Anyone going over 200 mph???
 

Just curious if you guys go 200+ mph in a '71 Chevelle. I want to do some road racing type stuff. I am thinking about changing the trans or gearing to do this but am wondering if anyone has any pointers. I might have to swap to a 6 speed unfortunatly, :( but I guess that comes with the turf.
My concerns are wheel bearing possibly failing due to the speed they will be turning and possible lift issues. It will just be for the quick occasional blst and will most likey not be a sustained speed for too long.

What do you guys do??

If you have a wife and kids, first thing you should do a get a good life insurance policy, ;) .

I'd check the rules on what is required to run 200 at such and event, build the car to those safety specs, then worry about power/tranny/gears.

I do 150+ on a pretty regular basis and have had 0 issues so far.

As far as safety, It is just more of a daily driver type street car that I go to shows in, but I like to play around. That would really suck If I needed safety equipment.... I never thought of that! :(

I have run over 200 at Silver State many years ago. There is a huge difference between going 150 to going 200. Everything changes especially in the aerodynamics , suspension dampening ect. On a heavy car like yours, don't skimp on ANY suspension peices at all. Remember even if you replace all the "wear" items with new stuff, it's still old technology and was never ment to go those speeds. Safety equipment is a must. Good luck and be safe..

SW

If you really want to go that fast, you might want to talk to a shop that builds Bonneville cars for some pointers.

Uh.....duh?

Also, if you're ever on a public road near me and I hear about/see you going that fast, I would not hesitate to call whoever necessary to have you thrown in jail. I'd like to see a "quick blast" to 200. :soapbox:

As said, get a good policy and the rest of us will just hope you don't hurt someone else.

Ryan

just put bigger turbos on it and "say" it can go that fast. Most people wouldn't want to get in the car with you to verify it anyways. Hot Rod had an article a while back about a black mopar that they modified to go faster. I remember them saying that the aerodynamics of the car made it very hard to get past 150 or so.

This is something I am tossing around. I do not drive this fast on the street most of the time. Keep in mind my car goes 0-150 mph in 10 seconds from a standing stop, so If I am already going 75 mph on the interstate, I get up to 150 mph in hurry, 5 seconds maybe?? I do not drive this fast on any populated street where I could hurt anyone including myself. I can get up to 150 and slow back down before most people can do the quarter mile, so dont go thinking I am a wreckless driver and calling the authoritise(sp) just yet. I drive very safely and have a clean record.

I have nevr gone 200 and that is why I put up a post asking what people who have done it are doing for stability and safety.

Are these races mostly blasts up to 200+??? I would assume so being that you have to slow way down for some turns. It is way easier to accelerate to 200 then to hold it at 200. :wow:

Does 200mph on W2W's chassis dyno count? :D

200mph video

Your car runs 9.99 or better at 150+? Got a video?:unibrow:

Jody

Why? It's not safe unless you're under controlled conditions (and on a closed course).

200 mph is 293 ft/s. That roughly 1 football field every second. EVERY SECOND. 150 mph is still 220 ft/s. The important factor to consider is not that you can get to 150 mph in 5 seconds but how much distance you're covering in those 5 seconds. Your stopping distance from that speed is much longer than you think it is, too. Even an unpopulated road will have something you don't expect - maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday. I'm sure you're careful about it, but at your power level you have an incredible responsibility to those around you to keep it under the hood. The fact that you don't have a cage means that you probably can't even take your car out on a track because you'll never get through tech. Think about that, too - racing organizations require these safety items because at the kinds of speed you're capable of, things happen very quickly. All the parts in the world won't save you once you're out of control. And don't worry - I'm not going to call the authorities or the authoritise anytime soon.

I'm not against you trying to go 200, you just need to go about it the right way.

Ryan

I fully agree about safety. I would like to know what people have had to do differently with suspension in order to do this and have the car handle safely.

Also, yes my car will go 150 mph in 10 seconds. I have over 1000 hp and will trap at about 150 mph. The car will go 9's on drag radials. I have gone 10.50 @ 137 on an inclomplete pass first time out with this motor with only a 1.83 60'. The car normally 60's in the 1.60 range. With a good launch and being able to stay in it next time, the car will go 9's @ 145-150 mph the way it sits, I have over. Don't believe it....Don't worry about it, this has nothing to do with my going 200 mph question. I am not here to BS or exagerate. I am simply stating I have a mega fast car capable of over 200 mph and want to know what tricks there are to make it handle well at that speed. :D

200
 

that's good

Wasn't saying I didn't believe you, just asking. I had a 1000+ hp street car and no way it would do that as it wouldn't hook.

As said before there's a huge difference between 150 and 200, and with your weight and c/d you may not have the power to do it. Should, but not definitely, and to even consider trying without safety equipment is foolhardy at best. Not sure how you're running mid 10's without equipment in the first place, you definitely cannot where I live.

You will definitely need aero mods. A friend of mine had a third gen Camaro with 800+ rwhp. That car is a lot more slippery than yours and it wouldn't go 200 mph at Silver State. He finally bought a car that would and was killed when a tire went down. He had all the safety equipment available for an unlimited car in that series, and something as simple as a tire still ended his life.

