Please explain to me where Torque and Horsepower come into play when Racing. I hear alotta people saying having alot of torque is good for drag racing


Thank you very much

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1988 Jet Black IROC
5.7L W/ 64000 miles
Flowmaster Exhaust
Fully Loaded
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My IROC In Readers Rides
My IROC

 

Basically, Torque is the measure of how much actual power your engine has. as in, how much work it can do. (ie, pulling loads etc)
Horsepower is how fast the engine can do it's work.
A diesel engine is pretty much an all torque motor. It can haul a very heavy load, but it won't do it very quickly, because it has no hp.

Torque in a race is good to get your car in motion quickly. especially if you are in a heavier vehicle.
spinning your tires, shows you have torque.

HP will determine your top speed as well as what mph you will get to at the end of a race (a 1/4mile for example)
It is, IMO the more important of the two measurement in terms of drag racing.

there is a great article on this at

http://www.calgarydragracing.ab.ca/

goto "tech tips" and read up on the article about horsepower and torque.

hope this helps.

-Jeremy

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Camaro nut in training.

1982 Camaro Z28
350/700r4
Vortec heads, comp cams XE262H, dynomax 1 1/2 headers, edelbrock 750 carb/performer rpm, MSD ignition, K&N,
3.73's with powertrax locker

SAE corrected time

13.6@104*

1984 Camaro Z28
(parts)

1985 Camaro Z28
305/700r4
Accel ignition, K&N

*with crushed exhaust and badly tuned carb

[This message has been edited by Jer82Z28 (edited September 17, 2001).]

 

TQ is better for street racing. 0-60 needs TQ to accelerate there fast.

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89 RS

STILL Looking For:
An 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI


[This message has been edited by IROCZTWENTYGR8 (edited September 18, 2001).]

 

thats why Diesel trucks rule to 60mph

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91 RS W/carbed 350, Vortec heads, performer rpm, Comp cams Xtreme energy 224/230 duration and .477/.480 lift. BFG Drag radials. 3.42 posi,Corvette servoed 700r4, 3000rpm stall converter. Edelbrock TES, 3inch cat, flowmaster with single 2.5 inch exit.
Best time yet to come
13.0 @ 107- N/A
12.5@ 117- 100HP Nitrous

This is a Pic of my car in race trim www.tbns.net/billyjay/camero.jpg

Yes I know how to spell camaro- so dont ask. I didnt make the link

 

Thanks guys! Esp Jer. Cleared that up

------------------
1988 Jet Black IROC
5.7L W/ 64000 miles
Flowmaster Exhaust
Fully Loaded
------------------

My IROC In Readers Rides
My IROC