ok guys heres the deal , as of current i have put about 700-800 dollars in modifcations to my car (86 IROC w/ 305 TPI, auto and 3.23) my mods are: Crane .423/.446 lift cam, edelbrock headers, hooker super comp cat back, k&N air filters, ported plenum,accel distributor cap and 300+ race wires ,removed MAF screens, cut out the bottoms of the air filters housing, by-passed the TB coolant, and removed the A/C. ok so heres the problem, i dont believe my car is as fast as it should be, ive raced a few stock, almost stock 305s and of course i beat them (never been beat by another 305) but i dont think that i beat them that bad, ( i would like to race a stock 350 and see were i stand, but none will play) i also know that i have a few problems, and i was wondering if any of you knew how big of factors these would play in the speed of my car ok 1) i have a right big vacuum leak 2) i have no knock sensor 3) my transmisson may be going out (145K on it) . Those are the main problems, so any advice would be greatly appriciated. Also any ideas besides these problems would be nice too, i just want my car to reach 100% of its potential. thanks

 

I htink you have answerd your own question...a vacum leak will make an engine run like **** if big enough, and mess your computer up....having no knock senser means the computer cant retard/advace the timing, which will definitley effect performacne, and as for the transmission, if it is going out, then it will definitley screw you up.

 

Yeah, a vacuum leak will definately cause a loss in power. As far as the tranny, why do you think it's about to go? I know I just had a rebuild but it slips really bad on the 1-2 shift. I know once I get that fixed I can knock a couple 1/10ths off. So I'd say if you're tranny is working properly that's definately hurting you.

With your mods I'd place you at low 14s at best.
Put a higher stall TC on and you'll really knock some time off.

 

whateveryone else said, plus look up your local drag strip and find out when they have street night.... run what ya brung type of deal, and get some real numbers for it.... lot more precise, not to mention SAFER than street racing w/your buddys.

 

so the knock sensor and the vacuum leak ARE what is seriuosly hindering me, thanks guys i'll let you know the result after i get paid Fri. Thanks

 

A vacuu, leak can not only cost performance, but can fry a valve or piston top.

And without a functioning detonation sensor and EST, you're inviting some serious engine damage.

 

Low 14s with an auto 305 with those mods? Nah ah. Not even close. If your car is running how it sounds you may break high 14s.