QUESTION 1

Mike,

We have a 1967 Dodge Dart with a 509 N/A Mopar engine with 750 ft lbs of torque and 1050 horsepower. We have a newly rebuilt 727 with all the good stuff in it, with an 8-inch converter, 550 stall. We also have a 2-speed Vasco glide which we recently purchased used, so we have no idea what really is in it. Our car runs at 3200 lbs.

We want to know if the 727 is overmatched and if the glide will work better. Also looking to add nitrous this season as our N/A combo just doesn't quite do it. Our 60-ft times have been averaging 1.32 on a 10.5 tire.

So, what do you think, 727 or switch to the glide?

Bill

Laurel, MD

Bill,

Sounds like fun - 1050 hp in a 3200-lb car. The glide is the way to go, especially with the spray. Nitrous is just brute torque, so we definitely don't need much gear in the car. Even on the motor, it would be good. But it's very important that the rear gear and the toque converter are on the money. A 9-inch converter would be the ticket.

We want to launch the car at peak torque and shift at peak horsepower. I would suggest the powerglide, especially on a 10.5 tire.

Mike Stewart

QUESTION 2

Mike,

I have a big block Chevy (481) rear engine dragster that I race in super comp and brackets. Some guys say to run a loose converter for more consistency. Why? Do they mean the amount of torque multiplication, clearance, stall or fin angle? Why not have an engine with less torque or power?

Jeff Woodbury

Jeff,

The whole idea is to run the car soft so it will repeat. In other words, if we run a 7.90 car at 8.90, it will be more consistent, even to weather changes, because we aren't running it all-out at max power. So, if you make the converter less positive, it softens up the car.

One of the drawbacks of a de-tuned package is that they usually have a hard time cutting a good light on a .400 Pro Tree. But, as we know, there are a lot of different tune-ups and other ways to get the same results.

Mike Stewart

Mike Stewart is owner of Mike’s Transmission in Lancaster, California. He will answer your questions about automatic or powerglide transmissions. Email: Mike@racingnetsource.com

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