Top fuel: manual or automatic?

Now I had always come to believe that top fuel dragsters and funny cars used manuals. When I came here there were a few people that have convinced me otherwise. However; I was watching NHRA on Sunday and saw them replacing none other than a clutch plate in a top fuel dragster, they even had a box full of new ones out. Well that is kind of interesting being automatics don't have clutches, they instead have torque converters. I have also found some interesting facts out about the engines in top fuel as of recent. I am now back to believing that top fuel uses manuals or at least some do.

I have heard of top fuelers using both... from a bunch of different people... it changes depending on who you ask...

I don't know what they use for sure... I did read some article saying the drivers have to slip the clutch a lot to keep from spinning off the line... guess that means they use a manual...

Then I ask my dads boss who goes to the drag races all the time, and he says they use automatics...

I don't know what to believe... Using an auto would help them get more consistent times right?

-Grendel

I guess an automatic would be better for someone less skilled. I feel that the manual would be the better choice as long as you know how to launch it and launch it well.

actually automatics do have clutches:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/automatic-transmission4.htm

and also they use automatics for consistency. That way shifting and human error are less prone to affect a time, they can expect no drop in performance on account to human-transmission error.

Actually top fuel use a single high gear only with a progressive clutch engagment system.

Back in the late 80's Eddie Hill pioneered this innovation and also helped launch him to be the first man into the 4 sec bracket.

So they do not use an autobox (as we know it) or manual. The system is simple in theroy but not so simple in reality. The clutch packs are forced together as the car travels up the stip via an air solinoids on a timer. Now unless NHRA have changed the rules which is possible I don't foresee them using another type of system.

You can varify this the next time you watch a top fuel run from behind. You will see a ton of black clutch dust come out from behind the car as it launches and begins to travel up the track. Also when they have the incar cameras when the driver takes his hand off the hand brake on the right hand side of the cockpit as the car leaves the line. You will note he has both hands on the steering wheel the length of the track which is a good thing considering how powerful those car are.

I hope this helps.

Manual is just so much more fun to drive. I couldn't see racing in an automatic it just ruins it. :bloated:

manual is DEFENTALLY more fun, but auto is better for drag racing

would defentally want a manual though for anykind of auto-x

I beg to differ; I feel that manuals are better for drag racing such as sequential gearboxes. The clutch may be controlled by the computer but it can shift faster and better than any human.

Razorgtst got it right...... I was watching a program on SpeedVision the other day and they were explaining this exact issue.... its not a manual, its not an automatic.... its just plain out weird.....

but they have multiple clutches, and all of them glow red, sometiems even white after the runs because of the friction put through them.... its CRAZY......

Originally posted by Polygon
I beg to differ; I feel that manuals are better for drag racing such as sequential gearboxes. The clutch may be controlled by the computer but it can shift faster and better than any human.

what street car has a sequential gearbox?

and the rest is my point about the auto, most people try to shift fast and some get it, but i've seen alot of guys miss gears or grind them.

Originally posted by TerminalVelocity


what street car has a sequential gearbox?

and the rest is my point about the auto, most people try to shift fast and some get it, but i've seen alot of guys miss gears or grind them.

Most Ferraris come with sequential gearboxes right now, and there are a few BMWs that do as well. I think you will see a whole lot more since Ferrari is OEMing the technology out to auto manufactures. I can't wait.

You are right; it is much easier to hook up with an automatic. It is all a matter of skill.