• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

How to get in the 8's??

  • Thread starter Thread starter blackstanger95
  • Start date Start date Sep 16, 2007
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
B

blackstanger95

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
31
0
0
Sep 16, 2007
#1
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #1
Went to the track last night. It's an 1/8th mile track. I ran an 9.6 at 76mph.
Here are my mods:
3.73 gears
Mac O/R H
Short Throw shifter Steeda
Mac Cold air kit
Mac Underdrive pulleys
Flowmasters with turndowns

By the way my car is a convertible. So I know its a little heavier than a coupe. Will the Hollysytemax intake and 70mm Throttle body help me with the mods I have? What else can I do to it to get in the 8's?
 

Stanger007

Founding Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,015
2
46
Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 16, 2007
#2
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #2
For everyone else's reference, a 8.99 sec 1/8mi run is about 14.0

Some decent tires will make a world of difference.

Nitto 275s if you don't want to break anything. Pull a 1.90 60ft and you will practically be in the 8s. (gained 60ft time is usually doubled at the end of the 1/4mi, not sure how it pans out in the 1/8)

I liked pull the Cobra intake gave my car up top.

Loose some weight (spare tire, 25lb weight in fender, dogbone, 1/4 tank gas).

Apart from that, the biggest thing is practice with the stick.

With the things above I see a 8 sec run happening.

On a non-speed note, having some subframe connectors will really make the car feel much better and some Cobra brakes and 13" rotors really stops it well.

My car's an auto (3680lb with me and 1/4 tank) and it took 4.10s, longtubes, exhaust, cai, underdrives and cobra intake, Nittos (1.92 60) to get 14.03.

My "stock" run was a 15.3 with having a K&N filter and underdrives and a 2.3 60ft.

If you really want to make it move for about $3,000 with EVERYTHING, look into a lightly used Vortech S-trim or a Trickflow H/C/I kit and get ready to be running low, low 8s.

Good luck with it man,
Wes
 

rj95svt

Member
Jan 11, 2007
422
0
16
Hayden, AL
Sep 16, 2007
#3
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #3
Wes is dead on as usual with what he said. What I'm seeing from your time info you could get a 9.30 or 9.40 with just some practice and powershifting. I have run a 9.07 at 77.8 with a 2.02 60 ft. in my cobra. My mods are in my sig. My car has better heads and intake from the factory I know but it won't be hard to get your car running these times. I think a intake swap and some drag radials and a little practice will get you close.

I'm not sure that the holley will be the best intake for your current combo. In fact you might be slower with it. It'll make more power up top but you'll lose alot of low end torque. It's a good intake and makes great power in the higher rpm's. The stock heads won't flow good enough to take advantage of the flow potential of that intake. If you swap heads and cam later on it won't be bad at all but it will be a little softer in the lower rpm's than some other intakes unless you build a stroker or put a supercharger on it. With stock heads I would pick a edelbrock performer or a used cobra intake. Those intakes will be best with the stock heads and work pretty well with aftermarket ones also but don't have the top end pull of the holley. There are several people running performers on 300+rwhp combos.

I'm not trying to talk you out of the holley but unless you plan doing heads and cam later it won't be optimum.
 
B

blackstanger95

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
31
0
0
Sep 16, 2007
#4
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #4
Thanks for the replies guys. Your info is very helpful. I really do like the Holly intake but if it doesn't help me lower my times than I don't want it. I guess I'll look around for a Cobra or an Edelbrock intake. Should I go with a 70mm TB or what size? What else do you recommend to lower my times?
 

Stanger007

Founding Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,015
2
46
Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 16, 2007
#5
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #5
I'd keep the stock throttlebody until you have some aftermarket heads - you might gain a little horsepower from swapping, but not much for what you would pay.

Wes
 
B

blackstanger95

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
31
0
0
Sep 16, 2007
#6
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #6
Thanks a lot Wes. What do you recommend I should do next to get to my goal faster?
 
B

blackstanger95

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
31
0
0
Sep 16, 2007
#7
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #7
Should I gain anything if I put a short belt over underdrive pulleys?
 
