Loose the leaf springs, and install a set of ladder bars, and get a tire with some kind of a sidewall. The 540 is putting out a crap load of torque, so try not to have such a heavy foot off this line. I find with a standard trans the best thing to do is don't rev it to much before letting off the clutch. Leave the line like you were leaving a stop sign (well...a little harder than that), then roll on the throttle. You will never hook up a 540 BBC with manual trans if your side stepping the cluch at 3,000 rpm. Unless you have a 10.5 in slick under it, and then your gonna bust that trans wide open.
I got my former 88 mustang with a 460 and a top loader to do mid 11's with no slicks. I would leave the line at a little over 2000 rpm, then roll onto the throttle as fast as the tires would let me.

Also, as the others said, practice, practice, practice.......

You didn't just REALLY tell him to install ladder bars on a street car. . . Right?


Oh and there is no way he will blow that tran with an N/A 540 big block. That motor might be making 700hp (on the very high side) which isn't a big deal for a T-56 at all.

Just stop. :rolleyes:

Haha, that would be pretty funny to see me driving around with ladder bars...is it even legal? The trans can hold it, i've been launching by sidestepping the clutch all this time and its fine... Thanks for the input guys, first thing i need to do is handle the rear end and suspension...but yeah, practice is all i'll have to do..

I agree you need something with a bigger sidewall for maximum grip.

I would second gear launch it. The old 4 speeds were only 2.2:1. You tranny is 2.87 in first, 1.89 in second which in second gear gives you right at a 8:1 starting line ratio. With all that torque, you should be better off there.

I have caltracs and know all about them.
Have you checked your pinion angle?
That could be your problem in why you can't launch.
There are cars that run 7's on dragradials and caltracs.

There are cars that run 7's on leafs and caltracs.

Sounds like a good problem to have! :lol:

click the link. 8 seconds on a 275/60/15 drag radial with caltracs.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/fe...hevrolet_nova/
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...NovaFront_.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...NovaRear_D.jpg

now thats what im talking about.... although caltracs are great for dragracing, i would recomend doing a pair of underrider traction bars instead... i just dont like the way caltracs unload and allows the spring to wind under breaking... not a very PT suspension.. underriders and a watt's link and you should be able to both handle and launch