I have Airlift bags in the rear of my '91 RS, and I have the setup down pretty well. I run 22psi in the right one, and 8psi in the left one. This setup, along with various other suspension mods, produces great 60's.
However, what adjustment would be necessary for a poor track surface? Should I go down on the right bag pressure, to allow more weight transfer? Or no change at all?
Appreciate any thoughts....
RSR
'91 RS
12.30's motor
11.40's on 100-shot
However, what adjustment would be necessary for a poor track surface? Should I go down on the right bag pressure, to allow more weight transfer? Or no change at all?
Appreciate any thoughts....
RSR
'91 RS
12.30's motor
11.40's on 100-shot
AlkyIROC
Moderator
close
May 15, 2026
I don't think adjusting the air bag pressure will compensate for poor track conditions. Usually the way to adjust for track conditions is tire pressures and shock settings and it's all trial and error. Soft shocks (90/10) on a sticky track and stiff shocks (50/50) on a slippery track is the rule of thumb.
The air bags just help transfer the torque of the differential to try and get an equal amount of force pushing down on both wheels. Without the air bags the passenger side wheel will always want to lift off the ground. When properly setup, air bags could make an open differential car hook up like a posi.
------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block (times are for the current engine)
Best ET on a time slip: 11.447 altitude corrected to 10.99
Best MPH on a time slip: 119.42 altitude corrected to 124.86
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 493
Best 60 foot: 1.586
Racing at 3500 feet elevation with a typical race day over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
The air bags just help transfer the torque of the differential to try and get an equal amount of force pushing down on both wheels. Without the air bags the passenger side wheel will always want to lift off the ground. When properly setup, air bags could make an open differential car hook up like a posi.
------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block (times are for the current engine)
Best ET on a time slip: 11.447 altitude corrected to 10.99
Best MPH on a time slip: 119.42 altitude corrected to 124.86
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 493
Best 60 foot: 1.586
Racing at 3500 feet elevation with a typical race day over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
Supreme Member
Well, I'm no air bag expert, but it would seem like you have the right idea when you talk of lowering the pressure. Allowing for more give in the spring assembly would absorb the bumps a little better. Although, to me, 22psi sounds a little low. The only contact I have with bags in a performance situation, it was a '86 cobra, running 32psi. Oh well, whatever works best for you, but try lowering the pressure.
------------------
No guts, no glory.
------------------
No guts, no glory.