Jody

Nitro -

200+ sustained, but that's in a boat. You cover a mile in less than 18 seconds.

Here is some of the safety equipment to do this:
Full Fire suits, boots, gloves (in a boat no less)
5 point harnesses
HANS devices
F-16 fighter helmets
Full time oxygen on high speed runs (primary with active backup - you don't know how long you may be unconscious)
Pony bottles strapped to legs (in case primay and secondary lines get cut)
Knife strapped to leg to cut 5 point harnesses to escape
Full cage protection
Full cockpit coverage (think space shuttle windshield)
Emergency access hatches (above and below)
Multi-stage fire suppression systems
Blow over accelerometers
Tracking GPS
Safety divers
Helicopter for safety divers
Life support at most places
Checklists to make sure all safety items are in place before a run

I am not trying to be cocky or arrogant, but you should realize by the above that safety must come first. There is an incredible cost associated with it. As someone told me so succinctly one time "You only have to die once"
So how much is your life really worth?

Not trying to be condescending, but you are a smart guy, so seriously ask yourself how much it costs to SAFELY go 200+ before you commit.

As stated there's a HUGE diff between 150 and 200mph.. most cars (with the governor disabled) will go 150.. very few will go 200. why? Simple, aerodynamics plays a huge factor as you go faster and it's a linear deal.

Going an extra 50mph (from 150 to 200) is not just 25% more difficult its WAY more difficult. Also, at that speed air control (no just cutting through the air but directing the air properly) is a life or death thing. If you caught air under you car the wrong way at 200mph you car would become a plane and then a bulldozer.

Also, the amount of safety equipment you would need to have any hope of surviving a mishap at that speed is substancial. Anyone want to do the math on what forces are involved when a 3500 LB object is traveling at 200mph and hits something?

200mph is hard to do in an aerodynamic car like a new Camaro or Vette. It's a LOT harder to do in something like your Chevelle. Not to say you couldn't do it, just that it will a lot of work. Still, it's a fun goal.

Oh, and I won't preach to you about going tripple digits on the highway since I've done it myself. However, it really is a stupid thing to do and one mistake, even by someone else, and your life will be over. Either because you are dead, paralized or worse yet in prison for killing someone. The things we plan for rarely kill us, it's the things that were unplanned that do us in.

Love your car though :thumbsup:

Love the quote can i use this.

i've gone 156mph and yep that is fast enough. I commend you for your desire to go 200mph.

I've learned a lot hanging out at Rad Rides seeing them build the Cuda and the little things such as "Wickers" (sp) that are neccessary to keep the car on the gorund. When they moved one of the Wickers 1/4" it turned the car into an airplane. So be careful in your goal as it may end up hurting you.

Just anther thought are there any Chevelle Drag cars that are running near 200mph. I can't think of any but I am certain I could be wrong.

Actually it isn't linear it's exponential.

Brain fade.. that's what I meant to say.. :pat:

Feel free.. I made it up a while ago and it's a good way to look at things..

I have been 220mph :rockin:


In a 1/4 mile.


In a 68 camaro.



Pro mod car.


I have been 175 in a street car,and like said earlier there's alot of diff.than 150 from exprince,you need alot of safety equipment.I wouldn't even try it with out a cage,suit,good tires.

Drag increases with the square of speed. I'll see if I can find a link to an applicable explaination.

Here is a fairly simple breakdown:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_equation

It does not however account for lift induced drag and the resultant effect of changes in frontal area.

i have been to a speed limited 186 mph, with nothing more that a cowhide and a helemt for saftey :_paranoid

I have to say f you have the need for that type of speed, Go to the Richard Petty Expierence. They'll take you upwards of 185 and will even let you drive after you've done the class. Or go skydiving.

Yeah, but you're a nutball! :wow:

Jody

This is not the response I was hoping for. I have never been much above 150 mph in my car and was hoping it would be easy to do. I sometimes take for granted the the way the car drives. I get up to 150 mph so darn fast, that it does'nt really seem that fast. :rolleyes:

Sounds like some of you have gone this fast and it sounds hard to do I guess. I also realized that it can not be done without going to a 6 speed trans, and a 6 speed will not hold my power for any length of time. without losing acceleration, I can only do 190 mph with a overdrive anyway.

My new plan will be buying an adjustable rear anti roll bar, a Gearvendors or a 4l80E, and go from there. Anyone use a Gearvendors???

What do you think the best adjustable shocks are?? Hal adjustable??

Nitro,

I would be concerned with suspension and brakes, but aero concerns will probably hold you back more.

You should sign up for the F Body weekend at Road America this October if you want to get a feel for sustained high speeds.

http://roadamerica.fbody.us/

E.T. has NOTHING to do with top speed. and I am sure your buddy could EASILY do 200 mph if he stays in the gas a couple seconds longer provided he had the extra gearing. What do you mean by this comment? 1000 hp is 1000 hp, That is enough to push just about anything to 200 mph.

