Question about 1/4 mile technique

[flattype]

With the stock 3.42 gears can you run the whole 1/4 in drive or do you need Overdrive? Also just put it in drive or shift it manually? Thanks Eric

 

[Paul Clark]

Others know more, but I'd keep it in D.
Sometimes I shift into OD after going through the traps.
The 1-2 shift happens so fast that you should probably let the tranny shift itself. You could shift 2-3 manually if you want more revs and have a tach - or a good ear/feel and some luck.

 

[UNGN]

Just put it in drive. There is zero advantage to shifting manually and if you let it shift into OD by itself, it will kill your mph.

If your car runs faster than 110 mph in the 1/4 and the motor is unopened, switch to taller tires.

 

[Heath]

What if you have a 210-205 cam what rpm is safe to go through the traps at? this is with a Non lu converter and ported champion heads.

 

[441120]

When the engine stops pulling.

In other words the optimum rpm to cross the line is at peak hp. The stock cam is done by 5000 rpm, so if you go a higher mph you need a taller tire to bring the rpms down. If your cam is done at 5500 you can go faster for a given tire size/rear ratio than the stock cam.
These numbers are for illustration purposes only, and assume good valve train components.
If you dyno your car then you will know your peak rpm, then do the math and some runs.