Top Fuel / Funny Car ...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

* One dragster's 500-inch Hemi makes more horsepower then the first 8 rows at Daytona.

* Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1 1/2 gallons of nitro per second, the same rate of fuel consumption as a fully loaded 747 but with 4 times the energy volume.

* The supercharger takes more power to drive than a stock hemi makes.

* Even with nearly 3000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into nearly-solid form before ignition. Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock.

* Dual magnetos apply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder.

* At stoichiometric (exact) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture (for nitro), the flame front of nitromethane measures 7050°F.

* Nitromethane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases.

* Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After 1/2 way, the engine is dieseling from compression-plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1400°F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting off its fuel flow.

* If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in those cylinders and then explodes with a force that can blow cylinder heads off the block in pieces or blow the block in half.

* Dragsters twist the crank (torsionally) so far (20 degrees in the big end of the track) that sometimes cam lobes are ground offset from front to rear to re-phase the valve timing somewhere closer to synchronization with the pistons.

* To exceed 300mph in 4.5 seconds dragsters must accelerate at an average of over 4G's. But in reaching 200 mph well before 1/2 track, launch acceleration is closer to 8G's.

* If all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs $1000 per second.

* Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have read this sentence.

Did you know …

… that the nitromethane-powered engines of NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars produce approximately 7,000 horsepower?

… that one cylinder of the eight cylinders of a Top Fuel dragster or a Funny Car produces 750 horsepower, equaling the entire horsepower output of a NASCAR engine?

… that the gasoline-powered engines of NHRA Pro Stock cars produce about 1,200 horsepower?

… that an NHRA Top Fuel dragster accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in less than .8-second?

… that an NHRA Top Fuel dragster leaves the starting line with at nearly 5g?

… that an NHRA Funny Car is slowed by a reverse force more than seven times that of gravity when both parachutes deploy simultaneously?

… that NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars consume between four and five gallons of fuel during a quarter-mile run, which is equivalent to between 16 and 20 gallons per mile?

… that NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars use between 10 and 12 gallons of fuel for a complete pass, including the burnout, backup to the starting line, and quarter-mile run?

… that NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars travel more than four hundred yards in less than five seconds?

… that NHRA Top Fuel dragsters can exceed 280 mph in just 660 feet?

… that from a standing start, NHRA Top Fuel dragsters accelerate faster than a jumbo jet, a fighter jet, and a Formula One race car?

… that a fuel pump for an NHRA Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car delivers 65 gallons of fuel per minute?

… that the fuel-line pressure for NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars is between 400 and 500 pounds, about 20 times greater than the pressure on passenger-car fuel pumps?

… that depending on size and angle, the large rear wing on an NHRA Top Fuel dragster develops between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds of downforce?

… that the 17-inch rear tires used on NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars wear out after four to six runs, or about two miles?

… that it takes just 15/100ths of a second for all 7,000 horsepower of an NHRA Top Fuel dragster engine to reach the rear wheels?

… that it's desirable for an NHRA Top Fuel dragster to race with its front wheels inches off the ground for about the first 200 feet of the run? This ensures proper weight transfer to the rear wheels, a crucial part of a good launch and quick run.

… that the nitromethane used to power the engines of NHRA Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars costs about $30 per gallon?

[MP]

How much power (hp) do they put out?  8 rows is 16 cars.  Evan at 600hp per car, that is 9600hp.  A drag car puts out MORE than 9600 hp?  20hp per cu inch?
WOW

MP

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

How much power (hp) do they put out?  8 rows is 16 cars.  Evan at 600hp per car, that is 9600hp.  A drag car puts out MORE than 9600 hp?  20hp per cu inch?
WOW

MP

Hit a few Google sites and most claim almost 1000 horsepower per cylinder...Here's more info...I'd love to take a ride in one 

http://www.motortrend.com/features/112_0502_top_fuel_numbers/index.html

[Bob E.]

