New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Topic: New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird (Read 2633 times) previous topic - next topic

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #15 – May 03, 2010, 03:44:33 PM

Thanks,

I have coil overs so I can adjust the height if I need to. I got the Team Z Anti Roll Bar today and I also ordered a manual rack. Once I get these two items on I can take it in for a front end alignment and see what they have to say about the front end height.

Next time I can go to the track is May 28th so all have to be done by then.

TED

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #16 – May 03, 2010, 10:03:50 PM

Ted,

Don't know how much you picked Dave's brain on setting up the rest of your suspension. But you may ask him what might be the best height to set up the front & rear.

He often recommends 12" springs for coil overs, but that Caddy motor and the heavier weight of the bird may require a 14".

A dropped nose may require a bump steer kit. You'll know by wacked angle of the tie rods to the steering rack (I know, more money...).

To give an idea of how low my car sits: the front tires are about 1/4 inside the upper edge of the fender.

Are the folks at the alignment shop familiar with setting up drag alignment specs? They're a bit different from factory settings.

I had a friend do mine (who works as a line tech at a dealership) and I had to work with him on how to fool a new computerized rack to get the settings I wanted. It took him a while to sort out dealing with caster/camber plates too. Standard vehicles don't have much adjustability.

Though you may be familiar, be sure the car is at race weight (either with you in the seat or a comparible weight) and tire pressures you run at the track when the alignment is completed.

Sorry if I'm being redundant or preaching to the choir.

Glad you've been getting you're stuff from Dave. He's a wealth of information and willing to share.

With his set up and a mild 306, I've dropped from 1.66's to consistant 1.55's and I haven't planted the tires hard yet. If the track is biting Wednesday, I'll crank up the RPM and see how hard it can launch.

Mark

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #17 – May 03, 2010, 10:05:16 PM

u have time. lol. Our races got rained out last weekend but we have test and tune every friday for twenty bucks. that includes any grudge matches or anything....

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #18 – May 03, 2010, 11:06:58 PM

I have the bump steer kit and it was necessary, I used every spacer in the kit plus a couple to get it right. The front end guy I'm taking it to is suppose to be the best in the area for race car suspension and was recommended by many other racers. They say he really enjoys it to get away from the day to day jobs. He also does big trucks and buses so he must have some experience with all kinds of alignments.

Dave recommended the 12 inch springs at 200 pounds when I ordered the kit. I think the 14 inch were only lighter ones? I don't know if I ever will see 1.55 but I was at 1.66 last time so I'm getting closer. I'm sure I will be lower with the NOS and more power. My 3.55 gears may be holding me back a little in the 60' area but I need them to cross the line under 6k.

My next goal is to just see air under both front tires.

Portland has Test n Tune most every Friday and Saturday night from 6-11pm, the cost is $25. The track fees are the cheapest cost I have, I spend 4 times that is gas.

TED

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #19 – May 04, 2010, 01:06:22 AM

Hey, you'll have to let me know when/if you are coming down next, I might even have the 5-Speed in the Bird, and be able to meet you there! I usually go to Woodburn, so it'll be interesting to see the PIR track.

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #20 – May 04, 2010, 08:57:26 PM

Quote from: jrad235;320626

Hey, you'll have to let me know when/if you are coming down next, I might even have the 5-Speed in the Bird, and be able to meet you there! I usually go to Woodburn, so it'll be interesting to see the PIR track.

Will not be able to make it down there again till the 28th or 29th.

Would love to see you there I think you would like PIR. I have never been to Woodburn and I have been told it is a very nice track also.

TED

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #21 – May 04, 2010, 10:00:44 PM

Quote from: Cad-T-Bird 500;320625

I have the bump steer kit and it was necessary, I used every spacer in the kit plus a couple to get it right. The front end guy I'm taking it to is suppose to be the best in the area for race car suspension and was recommended by many other racers. They say he really enjoys it to get away from the day to day jobs. He also does big trucks and buses so he must have some experience with all kinds of alignments.

Dave recommended the 12 inch springs at 200 pounds when I ordered the kit. I think the 14 inch were only lighter ones? I don't know if I ever will see 1.55 but I was at 1.66 last time so I'm getting closer. I'm sure I will be lower with the NOS and more power. My 3.55 gears may be holding me back a little in the 60' area but I need them to cross the line under 6k.

My next goal is to just see air under both front tires.

TED

Ted,

It's great to hear you have someone with drag car alignment experience, it'll make life so much easier!

I'm not sure of the spring rate on the 12" one's I have, but they do offer a greater range of adjustability on the ride height.

A 3.55 gear may hurt, but the extra 200 cubic inches makes for instant torque!

I don't think there should be much problem getting air under the tires. It may take work to get the right combination dialed in N/A, but the NOS should bring out the daylight.

Hope you're able to get a lot of runs in at the end of the month and get it dialed in!

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #22 – May 27, 2010, 09:24:48 PM

Hey CadTbird, any plans this weekend? Not sure I'll be up to making a run as I haven't installed the transmission, but I can at least show up, and maybe Seek could show up too!

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #23 – May 27, 2010, 10:01:56 PM

I sure want to and the weather is looking up. The only problem is that I have some relatives coming tomorrow to stay with us for the week. I'm really leaning on just telling them I'm going and if they want to come to it would be great. If they don't than that's great also. I would go Saturday night.

TED

New Front MT Tires for the Cad-T-Bird

Reply #24 – May 29, 2010, 03:05:32 PM

Well they played a guilt trip on me and I will not be able to go tonight. So I will be down at Portland for sure in two weeks.

Sorry you guys for the no-show.

I'm all ready to go. I put on the anti-roll bar kit and also a manual rack to lighten it up a little more in the front. I really want to go and try it again.

TED