S

sage2k

Member
May 23, 2005
645
0
16
Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 16, 2007
#8
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #8
If you wanna take small steps, Id say your next mod should be sticky tires
then an intake manifold
 

reddy351

10 Year Member
Jun 13, 2006
559
12
38
Columbus, Ohio
Sep 16, 2007
#9
  • Sep 16, 2007
  • #9
And work on this: "best 60ft:2.15" (from your sig. )

If you can consistantly hit the 1.90 that these other guys are hitting, you'll only need to pull .40 sec out of it, mechanically.
 
Z

zZsKyZz

Member
Dec 1, 2005
503
0
17
Sep 17, 2007
#10
  • Sep 17, 2007
  • #10
Bump up the timing
 

JJ95GTID

Active Member
Sep 22, 2003
1,141
4
49
Phoenix, AZ
Sep 17, 2007
#11
  • Sep 17, 2007
  • #11
:OT:

I used to love to watch the junior dragsters.
Those kids only run the 1/8th mile and most do it in under 9.0s.
Then I realized I couldn't run that quick in my car
That was when my car was stock.
Now is a different story though

Back to topic
 

kck6894

Advanced Member
Mar 18, 2004
0
0
66
Paradise
Sep 17, 2007
#12
  • Sep 17, 2007
  • #12
My car was running 9.0-8.9's when I first got it. I had a CAI, Equal length shorties, x-pipe, 3.73's, dumped flo's, 26x10.5 slicks, and a pinion snubber. I was actually running on a GT engine with my cobra intake. That also included a speaker box that housed a pair of 10" subs.

I think with a good set of tires and some traction the 8's are within reach. Practice, practice, practice!!
 

Black95GTS

Active Member
Jan 8, 2004
1,644
3
38
Marlborough, MA
Sep 18, 2007
#13
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #13
I think using any kind of "sticky" tires with a stock differential and stock axles is a recipe for disaster. I say this because I bent an axle with only Nitto Drag Radials.

What RPM are you crossing the line at? What gear are you in? If you're serious about the 1/8th mile then you need more gear. Like 4.10s or 4.30s.

An intake manifold is a big improvement but I wouldn't get the Holley unless you plan on a new hood; they don't fit under the stocker. I think if you got it tuned (mostly to eliminate the shift retard) and put an Eddie Performer / TFS Street Heat in you'd be there. And you have to get some full length subframe connectors, especially on a convertible.

Adam
 

mustang6tee8

Member
Jul 19, 2005
375
0
17
College Station, TX
Sep 18, 2007
#14
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #14
You don't need to worry about stuff like short belt and intakes and throttle bodies- they won't help as much as DR's, weight reduction, and icing down the intake between runs, or... learning how to get your 60ft down w/o mods.

13" cobra brakes (although great for slowing down after the race) only add weight to the front end. Just get some better pads instead. You'll need less weight on the front end for good weight transfer when you launch. Removing the front sway bar helps in that area too.

Aftermarket lower control arms are probably the best suspension mod you can do, without spending too much. They help to eliminate wheel hop when launchin and also improve handling. They also make tubular upper control arms, but if you're using drag radials, don't get aftermarket UCA's- you will most likely break something. Jegs makes the tubular style lowers for $160pr.


Just so you know- my best run with 3.73s, 14* timing, 1/2 tank gas, MGW shifter, 1.5" lowering springs, tubular LCAs/UCAs, CAI, o/r H, catback was a 9.49 1/8 @ 76mph with a 2.09 60ft. So, you're already doing better than me!

Good luck!!
 

Stanger007

Founding Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,015
2
46
Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 18, 2007
#15
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #15
blackstanger95 said:
Thanks a lot Wes. What do you recommend I should do next to get to my goal faster?
Click to expand...

I'd keep it simple and get some drag radials and some practice - that'll give you more than enough to work with for a while. While you are getting the hang of how to launch the car the best, keep reading StangNet to see what other people are doing and what works and does not work.

I was kinda iffy on buying a drag tire at first since I drive my car every day... now that I have them, I doubt I ever run a normal street radial on the back again. The Nittos don't wear down nearly as fast as I thought (I'll get 15,000 from them I bet) and the added traction is really nice on the street.