Ans what do you mean my converter breaking on the first pass does'nt count?? I never made a full pass, the car went 10.50@137 letting off the gas, it obviously has much more in it. Are you saying my car does not make the power I say it does or what?? That is a little rude. :(

There was a video on yenko.net last week(I belive it was yenko.net) The video was of 1 of the new Z06 Corvettes, Passenger video taped the instrument panel (speedo & tach) It went from 0-MPH al the way through 200-MPH and was accomplished pretty quick.
Poster stated that the run was done on a military base runway and used up almost 3 miles.
I tried to find it and link it here but was unable to find it again. Maybe someone here saw it and can post it.
Back to the point, Guys in Corvette were only wearing Helments and firesuits from what I could see. also had the disclaimer of (Professional Drivers on a closed circuit)..

I don't think he was saying that. I also don't think 10.50's at 137 letting off will equal 150 mph trap speed. That is usually an 8 second e.t. to trap that high.

The last Road and Track standing mile had several heavy hitters including a champ car, 1000+ HP Viper, twin turbo S7 Saleen, a couple other race cars and exotics (modded), etc. There was not a single car in the bunch hitting 200 mph in 3/4 mile like you think yours will do. There were three that could hit 200 in a mile, and 11 that were 154-185 mph. The three were the TT Viper at 210 mph, the TT Saleen S7 at 205 mph, and the Lola champ car at 203 mph. You have the HP of the Viper, or something close although he'll have you on torque, a few hundred pounds lighter, and much more aerodynamic. The Saleen and Champ car are lighter still.

Your car may have the power to make 200 mph, but not in a mile in my opinion. But I do not think you can control the car at that speed either without some big help in the air management area. I do not know what changes would be required, but HP alone will not get you there, at least not and live to tell about it. Your car is dangerous compared to most in that it has the HP to get you beyond what the car can handle. In other words, the standard 500-600 HP Chevelle would be limited to say 160 mph as he would not have the HP to push the car shape any faster. He might be near the limit as far as lift, etc. but not over it. Your car will push past that on power alone and will get into an area you do not want to be in.

The goal is cool (except for the street part) and I hope you pursue it. But please do it with the safety equipment required and work your way up in speed testing the handling and air management changes. I would be talking to the Bonneville guys as they go very fast in stock bodied cars of all shapes and sizes.

Jody

I've 170 mph that way nothing like it.It more adrenline rush on a bike than with doors around you :D

Look, I don't know what the deal is.

I went 10.50@137 mph WHILE breaking and that with with a 1.83 60'(first pass with the turbos). I let off the gas and still went that fast, That was on 14 psi with the old turbos. The car has always 60' in the 1.60 range. Figure that out.

I made 751 RWHP on 93 octane at 14 psi with the old turbos.

I am now making 18.5 psi on 93 octane with the new bigger more efficient turbos. That is over 800 RWHP on pumpgas. I have nothing to prove. If I need a good reason to re-dyno it I will, When I am ready, I will go back to the track. Whether I make 975 hp or 1025 hp at the crank who cares. I have a 1000 hp car.

No more arguing, I am not here to BS or exagerate. It is what it is. You send me $85 and I will get a new dyno sheet for you.... but who cares, The car makes huge power and is a 9 second car, Time slip or not!

What does any of this have to do with my original question????

I have run low 9's in the 1/4 and run 150.with 800hp.your buddy should be going 7's with 1500hp depending on weight and tire size of course.

Nothing really,drags and wide open are 2 differnet things.good luck in your goal.

I am not refering to you... I am refering to Sparky doubting my car.

I have not been asking if anyone wants proof or believes my car has 1000 hp.



Anyone notice anything good for stability by lowering or raising the car for real high speeds? I assume lowering would be better, but I would need a wing tunnel to verify. :_paranoid

Lower is going to be better, but lowering the car isn't going to be nearly enough to keep it stable. Look at Nascar for some ideas, those front and rear spoilers are there for a reason, along with a very small grill area (just enough to cool the engine). They also start with a much smoother aero shape than a Chevelle.

I'm thinking a front and rear spoiler, closing off some of the grille, lowering the car as much as possible just for starters. Problem will be the spoilers aren't going to look good but you need the front to keep the air from creating lift (along with the reduced air through the grill) and you'll appreciate the rear wing/spoiler for downforce. I am not sure you can get the car stable without them at 200 mph, but I am far from an expert. I just don't see any high speed stock-bodied cars without them.

Jody

I was just answering your question.

I might just have to try to design a retractable air dam setup!! :D

You want down force for sure , I've gone around 175 many times with only
600hp you just got to have the right place like a good road course. I'm not sure how it wound feel in a street car but its awsome in a full tube chassis!!!
My concern would be brakes and well the car is built .

Whellie bars save live's.I broke a set on my pro mod and almost did the bumper act,I was able to pedal it out a little.

Come on up to Road America in October. I will be there with my 67 and a radar gun. Let's see what MPH we can do. I don't believe I have the balls (or the car) to do 200. I do think that 150 will be a blast though, if no deer run on the track.