Should i race this?

I have a guy who wants to race me in my 87 TC... All i have done to it is a k&n filter and 2.5inch exhaust. He is driving a 79 Trans Am. 400ci 6.6L big block. Completely stock. I was looking up the specs and it only has 220 hp.. To me that seemed like not very much considering the size of the engine and extra weight he has to compensate for in his car. I am seriously thinking i would take him in the bird. I have a 5-speed and his is a 4-speed. Anyone ever raced one or have any ideas about how i'd fare?

Thanks
Dustin

Well depending on who can power shift the best, and traction. I am sorry but he may not have a lot of horsepower but he is going to have a bunch of torque. You will probably take him at the start but that is about all. Sorry. I am going to assume this is at a grudge night at the track? Sean.

you should have your turbo boost up to 17.5psi and u probably give him a good run. what people don't get horsepower don't mean shit. I raced a lot of cars that has more HP then me but smoked it. Plus it does depend on the driver. If I were you, find out where your best shift at what rpm mine is at about between 5000-5500 rpm. And be a fast shifter. BTW, my friend has a 89 ford SHO and that has 220HP and I took him. Only did K&N, 18psi, 2 1/2" all the way to the back. he also did mods too. Let me know what happens.

"horsepower sells cars, torque wins races"
-Carrol Shelby

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www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

www.dodge600se.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

I'd race him too. He had 220 hp in 1979, his engine is old and still stock. His torque might hurt him if he spins the tires taking off too. I race guys with old trans ams all the time. Their excuse for losing is usually something like, "I missed second gear" or "I need a tune up". The usual crap besides the truth, the tbird is faster. Go for it.

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Kev
88 TC 5spd Black body, red leather, K&N in front of the radiator, bypassed BCS at around 17 psi, polished throttle body, 2 1/2" dynomax ultraflow mandrel bent duals. 255 lph fuel pump, totally rebuilt head with Melling cam kit

Also keep in mind that just about every car produced in america between '72 and the mid 80's is relatively slow. Run 17-18psi and launch hard enough to take advantage of the track's extra traction (i DO assume / hope you're going to the track), and I foresee no problems.

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Estoril blue 1987 TC 5spd, 141k miles
PRofec B electronic boost controller, kirban fpr, walbro 255 pump, Bailey BOV, Spearco 26x8x3 FMIC, a237 cam, t3/t4 50 trim / stage III .63, 3" exhaust, eec-tuner, 55pph injectors,
Best 1/4 mile: 13.64 (with 2.19 60' time) @ 102.91mph And that was on 93 octane [Image: wink.gif]

[This message has been edited by SteveXX82 (edited 12-11-2003).]

Most of the cars past 1973 were pathetic. That TA was a 16+ second in the 1/4 car when new. Drive yours correctly and you'll take him down. I hope you aren't doing this on the street.

Hawk

Spooledyou:
i'll race him!!!
Where do you live at in indiana?
disconnect the knock sensor,93 or better fuel, and crank the up the boost..
I have raced couple older body style trans am. And Haven't lost yet..
FYI: I raced one like "He is driving a 79 Trans Am. 400ci 6.6L big block. Completely stock" that at the track with exhaust and a cam. He ran a high 10.60 or something IN THE 1/8!!!

take him


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88tc with some mod's
88tc parts car
91 ranger 2.3t
86 bronco II BEATER!

I see this question posted all the time, it is impossible to tell who would win unless you actually do the deed.
I have two TCs, according to the logic that I read here, they would run identicle timeslips if I took them down the quarter....well, one of my cars is slow, the other one is even slower, I don't think it is fair to assume just because it is a TC, it is a fast car.
If you really want to know who will win, your going to have to line up with him.

well, race day came and he made an excuse that he didnt have time to do it... (chickened out!) He said it is a go for sure next week though... Guess we'll have to wait and see. Honestly, i think off the line, he wouldnt have a chance. Thanks for all the encouragment!