FrontEngineDragsters.Org Forum

Technical => Matt Shaff's Engine Shop => Topic started by: 14DRT on October 30, 2014, 05:17:01 PM

Title: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 14DRT on October 30, 2014, 05:17:01 PM
My set-up is a 1240 # FED, 358 Chv 14.2:1 comp -8 Alum Hds Inj Alcohol.
Would like to run Zoomies but I know there is more to it than just bolting a set on.
Have done some research but really cannot find the whole story.
The big question .....
When are Zoomies better or equal to collector headers ?
What should be done to the engine set-up to properly run Zoomies ?
Is there a better cam profile for Zoomies ?

Obviously the cool factor is High ! But if it's a performance reduction for my set-up then I'm staying with collector headers (for now)
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: dreracecar on October 30, 2014, 06:12:10 PM
Some classes specify "No collector headers"
Some tracks require mufflers, hard to do with zoomies
Balence the weight difference between the two and power advange evens out
Whose to say that an off the shelf set of C-H is right for your combination
Zoomies work better for blown application
The only set-up is to make a set of covers to keep rocks from gitting into the exhaust ports
Cams dont care if you run zoomies or not. If they did, every cam maker would have cams listed for zoomies
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: Nightmare AA/FA on October 30, 2014, 09:18:30 PM
Zoomies just look bitchin too.....
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on October 31, 2014, 02:43:13 AM
In our little organization mechanical fuel injection and zoomies are encouraged. Most of our cars run both. In my opinion,collector headers and/or carb/scoop combinations don't fit a "Nostalgia" build. There are advantages to the zoomies . Give them a try.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: masracingtd1167 on October 31, 2014, 02:56:12 PM
I have run them both and would have to say that in an injected small block like yours that the collector header is going to be quicker .I have never done an A to B to A test so I cant say for sure witch one is better but I have always run quicker with the collector!Running collector headers is really nothing new. we ran them back in the 70's on my dragster . If you decide to build or buy a set of zoomies there is a member on here Teds Fabrication who can bend you some nice tubes . Don't go crazy on your tube size 1 7/8 to 2 inch should be good . Bill 
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: BK on October 31, 2014, 04:23:50 PM
When I made the change on mine from zoomie to collector style. Performance was basically identical. It was late in the year so the reduction in et might have been the weather. Just a 100th or 2 quicker. The big difference was in the noise level. It was a lot quieter driving with the collector style. Also people didn't plug their ears during the burnout with the outlet down low.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: dreracecar on October 31, 2014, 05:29:41 PM
or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: ricardo1967 on October 31, 2014, 07:39:12 PM
or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads

Nice looking zoomies Bruce. Price isn't bad either.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 01, 2014, 04:34:52 AM
Noise level is part of the show with our program. Our Nostalgia program is drawing spectators to the track. Our group ran 5 races at Central Illinois Dragway in 2014 and at every race the paid spectator count rose by the hundreds. The September Nostalgia race had 2000+ .

As for upswept headers ,IMO they ruin the looks of a FED. The down pointing collectors make a mess of everything around the car , especially at our track where sand can be a problem. George

This link should get you a FB pix of some of our racers: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaquickseries/photos/a.233855250140375.1073741828.233850123474221/285586724967227/?type=1&theater
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: GlennLever on November 01, 2014, 07:34:37 AM
Noise level is part of the show with our program. Our Nostalgia program is drawing spectators to the track. Our group ran 5 races at Central Illinois Dragway in 2014 and at every race the paid spectator count rose by the hundreds. The September Nostalgia race had 2000+ .

As for upswept headers ,IMO they ruin the looks of a FED. The down pointing collectors make a mess of everything around the car , especially at our track where sand can be a problem. George

This link should get you a FB pix of some of our racers: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaquickseries/photos/a.233855250140375.1073741828.233850123474221/285586724967227/?type=1&theater

How about a nice set of weed burners?
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 01, 2014, 07:41:11 AM
The design could help keep the track clean.  :)
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 14DRT on November 01, 2014, 08:32:59 AM
or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads

Dreracecar ...... Would be very interested in the headers . Please give me a call 619-251-8766 or 909-393-4222 thank you.

Thanks everyone for your input, it's very much appreciated ......... I'm going the full nostalgia look !
Yes, hand brake too !
Keith
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 30dodgeboy on November 02, 2014, 01:15:44 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: wideopen231 on November 02, 2014, 02:03:47 PM
Is it not against the law to run anything other than zoomies on a FED? If not it should be.

As for the nosie level thats a bonus. If you want piece and quite go to a library. If you want smoke and ground pounding noise head to dragstrip.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: GlennLever on November 02, 2014, 02:08:31 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

(http://www.frontenginedragsters.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1345.0;attach=3806;image)

In order for them to be weed burners, don't they have to point to the ground?
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 30dodgeboy on November 02, 2014, 02:17:16 PM
In order for them to be weed burners, don't they have to point to the ground?

they do at times  ;)
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 30dodgeboy on November 02, 2014, 02:18:01 PM
Is it not against the law to run anything other than zoomies on a FED? If not it should be.

As for the nosie level thats a bonus. If you want piece and quite go to a library. If you want smoke and ground pounding noise head to dragstrip.

Right on!
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 02, 2014, 05:01:42 PM
Look like leg burners.  :o
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 02, 2014, 05:08:05 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: GlennLever on November 02, 2014, 05:13:16 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?

NO!

I run the NDRL series and a couple of local races as well,

Two years ago I was out at the local track almost weekly.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 02, 2014, 05:42:06 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?

NO!



I run the NDRL series and a couple of local races as well,

Two years ago I was out at the local track almost weekly.



Glen, I'm referring to the Hemi car.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: GlennLever on November 02, 2014, 08:29:49 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?

NO!



I run the NDRL series and a couple of local races as well,

Two years ago I was out at the local track almost weekly.



Glen, I'm referring to the Hemi car.

Silly me sorry
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: 14DRT on November 03, 2014, 09:07:38 AM
Thanks for the Zoomies Bruce, They look great .......... Now for some Wire Spoke fronts & Slotted rears !
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on November 03, 2014, 10:23:06 AM
The input I have heard is when burning alky, there is no improvement running collectors. I would suggest 1 5/8", again no improvement in length , mine are only 12" from head to tip.  Zoomies make less power when burning gasoline. Problem is finding a dyno that can test with zoomies. Because of noise and alky fumes, you would have to find a dyno that can test outside, but you'll still have a noise issue.
Zoomies are the rule with NHRA Heritage Jr Fuel, and they sound Great !  If the pipes are aimed more back then upright you'll get some forward reaction. More upright for more down pressure if you have some mid-track traction issues.

Of course,  call me 800-624-3803 about front wire spokes, I'm sure I can come-up with something to fit your budget.

Jon
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: GlennLever on November 03, 2014, 05:13:05 PM
I thought it was no improvement when running a blower?
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: Pipe Dreams on November 03, 2014, 06:18:26 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?
[/quote

No, it's not a cackle car. Seen it this yr at the meltdown drags.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: George on November 03, 2014, 06:57:01 PM
I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

Is this a Cackle car ?
[/quote

No, it's not a cackle car. Seen it this yr at the meltdown drags.

OK. I'll not comment further as this thread is on exhaust design and not chassis.
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: fuel749 on November 12, 2014, 05:35:12 AM
My set-up is a 1240 # FED

1240# with driver?
Title: Re: Zoomies or not ?
Post by: janjon on March 02, 2015, 04:47:26 PM
The zoomies that Bruce posted the pic of absolutely NAIL what I think they should like. I have seen some designs that look positively goofy to me, just my opinion.