Topics

16

Front Engine Dragsters / How to properly launch a FED?

« on: June 01, 2014, 11:30:49 AM »

What is the best way to launch a FED?
I have an FED, old 60s Jr Fuel, that I'm racing with just for fun. My problem is that the FED tends to pull to the right (most of the times) when I let it go from the transbrake. I have tried some different launch rpms and different tire pressues with out finding something that I think works good enough.
I have a long distance to the nearest dragway so I get perhaps 10-15 passes a year. So it takes time to figure it all out by my self. So if any of you have any ideas I would really appreciate it.
The FED has 150" WB.
350" SBC, alcy injected
PG with transbrake
Chrysler 8-3/4" - 4.11 rear ratio
M&H Racemaster 12" x 33" x 15"

Once I get up to speed the car is stable.

Am I perhaps launching it to "gentle" so that the slicks hock up to soon/hard? Can I get this problem then?

How do you launch your FEDs?

17

Matt Shaff's Engine Shop / Piston ring end gap

« on: May 11, 2014, 02:03:28 AM »

I'm just about to adjust the piston ring end gap of my new rings and a question came up..
I have and old FED with a 350" SBC. The engine is alcohol injected with a Enderle stack injection. The bore is 4.00" and it has forged Arias pistons.
The block is half filled with blockfiller and there is water in that part of the block that is left and in the heads. No water pump or radiator. E.g. not a normal working cooling system.
I have also had some plans on skipping the water which causes lots of extra work filling and draining.

I have got some new gapless top rings from Total Seal.
They recommend:
Top = 0.026"
2nd = 0.022"
But this is most likely for regular engines with a working cooling system that will keep the engine at a more constant temperature.

Will that fact that I run my engine with out a working cooling system affect the piston ring end gap?
Is it a good or bad idea to increase the end gap just to make sure the rings will not butt due to heat?
I have also read that the gap of the 2nd ring should be larger that the top ring gap. In this case the top ring is gapless so I suppose there will not be any pressure building up between the rings?

Are there any rule of thumb or best practices regarding the piston ring end gap on this type of engines?