How much power (hp) do they put out?  8 rows is 16 cars.  Evan at 600hp per car, that is 9600hp.  A drag car puts out MORE than 9600 hp?  20hp per cu inch?
WOW

MP

At Daytona with restrictor plates, I think the Cup cars only make about 400-450 HP??  The math becomes a little better with those numbers...but either way, those NHRA Nitro cars are impressive.  I went to a NHRA event a few years ago and when those cars launch, it is like nothing else.  The noise is incredible and the ground shakes even in the grandstands.  AWESOME!!!!!  Another fact I read while at a NHRA event is that the Pro Stock operations, even though they are not nearly as fast, are much more expensive than the nitro cars.

[f-Stop]

Years ago I ran camera for the Speed Channel at the Drag Boat races in Marble Falls, TX.  They run the same motors as the cars.  
One year I was stationed on a platform barge at the starting line and the barge captain would bring me to within a few feet of the boats for the start of each run.  I was wearing earplugs with over ear protection on top, but when those Top Fuel boats would run it was still loud!  The concussion from the engine would knock the wind out of me and completely blur my vision...then I would just hope to have a decent shot.  I learned to have my shot already set by cradling the camera on the deck of the barge just before the lights of starting tree lit up and then try to relax as those monsters took off.  It was a total adrenaline rush!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Years ago I ran camera for the Speed Channel at the Drag Boat races in Marble Falls, TX.  They run the same motors as the cars.  
One year I was stationed on a platform barge at the starting line and the barge captain would bring me to within a few feet of the boats for the start of each run.  I was wearing earplugs with over ear protection on top, but when those Top Fuel boats would run it was still loud!  The concussion from the engine would knock the wind out of me and completely blur my vision...then I would just hope to have a decent shot.  I learned to have my shot already set by cradling the camera on the deck of the barge just before the lights of starting tree lit up and then try to relax as those monsters took off.  It was a total adrenaline rush!

I'd get in a top fuel dragster in a second....Gettin' in one of those drag boats I'm not so sure 

[John Schmidt]

Was riding my bicycle on one of my usual 7-10 mile rides, cranking along pretty good(keeps everything working in the old body), and here comes this unleashed Rottweiler(sp). This dude had an attitude I wanted no part of and he was running loose which isn't allowed in the city. I was going slightly downhill at the time, fortunately I heard him before he got very close and I started to do the same thing his hind legs were doing....hauling a$$. He quit after about 100 yds., and so did I after about 150. I got on the cell phone and called 911, within 2-3 min. two cop cars went by...found out later that wasn't the first time for that dog and he was hauled away. The owner's got a stiff fine, but didn't get the dog back this time.

How fast was I going? Just fast enough, long enough, probably over 30 by the time I hit the bottom of the hill. I love dogs, preferably not clamped on my butt. 

[sugerbear]

next to the last line says 7000 hp.

[Stude]

 Joe after reading this post I can't help but think this is a tool
for one to have an interesting vivid reoccuring adrenalin dream
of going fast but never reaching the climax of too fast

 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Was riding my bicycle on one of my usual 7-10 mile rides, cranking along pretty good(keeps everything working in the old body), and here comes this unleashed Rottweiler(sp). This dude had an attitude I wanted no part of and he was running loose which isn't allowed in the city. I was going slightly downhill at the time, fortunately I heard him before he got very close and I started to do the same thing his hind legs were doing....hauling a$$. He quit after about 100 yds., and so did I after about 150. I got on the cell phone and called 911, within 2-3 min. two cop cars went by...found out later that wasn't the first time for that dog and he was hauled away. The owner's got a stiff fine, but didn't get the dog back this time.

How fast was I going? Just fast enough, long enough, probably over 30 by the time I hit the bottom of the hill. I love dogs, preferably not clamped on my butt. 

Adrenaline is a wonderful thing and very addictive the more I get the more I want     However I think I'd pass on that whole Rottweiler tryin' to eat me deal 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe after reading this post I can't help but think this is a tool
for one to have an interesting vivid reoccuring adrenalin dream
of going fast but never reaching the climax of too fast

 

Well said and very possible 

[MAD6Gun]

This was part of an E-mail that a buddy of mine sent me. Most of the E-mail was what you posted Joe. Check this out for a perspective on how fast Fuelers are...