Wes

EDIT: I got my 275 Nittos for $150 apiece off the Internet and had them mounted locally for $12 apiece. If you are more serious about drag racing and want a tire just for the track, look at the Mickey Thompsons and BFGs - these can be hard on the tranny and rearend but they will stick MUCH better at the track. The Nittos should spin (hopefully) before anything breaks.

To get some more specific responses from everyone:
How serious are you about having a drag car?
Do you want to put a lot of money into it?
Is your car (like mine) mostly a street car that sees occasional dragstrip time?
 

Black95GTS

Active Member
Jan 8, 2004
1,644
3
38
Marlborough, MA
Sep 18, 2007
#16
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #16
mustang6tee8 said:
You don't need to worry about stuff like short belt and intakes and throttle bodies- they won't help as much as DR's, weight reduction, and icing down the intake between runs, or... learning how to get your 60ft down w/o mods.
Click to expand...

Icing down the intake helps more then a new intake manifold or freeing up about 20 horse with a short belt?

To everyone here... I think drag radials are important too, but does everyone think he's really putting down enough power where he needs them? Just air down the rears to 20-25 PSI, give them a quick roasting, and make sure the fronts are correct. I don't think you need to start dropping 800-1000 on tires when a couple hundred spent wisely will get you where you want to be.

Adam
 

mustang6tee8

Member
Jul 19, 2005
375
0
17
College Station, TX
Sep 18, 2007
#17
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #17
Black95GTS said:
Icing down the intake helps more then a new intake manifold or freeing up about 20 horse with a short belt?

To everyone here... I think drag radials are important too, but does everyone think he's really putting down enough power where he needs them? Just air down the rears to 20-25 PSI, give them a quick roasting, and make sure the fronts are correct. I don't think you need to start dropping 800-1000 on tires when a couple hundred spent wisely will get you where you want to be.

Adam
Click to expand...

you got me...i dont know what i was trying to say.

my advice is sometimes jarbled

 

Stanger007

Founding Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,015
2
46
Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 18, 2007
#18
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #18
Hehe as you can see, lot of opinions on what works good and what works better. Some of it is like Ford vs Chevy - different ways to skin a cat. :-D

Above all, practice is gonna get you the best gain for the least amount of cash outlay.

Wes
 

mustang6tee8

Member
Jul 19, 2005
375
0
17
College Station, TX
Sep 18, 2007
#19
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #19
Stanger007 said:
Above all, practice is gonna get you the best gain for the least amount of cash outlay.

Wes
Click to expand...

Yes, and ice is very cheap. ahem..adam
 
B

blackstanger95

New Member
Aug 9, 2004
31
0
0
Sep 18, 2007
#20
  • Sep 18, 2007
  • #20
Well I just want my car to do 8's in the eight. It's my daily driver and occasionally sees the track, but would be nice if I could run a little faster. I don't understand why people say short belt don't do anything for you. I know my best is a 9.6 with the full lenght belt on but with a short belt I usually run low 9.5's. I have Mac Underdrive pulleys but the thing is I forgot the length of the belt I was using. Does anybody knows what lenght that would be? The reason I wanted an intake is because up top it don't have any pull and would like a little more. I really don't want more gear, its already hard to take off with 3.73's. So that's out the question. I guess I am going to get Nitto drag tires. I just wanted more power I know I'll run faster with tires but I actually want more power.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Progress Thread Progress Thread- From6to8's 1994 Cobra Supercharger install
  • from6to8
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 20 21 22
Replies
420
Views
9K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 6, 2026
from6to8
New to me 98 Cobra
  • bird_dog0347
  • Feb 25, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
1K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 24, 2026
FastDriver
Progress Thread "Alter Ego" White 1993 LX 5.0 5spd
  • idareu
  • Sep 9, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
42
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 19, 2025
idareu
For Sale 3-owner 1987 Mustang GT, $18K obro, Lancaster CA
  • Bill Cool
  • Oct 6, 2024
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
4
Views
2K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Oct 13, 2024
nickyb
A
Fox Planning on building my foxbody and was wondering if I can get any tips or anything to watch out for!
  • Angelq1028
  • Oct 31, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2 3 4
Replies
76
Views
5K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 29, 2025
Robman8028
R
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?