My quarter mile time

[snakebite01]

Do you have a timing light? It's extremely simple and might even drop a tenth or so off your ET.

Since it's an automatic, i'd say you're doing pretty good (i thought that was 5 speed times). How do you shift? Do you know about the "1-2-1 shuffle"?

I wouldn't just jump in and say do a 5 speed swap, but i am biased towards 5 speeds, i just think they're more fun. However, with a shift kit and the right torque converter an auto can be lots of fun.

i can get a timing light from my work.. nah i have always had a 5 speed up until now so yeah i'm biased to 5 speeds, but now i'm looking into manual valve bodies, torque converters, shift kits, and things of that nature so i might be staying with an auto..

and i don't know about the "1-2-1 shuffle" what is that?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Basically you start off in 1st, and just when you're ready to shift into 2nd, you slip it into 2nd and then immediately back into 1st. The trans will shift into 2nd but it'll hold in 2nd gear instead of going into 3rd/OD. Then when you're ready for 3rd you just shift it up into 2nd and it'll go into 3rd. It helps if you have an aftermarket shifter. (the B&M Hammer is a great AOD shifter).

As for timing, there's a plug that hangs off the distributor that has a little plastic plug that goes into it, that's called the spout plug. When you set the timing, you just hook the light to the battery and then clip the other wire onto the #1 spark plug wire, unplug the spout and start the car. Then aim the light at the balancer and read what the timing is. Then (either before you start the car or shut it off) you loosen the distributor bolt and adjust the timing while holding/reading the light. Most 5.0s are happy with 14* but some go as high as 16*. I personally run mine at 14* but i have mechanical advance so it's a little different. Some people also say you don't need to run 93 octane, but mine runs like crap on anything less.

 

[snakebite01]

Basically you start off in 1st, and just when you're ready to shift into 2nd, you slip it into 2nd and then immediately back into 1st. The trans will shift into 2nd but it'll hold in 2nd gear instead of going into 3rd/OD. Then when you're ready for 3rd you just shift it up into 2nd and it'll go into 3rd. It helps if you have an aftermarket shifter. (the B&M Hammer is a great AOD shifter).

As for timing, there's a plug that hangs off the distributor that has a little plastic plug that goes into it, that's called the spout plug. When you set the timing, you just hook the light to the battery and then clip the other wire onto the #1 spark plug wire, unplug the spout and start the car. Then aim the light at the balancer and read what the timing is. Then (either before you start the car or shut it off) you loosen the distributor bolt and adjust the timing while holding/reading the light. Most 5.0s are happy with 14* but some go as high as 16*. I personally run mine at 14* but i have mechanical advance so it's a little different. Some people also say you don't need to run 93 octane, but mine runs like crap on anything less.

Now i'm going out side and taking my car for a little spin to try that.. haha Thanks!!

how do you adjust the timing?? and what should i set mine to being that my car is almost stock minus exhaust and a msd 6al box?? i always run 93 octane in all my cars, it makes me feel better about myself.. lol

 

[snakebite01]

Basically you start off in 1st, and just when you're ready to shift into 2nd, you slip it into 2nd and then immediately back into 1st. The trans will shift into 2nd but it'll hold in 2nd gear instead of going into 3rd/OD. Then when you're ready for 3rd you just shift it up into 2nd and it'll go into 3rd. It helps if you have an aftermarket shifter. (the B&M Hammer is a great AOD shifter).

As for timing, there's a plug that hangs off the distributor that has a little plastic plug that goes into it, that's called the spout plug. When you set the timing, you just hook the light to the battery and then clip the other wire onto the #1 spark plug wire, unplug the spout and start the car. Then aim the light at the balancer and read what the timing is. Then (either before you start the car or shut it off) you loosen the distributor bolt and adjust the timing while holding/reading the light. Most 5.0s are happy with 14* but some go as high as 16*. I personally run mine at 14* but i have mechanical advance so it's a little different. Some people also say you don't need to run 93 octane, but mine runs like crap on anything less.

and the little plastic plug your reffering to is on the wire connected to the distributer??

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

and the little plastic plug your reffering to is on the wire connected to the distributer??

There should be a little harness hanging off the distributor, with a little box thing on the end of the harness where the spout is plugged into. That's how it is on my Merkur...to be honest it's been 9 years since i laid hands on an EFI engine so i may be missing something but i'm pretty sure they're all the same or similar. Someone wanna correct me on this?