Putting all of this into perspective:

You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter 'twin-turbo' powered
Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and
ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the
advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the
gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an
honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at that moment.

The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your foot down
hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears your eardrums
and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and passes you. He beats you
to the finish line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him.

Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had spotted you 200
mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted you off the road when he
passed you within a mere 1,320 foot long race course.

That is ACCELERATION!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

This was part of an E-mail that a buddy of mine sent me. Most of the E-mail was what you posted Joe. Check this out for a perspective on how fast Fuelers are...



Putting all of this into perspective:

You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter 'twin-turbo' powered
Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and
ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the
advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the
gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an
honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at that moment.

The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your foot down
hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears your eardrums
and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and passes you. He beats you
to the finish line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him.

Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had spotted you 200
mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted you off the road when he
passed you within a mere 1,320 foot long race course.

That is ACCELERATION!

One word comes to mind Mark....WOW 

[Dogg]

8 G's. isnt that like almost blackout pressure? I cant remember what it was but a friend is a herrier instructor and said that a pilot will blackout at a certain g-force. I think i twas 8 but, maybe 9.
Gotta respect those that drive them if thats the case...

[MAD6Gun]

One word comes to mind Mark....WOW

Yea that is what I said when I read that. I have been to the US Nationals in Indy several times. The power of two Top fuelers leaving the line at the same time is amazing. It shakes the stands and you can feel it in your chest as they go past. Go into pits sometime and listen to them when they are doing there test runs. That nitro is some wicked stuff. Burns you eyes and throat.
 
A few years ago the NHRA put a seismograph around the track in Denver. When two Top Fuel cars left is measured 2.5 on the Richter scale.  Talk about the WOW factor......

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

8 G's. isnt that like almost blackout pressure? I cant remember what it was but a friend is a herrier instructor and said that a pilot will blackout at a certain g-force. I think i twas 8 but, maybe 9.
Gotta respect those that drive them if thats the case...

One of the best Scott Kalitta killed at over 300 mph 

Scott Kalitta died ( HIGH DEFINITION - FULL HD)	powered by Aeva

 

[Serk]

Depends on the person, the training, and the equipment...

A few years back I got to ride shotgun for a few laps in a IROC car at Texas Motor Speedway... We were "only" going about 160 in the hard banked curves, but that first one my vision went completely black. I'm guesstimating 3-4 G's, tops...

The subsequent corners I was expecting it and took deep breaths and "pushed hard" against my lungs, that kept everything in check...

But yeah, the high G forces they're experiencing are definitely on the edge of what's possible! VERY impressive stuff!

The one nice thing, I KNOW I could beat one of those cars in a race on my Valk.....
...from Dallas to Seattle and back... 

[gregc]

  Remember that at full throtle, the engine barely stays together for 2000 rpm.   7000rpm divided by 4.5 seconds.

[RP#62]

"Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1 1/2 gallons of nitro per second, the same rate of fuel consumption as a fully loaded 747 but with 4 times the energy volume."

I've seen this or a similar statement before and I suppose someone's done the math, but I've always had a problem with it.  A 747 burns around 11 tons per hour on an average long range flight.  Thats around 6 pounds per second, which is about a gallon per second.  At full power however the burn rate is about 35 tons per hour, which equates to a little over 3 gallons per second.  Depending on the model and a lot of other factors, each engine on a 747 puts out a little over 60,000 pounds of thrust which equates to a total of a little over 131,000 HP.
-RP

[czuch]

I usta fly in Phantoms and "G"'s are a really weird thing. The pencil vision before blackout is frightening, then cool. It also makes you kinda stupid because the blood loss in your little punkin head. The negative "G"'s dont make you smarter though. They got their name from the first guy who did it in honor of his statement "Jeeeeezzzzz" They shortened it later.

[Brad]

  Remember that at full throtle, the engine barely stays together for 2000 rpm.   7000rpm divided by 4.5 seconds.

7000 rpm is 117 rotations per second so on a 4.5 second run that is  a total of 525 rotations of the engine.  Not a lot of life out of one of those big boys.

[Stude]

 IF IT CHITS QUICK... IT WONT CHIT LONG