Alright, Went to the track and ran a 15.1 ET, 60ft 2.453, @93 mph.
The worst part is Im running a brand new 355.
Specs: vortec heads, flat top pistons, performer vortec intake,
non cc quadrajet, xe268, recurved distributor, headman headers, 3"hooker catback, Super t-10, 3.23 posi, timing at 12 degrees, and street tires.

Everything is new or rebuilt. Im having traction problems, I can only give it 1/2-3/4 throttle off the line or else I burn the tires.
I think one big problem is my tranny. Heres the gear spread:3.42, 2.28, 1.46, 1.00. First gear is way too low hence no traction. Im actually considering starting in second. I think this motor should easily do 13's but it seems so far off. I think my mph is a little low as well. I dont think I can blame it all on traction. Anyone have any advice. thanks.

 

Sounds like traction will launch you into a new realm. Subframe connectors, drag radials and a strut tower connector would be a great start.

 

A 2.45 60' time is very slow.

Your torque multiplication through first gear and the rear diff is almost the same as my TH400 and 4.56 gears. Try again but start off in second gear. It will reduce the torque multiplication factor but without slicks, you'll still spin off the line.

 

you definitely need to get some traction, sounds like an awesome setup your running though.

 

Your mph definately isnt there. Have you used a dialback timing light to check your total timing?

 

yeah man check your timing and get some slicks or something cause my 2000 S10 2.2 4 banger pulled a 2.5 in the 60' and went a 18.4 so somethin isnt right

 

No I dont have that kind of timing light. I'm going to adjust the air valve on the secondaries and grind off the tab so the secondaries will open all the way. That should help the top end a bit. Ive got my timing at 13btc. Im running 87 octane with about 9.8to1 compression. Im suprised its not pinging. The plugs are a nice tan color. But I definetly need to find out my total timing. Ive been experimenting and if I start in second gear and floor it I get very little tire spin and I get traction right away. I think its worth trying at the track. Any other input or advice???

 

It really would help first off to know your total timing. Hell your distributor could be ****ed and you might not be getting any advance at all. Also, I would try slapping a holley double pumper or speed demon carb and see what happens, i gained almost a full second off switching from an edelbrock to a demon.

 

Alright I got some timing tape so heres the results. 12 degrees initial 24 cetrifugal advance and 10 vac. advance. 46 Total. That seems pretty normal. So now what do you think?oh yah it was all in around 3000

 

I'd start searching the engine for possible problems cuase your mph is definetly not there for that set-up...maybe inadequate fuel supply, does it feel like it just lays down in the upper rpms? Jetting? Secondarys opening up all the way? Mash the pedal in the car and have a buddy look down the carb to make sure the butterflys are open.

To compare I have a manual with a 205/216@.050 cam and even with a 2.4 60ft time I still get 95-97mph trap speed...something is amiss with your engine...should be trapping at 100mph plus.

 

OK I think I figured it out. I decided to see which rods and hanger I had. I took out the rods (DP's) and they were freeken massive. I had another Q-jet in the garage with a set of DA rods the tip on these were .030 smaller. So now Im running a K hanger and DA rods. Holy chit what a difference that made. Before after 4000rpm it was kind of sluggish but now it just screams. I was suprized at the difference those rods made. Now it feels like a 13 second car.
(if I get traction) I think Im going to the track this friday so I keep you guys posted.

 

any luck?

 

Well Ive decided to giver another week to get this thing tuned up.
Ive been playing around with different rods and hangers. They make a huge difference. Hopefully it wont rain this friday so I can make it to the track.

 

46 degrees of advance is a lot for a SBC. Is there a way you can disable the vacuum advance for drag racing. If you can try getting rid of that extra 10 degrees to take total timing down to about 36.

 

Isnt 45-55 normal? I could take out 10 degrees but then I would be getting 0 vacuum advance.

 

what about your valves? Are your valves set properly?

 

As far as I know they are. I went by the book and used a .001" feeler guage and then an extra half turn. All my plugs are a nice tan color so I dont think valves are a problem. I think the problem is a mixture of bad traction and carburater tuning. Ive got the carb working alot better(more top end) now Ive just got to shell out some cash for some BFG drag radials.

 

You do your total timing with the vacuum advance off. Your vacuum advance isnt used during wide open throttle such as racing. I have mine block off.

 

There is a lot of power in tuning these cars.

Make sure your fuel is spot on, also your timing is a little high for Vortec heads. Remeber they are fast burn heads so less timing is needed to burn the mixture.

My brother has a similar setup and his car really feels different depending on rods and hangers he's running

 

Way too much timing, for 87 octane fuel. Plug the vaccume on the dist, use 92 octane for race day. Unless your xe268 cam was ground differant than mine, it'll start laying down after about 5300/ 5500 rpm. What are you shifting at? The engine may run up to 6000 rpm, but that don't mean you're still in the power band. Good luck on the tuning on the Qjet.

 

I actually dont think your first gear is that bad. I have a 3.35 1st with 3.73s in the rear and I too have huge traction issues but you can still launch the car! The mph is low, but these things can be overcome and tracked down! Good luck!

 

Most of my problems were carb related. I did all the free mods and changed my jetting. The secondary rods made the biggest difference. It dynoed at 290 rwhp and 330ftlb. Pretty good. Those track times were before I did any tuning at all and with a 1" air cleaner. Im not going back to the track until I can afford better tires. I also have no problems running 87 octane (no detonation). And get 22mpg with no overdrive. Overall Im happy with the engine It feels alot stronger after a little tuning. Thanks for the input guys.

 

my motor has a xe 268 and it don't pull hard past 5300 [give or take] hell i though is was some thing wrong with my fuel pump