Also i wouldn't be surprised if you drop a couple tenths doing the shift trick thing...if it's like most AODs and it jumps into 3rd or overdrive shortly after you shift into 2nd, then you're leaving a lot on the table.

 

[MY 85 GT]

Also i wouldn't be surprised if you drop a couple tenths doing the shift trick thing...if it's like most AODs and it jumps into 3rd or overdrive shortly after you shift into 2nd, then you're leaving a lot on the table

Thats why im getting the Lentech valve body to cure all the AOD blues....lol

 

[GTOreturns]

your drunk, who the hell wants a auto street car?

Me, a well built auto is a blast to drive! And it's the only way to race in bracket racing.

nah,, i forgot to mention that it's an automatic

A good high speed torque converter (With traction) will shave 7 tenths off that time. A few bolts and gears will get you into the 13's.

 

[MY 85 GT]

Me, a well built auto is a blast to drive! And it's the only way to race in bracket racing.



A good high speed torque converter (With traction) will shave 7 tenths off that time. A few bolts and gears will get you into the 13's.

That is my plan...mild torque convertor...A Lentech valve body...minor bolt ons.Nitto drag radials...And a nice 100-150 shot of juice..i should run in the 12's somewhere....lol....

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

I'd consider an auto if i ever built a nasty turbo car. I just think (and no disrespect intended) that a fast 5 speed shows more of how well a person can drive vs. the point and shoot driving with an automatic. I like a challenge, and i like to see how consistant i can be with a stick.

As for modding an auto, i personally would focus on building the engine first, then get a custom converter that matches my build, instead of possibly ending up needing a tighter or looser converter to match the engine.

 

[MY 85 GT]

As for modding an auto, i personally would focus on building the engine first, then get a custom converter that matches my build, instead of possibly ending up needing a tighter or looser converter to match the engine.

I agree with you on the torque convertor but i have no intentions of going into the motor unless i have to so a mild torque convertor should work ok for me..I have only 3.27's and thats what im keeping...im not trying to make this a 10 second stang..a high 12 second ok..lol...So i think with a few bolts ons good tires...lentech valve body and a 100-150 shot should get me close to were i want to be...

 

[25thmustang]

What sucks about that scenario is... in street form you have a 14 second car most likely, maybe high 13s, even though you have 12 second timeslips. Now granted if you have the bottle always in, always open, and always at the right temp sure its the 12 second car from the track, but what are the chances there?

Thats my useless .02 on this matter.

 

[MY 85 GT]

What sucks about that scenario is... in street form you have a 14 second car most likely, maybe high 13s, even though you have 12 second timeslips. Now granted if you have the bottle always in, always open, and always at the right temp sure its the 12 second car from the track, but what are the chances there?

Thats my useless .02 on this matter.

Good point...But i really dont street race...really only drive like 60-65 mph on the highway...LOL im getting old......I just like to know that the car can run in the 12's need be..plus its fun taking a mostly stock car and running decent times for cheap....Plus with the bolt ons and the Trans done the car should be fun on the street..No?

 

[MY 85 GT]

Good point...But i really dont street race...really only drive like 60-65 mph on the highway...LOL im getting old......I just like to know that the car can run in the 12's need be..plus its fun taking a mostly stock car and running decent times for cheap....Plus with the bolt ons and the Trans done the car should be fun on the street..No?

...This is really my DD so what it runs on a track is ok with me..and yes the bottle is in the car at all times its on when im driving i will have a bottle heater that shuts on and off at the desired PSI i set it for..so if i need to spray..lol..on the street it should be good to go....I hope....

 

[snakebite01]

Also i wouldn't be surprised if you drop a couple tenths doing the shift trick thing...if it's like most AODs and it jumps into 3rd or overdrive shortly after you shift into 2nd, then you're leaving a lot on the table

Thats why im getting the Lentech valve body to cure all the AOD blues....lol

I DID THE 1-2-1 SHUFFLE AND LOVE IT!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I NEVER KNEW ABOUT IT!!! IT'S ALMOST LIKE HAVING A MANUAL BUT WITH THE BEAUTY OF NO CLUTCH AND I CAN JUST PUT IT IN DRIVE AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SHIFTING!!!

Me, a well built auto is a blast to drive! And it's the only way to race in bracket racing.



A good high speed torque converter (With traction) will shave 7 tenths off that time. A few bolts and gears will get you into the 13's.

my plan is a nice valve body, and torque converter and i should be good for a while!!

