy that John Force is, don't ya' think!!!??????? Won't ride a V8 bike???
I hear their bodies pull MORE G's when the parachutes hit then they do upon acceleration!!!!!
I think the NHRA needs to offer a "ride-along" program in a Top Fuel car like NASCAR has with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Anybody want to feel what Zero to 300 in 4 seconds feels like?
Bill
What a sissy that John Force is, don't ya' think!!!??????? Won't ride a V8 bike???
I hear their bodies pull MORE G's when the parachutes hit then they do upon acceleration!!!!!
I think the NHRA needs to offer a "ride-along" program in a Top Fuel car like NASCAR has with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Anybody want to feel what Zero to 300 in 4 seconds feels like?
Bill
YOU ARE ALL NUTS! Good nuts, however.
I'd give my right testicle to ride in one of those dragsters just once. Reminds me of my cousin who flew Phantoms off carriers during the Vietnam war. He would occasionally take non-pilots up for a spin because they were just dying to feel the rush. He told me they all did the same thing...scream and vomit in that order and it was as predictable as the tides. He'd also do mach 1.5 a few hundred feet above the ground which must be the best. I'd probably do the same in a dragster but I've also seen some husbands do that in the operating room.
Crazy is what you don't do and can't imaging doing but crazy is what's it's about....Joe
I'd give my right testicle to ride in one of those dragsters just once. Reminds me of my cousin who flew Phantoms off carriers during the Vietnam war. He would occasionally take non-pilots up for a spin because they were just dying to feel the rush. He told me they all did the same thing...scream and vomit in that order and it was as predictable as the tides. He'd also do mach 1.5 a few hundred feet above the ground which must be the best. I'd probably do the same in a dragster but I've also seen some husbands do that in the operating room.
Crazy is what you don't do and can't imaging doing but crazy is what's it's about....Joe
This is my old car from the 60's. I was the owner/driver and would run from 190 to 204 mph. et's were in high 7 to low 8 seconds and the G's were, not much, but the parachute would almost jerk the breath out of you so I know the biggies of today must really do it to you.Bill Taylor said:Boy,
What a sissy that John Force is, don't ya' think!!!??????? Won't ride a V8 bike???
I hear their bodies pull MORE G's when the parachutes hit then they do upon acceleration!!!!!
I think the NHRA needs to offer a "ride-along" program in a Top Fuel car like NASCAR has with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Anybody want to feel what Zero to 300 in 4 seconds feels like?
Bill
I haven't drive cars at drags since the eary 70's but sure went nuts with boats for a while.
Draggin
Adrian,
Thanks for the geography info on your tour and the offer to let me help. I only wish you were doing a tour further east. It is unlikely I will get out West anytime soon. Although, my wife really wants to see the Grand Canyon...
So, maybe once I get my new garage built and we move into our new house, we will have some time to travel.
Thanks,
Adrian,
Thanks for the geography info on your tour and the offer to let me help. I only wish you were doing a tour further east. It is unlikely I will get out West anytime soon. Although, my wife really wants to see the Grand Canyon...
So, maybe once I get my new garage built and we move into our new house, we will have some time to travel.
Thanks,
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
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