As i was browsing the Internet for ideas on how to squeeze the most out of the Z, i came across many cars that were heavily modded. They all were of different engine class, weight and body style.

The thing that stumps me is how some cars have enormous amounts of power at the wheels, yet only produce meager 1/4 mile times or vice versa.

Let me provide comparison.....

Car #1
90 300ZX TT
574.8 rwhp and 490.4 ftlbs
Result = 12.88 @ 122.37 mph
http://www.zcar.com/month/2003/02/

Car #2
Volkswagen GTI 1.8T + APR Stage III turbo upgrade
290 horsepower and 296 foot-pounds of torque at the flywheel
Result = 12.609 @ 112.14 mph
http://www.goapr.com/VW/products/stage3_trans.html

Car #3
1996 Acura Integra + Cybernation Turbo kit
485 hp and 345lb torque @ 22lb of boost.
Result = 10.6 @ 136 mph "WOW"
http://www.cybernationmotorsports.com/

I can obviously see by the 1/4 mile, that the 300zx and integra are pulling away like a bat out of hell...but still. I just dont get it. This z32 has 200% the hp and torque than the GTI. and yet the clear winner here is the Acura!

Is it just simply that the z32 was not set up properly? Is this a case where there is just suprlus HP/TQ not being put to the asphalt?

I would like to learn something with this thread.

 

It is probably due to a combination of factors. Weight and traction are probably the biggest two. Were those cars all in street trim? Hondas/Acuras seem to get very good E.T.s for their HP because they are so light, and even stock they have a significant weight advantage over the GTI and especially the 300ZX.
Traction is probably a major factor too. The GTI and the Acura seem to put the power to the ground well, but the 300ZX doesn't seem like it is making the most of its power. I know they are notoriously hard to launch, so that may be the problem. It is hard to tell unless you can see what their 60' times and such were. The ET is more of a reflection of how well you put the power to the ground and the trap speed reflects how much power they are making. Just from looking at that you can see that the GTI and Acura have good ETs for their MPH, but the 300ZX has enough MPH to run deep 11's if not high 10's, so it was more than likely traction that was the biggest factor in these runs.

 

I agree with BigBad, ET are not just power. There are too many variables involved in a good ET as it's traction and shifting.

By those numbers I can tell that the 300ZXTT's driver as no experience at all or he wasted all his money and effort on power and forgot about suspension, tires and practice.

The numbers for the Integra are really impresive because I have seen similar numbers for a AWD Talon. I suppose it's fully stripped, a experienced driver and a good suspension and slicks.

 

peak numbers are not the key ...a figure known as area under the curve is the true measure of power....people often speak of my car for example ...it makes power all the way to 7200 rpms with a flat torque curve from 2500+...

 

This is a good point too. My '72 GS and my brother's TA WS6 put out about the same peak hp, but I have a much wider powerband and will walk him by multiple cars on a 1/4 mile run. I make a lot more torque than he does and I make it over a wider RPM range which helps me out. Above 110 or so it is a different story, but I am out of gear by then so it doesn't matter! You have to love the wide powerband of a 7.4L engine!

 

Gearing affects the outcome too.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I have always believed that adding bolt ons is a lot harder than just buying what everyone else has. It seems like each car is a trial and error process.

I will be very selective on the companies/parts i use on our project z. I def wont be the 1st to turbo, i would like to see some real world applications and their outcomes. But my gut says single turbo setup and Top Secret seems to have a nice setup.

Wish me luck, i am tracking the car this Sunday at englishtown raceway. I would like to see the car's behavior with stock trim. maybe all my sponsor decals will add 10hp

Then I plan to dyno/track with a new exhaust system and a single fogger wet NOS kit at 75 shot.