I'd consider an auto if i ever built a nasty turbo car. I just think (and no disrespect intended) that a fast 5 speed shows more of how well a person can drive vs. the point and shoot driving with an automatic. I like a challenge, and i like to see how consistant i can be with a stick.

As for modding an auto, i personally would focus on building the engine first, then get a custom converter that matches my build, instead of possibly ending up needing a tighter or looser converter to match the engine.

my goal is a tt setup so the auto will be nice for boost

...This is really my DD so what it runs on a track is ok with me..and yes the bottle is in the car at all times its on when im driving i will have a bottle heater that shuts on and off at the desired PSI i set it for..so if i need to spray..lol..on the street it should be good to go....I hope....

i know what your saying lol this is my dd also..

 

[MY 85 GT]

I wouldnt do the AOD shuffle to much tho..it isnt good for the trans......Just get the Lentech valve body then you will have 1st..2nd and 3rd on the shifter then you have an electric switch to put it in and out of OD at will....thats wht im getting..The valve alone is a little over $500 dollars but i think its worth it!!!!!!

 

[25thmustang]

Good point...But i really dont street race...really only drive like 60-65 mph on the highway...LOL im getting old......I just like to know that the car can run in the 12's need be..plus its fun taking a mostly stock car and running decent times for cheap....Plus with the bolt ons and the Trans done the car should be fun on the street..No?

I don't street race myself either, but I have had both a low 14 second car in street trim, and a high 12 second car in street trim... Amazing the difference just when you want to have a little fun with noone around. I guess if you have the bottle on, armed and ready for anytime you want to have fun it's nice...

I used to do the AOD shuffle, and the tranny never went (120K mile tranny with a converter) but thats not to say it doesn't do any internal damage.

 

[MY 85 GT]

I don't street race myself either, but I have had both a low 14 second car in street trim, and a high 12 second car in street trim... Amazing the difference just when you want to have a little fun with noone around. I guess if you have the bottle on, armed and ready for anytime you want to have fun it's nice...

I used to do the AOD shuffle, and the tranny never went (120K mile tranny with a converter) but thats not to say it doesn't do any internal damage.

Yeah i heard that is isnt too good for the trans...My trans shifts nice so i will wait until i get the Lentech valve body...And yeah when i have a bottle in my car its always ready...lol......In every car i had or have they were always full and up to PSI and ready to go...just in case......with todays stuff its easy to get everything ready while driving on the street...they have bottle openers..heaters that are PSI controlled..its nice what they came out with over the yrs...My friend did alot of street racing when we were younger he used to have his bottle in a gym Bag in the back seat no one was the wiser...he had everything hiden under the hood..so if you looked you wouldnt even knew it had a bottle that was funny....

 

[snakebite01]

I wouldnt do the AOD shuffle to much tho..it isnt good for the trans......Just get the Lentech valve body then you will have 1st..2nd and 3rd on the shifter then you have an electric switch to put it in and out of OD at will....thats wht im getting..The valve alone is a little over $500 dollars but i think its worth it!!!!!!

i didn't know that. so when you buy a lentech valve body it comes with a switch to put it into OD? and when i shift the car i can actually go 1,2,3??

 

[snakebite01]

Yeah i heard that is isnt too good for the trans...My trans shifts nice so i will wait until i get the Lentech valve body...And yeah when i have a bottle in my car its always ready...lol......In every car i had or have they were always full and up to PSI and ready to go...just in case......with todays stuff its easy to get everything ready while driving on the street...they have bottle openers..heaters that are PSI controlled..its nice what they came out with over the yrs...My friend did alot of street racing when we were younger he used to have his bottle in a gym Bag in the back seat no one was the wiser...he had everything hiden under the hood..so if you looked you wouldnt even knew it had a bottle that was funny....

that's hilarious.. that's the reason why i don't race for pinks, or a lot of money.. not until i have a 10sec car than i will consider it. haha

 

[MY 85 GT]

i didn't know that. so when you buy a lentech valve body it comes with a switch to put it into OD? and when i shift the car i can actually go 1,2,3??

Yep its like making it an AODE that the newer fords have, you have control of all 3 shifts..1 stays 1st D becomes 2nd gear...OD becomes 3rd...and you have a switch...to put it in OD in and out...when you go to the track...just shut the switch off so it wont go into OD the shop i use is going to be putting one in for me soon..probbaly after i get my taxes back...hehe....