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How to Hook & Launch: Traction Mods for Street & Strip
While building big horsepower has become easier, putting that power down to the pavement is still quite a challenge. Getting great "bite" involves a lot more than sticky tires and a smoky burnout. The suspension system is being put to work in a way it was never designed to operate. A better understanding of exactly what is happening to the suspension when the car launches from a standing start will assist you in maximizing your car's effectiveness on the street or at the track. In How to Hook and Traction Mods for the Street & Strip , author Dick Miller explains the physics behind what gets a car moving from a standing start, and how to best harness the various powers at work. Getting the rear tires to really bite and gain maximum traction is divided into several small steps, and Miller walks you through each phase of the launch. Today's enthusiasts face a wide range of potential traction improvements, from softer tires and basic bolt-ons to complete or partial chassis replacements. Most opt for something in-between, where some well-engineered components are chosen to replace the factory equipment and offer a greater capability and range of adjustment. It is this range of upgrades where Miller spends most of his time, explaining what the parts and pieces do, and how to use them to their highest potential.
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2012
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24 people want to read
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September 19, 2012
How To Hook and Launch is a manual every drag racer should own. It is filled with useful information! It helps pin-point issues and suggestions for solving them. My son is an avid Saturday bracket racer. When this book came in the mail he practically snatched it out of my hands and began reading. He's been carrying it around for a couple of days now.
He said he wished he'd had this manual a couple months back when he was having a launching problem with his race car ('88 Mustang). His car was coming too far off the ground at the starting line and proceeded to bounce the front wheels halfway down the track (1/8 mile track). After wheelie bar adjustments, shock adjustments, and then a broke shock from the bouncing we ended up having to send it to a race shop for repairs. This manual would have saved us some serious cash since labor costs more than the actual parts. He has also decided to go with inner tubes in his slicks since reading this manual also. My son was also really excited about the Typical Linear Acceleration Rates chart that was included in this manual. His 60 foot time is 1.44 and falls right where is should for his 1/8 mile time.
My son was also thrilled to learn the author of this manual is also a drag racer himself and has raced at some of the same tracks as he has (Holly Springs, Memphis, etc...).
Within my immediate family, there are six drag cars—and only one How To Hook and Launch book. Since my son has pretty much decided he's not sharing this book with other family members, it looks like I will be buying a couple of copies to give out during the holidays. If you are a racer, I can not stress enough how much you need this book!
*This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program*
He said he wished he'd had this manual a couple months back when he was having a launching problem with his race car ('88 Mustang). His car was coming too far off the ground at the starting line and proceeded to bounce the front wheels halfway down the track (1/8 mile track). After wheelie bar adjustments, shock adjustments, and then a broke shock from the bouncing we ended up having to send it to a race shop for repairs. This manual would have saved us some serious cash since labor costs more than the actual parts. He has also decided to go with inner tubes in his slicks since reading this manual also. My son was also really excited about the Typical Linear Acceleration Rates chart that was included in this manual. His 60 foot time is 1.44 and falls right where is should for his 1/8 mile time.
My son was also thrilled to learn the author of this manual is also a drag racer himself and has raced at some of the same tracks as he has (Holly Springs, Memphis, etc...).
Within my immediate family, there are six drag cars—and only one How To Hook and Launch book. Since my son has pretty much decided he's not sharing this book with other family members, it looks like I will be buying a couple of copies to give out during the holidays. If you are a racer, I can not stress enough how much you need this book!
*This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program*
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