Lost in a drag racing

[serge_saati]

Today I participate into a 1/4 miles drag racing with my Windstar 99 3.8L, but I lost

My ET was 18.676s @ 71.09 mph.

I thought that I'll be able to do better than that. I should make some engine tune-up to win next time.

My peak power is 200HP @ 4900 rpm.

[AWP9521]

I'm assuming you were bracket racing, all the power in the world won't make you win, you need to get good reaction times (.520 or less) on the line and the vehicle must run consistently each run down the track (in your case 18.67 every time) to win races.

You can tune it up if you want, may gain a tenth or 2 if you think it's running that badly, but still without cutting good reactions and running the number each run the chances of winning slip farther and farther away.

Post some your reaction times and some other time runs and lets have a gander at how you did.

[serge_saati]

No it was a straight race. No bracket allowed.

Most of the competitors have Mazda-3, Honda Civic 98, VW Golf 98... all tuned of course.

My competitor have a Mazda-3, his ET was 15.553s @ 91.46mph.


Usually my van works very well, very powerful (0-60 in 9s), but this time, it was so slow.

I just realized that when I apply full throttle, it's much slower than when I press the gas normally.

I think that Ford has programmed the chip so that the car doesn't accelerate too much if I accelerate too fast, so I don't hit the car in front of me on the road.

It was why it lacked of power.

I should do more practice before the next race on Thursday, I'll keep you informed.

BTW, I like your signature .

[serge_saati]

Forget to tell, my reaction time was 1.272s.

I've good reflex, but the car didn't react instantly, because of the electronic power limiter.

Next time, I'll start accelerating at the last orange light.

[VR43000GT]

Ford did not make anything to limit the power when you go wide open throttle on your Windstar. Truth be told, it is in fact a windstar and not even a mildly quick drag car so it isn't going to be putting down fast times, it just won't. While it can do a lot of things my car can't (ie. carry more than one other person), it wasn't cut out in any way for any kind of racing. Let us know how your next run goes.

[serge_saati]

The Windstar is more powerful than you think. It can go 0-60 in 9s, I already do it. 3.8L and 200HP is good. I cannot beat a porsche, but it still good.

Yes, when I floor it suddenly, it takes 1 sec before reacting and accelerate slowly. Like if the car is afraid of accelerating to suddenly. But when I accelerate normaly, it react instantly and accelerate faster.

So I think that the engine computer is programmed for that, for safety. So if you confuses the accelerator with the brake, you will not kill yourself... So I must practice with this accelerator to find out the best way to start up.

It my first race, it's why I make poor result.

[-The Stig-]

Originally Posted by serge_saati

The Windstar is more powerful than you think. It can go 0-60 in 9s, I already do it. 3.8L and 200HP is good. I cannot beat a porsche, but it still good.

Well, good luck with that.

[VR43000GT]

Originally Posted by -The Stig-

Well, good luck with that.

In all honesty, that is cool if you take your Windstar or anything else to the track as long as you're having fun. And the thing is, I do know how quick, or slow, depending how you look at it, a Windstar is as I have driven one many times. Listen, I am not dogging on you for racing it, just keeping a reality check in order. The fact is, you drive an almost 19 second van and that is what it is. I consider my car to not be that fast and it is good for a low 13 second to a high 12 second run. If you are looking a a vehicle that runs 18+ second 1/4 miles, that is simpily pure slow. Like I said though, it is a van, and it can do many things, just not race.

[serge_saati]

You said that 3000GT VR4 is not fast? If you were in my area, you'll win many races with it.
Here, most peoples have Honda Civic 98 with 1.5L. I think I should be able to beat them too.

Also my check engine is on. If I do some repair on it, I think I should win.

[CassiesMan]

My car is running like ass, and I'm still cutting out 0-60 better than nine seconds...0-60 in the nines is good for a minivan...not a whole lot else. If you want something big but fast, ditch the minivan and get one of those Tahoe SSes...cammed one was idling next to me yesterday, kee riced all my tee that thing was sick sounding...

[serge_saati]

I still want to keep it. Maybe I will install a turbocharger with intercooler and blow-off valve, it will accelerate faster. I can also install a better fuel pump.

[VR43000GT]

To install a turbo kit on the Ford 3.8L would be a substantially huge job and would take considerable amounts of automotive technical knowledge and money. On top of that, you would have to beef everything up including your trans which would explode with any amount of good power.

As for my VR4, it is quicker and fun to drive, but I wouldn't consider it to be all that fast. It just all depends the environment your in I suppose. With the people I hang out with I have one of the slower cars as even a couple of them have 700+hp VR4's, and even one guy with a 850 wheel horsepower 300ZX with NO spray. Then, there are some people, who including me, also drive a SL 3000gt as a daily driver or while they are working on their VR4.

[serge_saati]

thanks for that info

[MrPbody]

The difference in throttle response from part-throttle to WOT (Wide Open Throttle) is from the difference in the velocity of the air passing through. When you open the throttle PART way, the velocity remains high. When you open it all the way all at once, the volume overwhelms the "low pressure" area in the plenum and drastically slows the air down.

A solution could be to install a "throttle stop" with programmable "points" where it is on or off. We do it on the race car. For "burnouts", it only opens the throttle part way, but once a certain RPM is reached, the throttle opens all the way.

Don't worry about racing the mini van. My sister got a ticket in 1969 for racing her Rambler American (L-head 6, 80 HP) against a Corvair (140, ragged out). It's okay to race ANYTHING! Hell, the rednecks around here even race lawn mowers! (harder to get a DUI, I think...) Just be prepared to have your ass handed to you if you're out-gunned by your chosen "prey".

Jim

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by MrPbody

The difference in throttle response from part-throttle to WOT (Wide Open Throttle) is from the difference in the velocity of the air passing through. When you open the throttle PART way, the velocity remains high. When you open it all the way all at once, the volume overwhelms the "low pressure" area in the plenum and drastically slows the air down.

Ok, now I understand!
My air/fuel mixture was too rich at start up, it's why it reacts slowly.