[Patrick]

Ok... there is going to be another underground salt flat event this year at the Bonneville Salt flats. For the Vette Dogs that went the first time, this is our "Return to the Salt".

The DC Z topped out at 177.25 mph (GPS data logged) from what appeared to be the car bouncing off the rev limiter in 5th gear. I would like to hit 200 mph.

I felt the car could go faster, just no more gear.

So, it's been debated about whether to put in a taller gear (2.7x) to make 5th go longer... or a shorter gear (4.1X) to make 6th gear usable.

I'd like to re-open the debate, as I'm getting near decision time.

Whatever route we end up going, this rear gear is just temporary, a taller or shorter gear is not going to help me in events after the salt flats and will go back to the stock gear.

I am thinking of keeping the car at 393 RWHP but spraying nitrous at the top end if the car runs out of power in the 190 mph range.

That'll put me at about 612 fly-wheel HP when spraying and I can't imagine not hitting 200 mph if the gearing was there.

1. Thoughts on top-speed gearing issue?
2. Thoughts/considerations on spraying nitrous at 190 mph?

:thumbsup:

 

[sheriffd2]

Looking forward to this discussion and what ideas some tech gurus can lend. That car was screaming "I-want-to-go-200", you could just feel it was possible, but like you said, there was just a mechanical/gearing limit there. I believe you're right that the power is at least very close to there, (certainly should be with spray) just need to get it ALL to the ground, which could be tough.

By the way I'm looking for 205, in the true spirit of the adventure, not just hit the goal, let's crush it. I can't WAIT!:devil:

 

[iburke]

I would go with the shorter gears to make 6th usable all you have to do is the math and you will be on the way.

As far as spraying at 190mph on the salt I would have to say no. Factors to consider will be what happens to your traction with an instantaneous jump in horse power at that speed. That salt is not the best traction surface in the world. I would say if you need more horse power that a Maggie would be the way to go. Its controllable and can be brought on gradualy...

Just my 2 cents...

 

[49865]

If you really want to use spray at 190mph I would recommend using the shorter gear to make 6th gear usable. Here is the reason why.... If you make 5th gear longer that means when you are at your very fastest speed you will be near the 6500rpm range again. If you make 6th usable, at your fastest speed I would suspect you won't be anywhere near 6500rpm. I would say that you will have a much less likely chance of spinning the tires at 190mph if your car is lower in the rpm range rather than all the way up at 6000rpm. Also, lets say that you make it all the way 195mph with the longer 5th gear, if you hit the spray, you don't have any rpm's left to use it with. If you are using 6th gear then you have a lot of rpm left to spray with and in my opinion I would say that is much safer! I would much rather hit the spray at 4 or 5000rpm then 6 or 7000!!! I really would LOVE to see you hit the spray going that fast.....but I would rather you didn't spin the tires going that fast hitting the spray at 6000rpm!!!

 

[Dan85Vette]

I spoke with Al about ideas for the elusive 200mph the other week, his brain was all over it! I'm sure he'll post some suggestions later.

From running with you at One Lap... I'd first suggest taking your bags and equipment out of the trunk. At least attach the flares to rear bumper or something.