Dragster Chassis Length

Tony Curcio · 12-26-2008, 03:31 PM

Is there a formula or rule of thumb for determining the approximate wheelbase that will be best for a certain power level?

I've been seeing some interesting deals on E-Bay and such, and have wanted to put together a 4 cylinder dragster as a sort of rolling test lab, comparable to an F/D or F/ED. These cars seem to have a shorter wheelbase than any of the small block V-8 dragsters, like a C/D, and they are definitely shorter than most Super Comp applications. And then the Top Fuelers are over 300" long.

Looks like there's a correlation between available power and wheelbase. Can anyone explain it?

In particular, is a 220" wheelbase too long for a naturally aspirated 4 cyl with automatic?

12-26-2008, 03:31 PM	#1
Tony Curcio Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 271 Likes: 1 Liked 4 Times in 1 Post	Dragster Chassis Length Is there a formula or rule of thumb for determining the approximate wheelbase that will be best for a certain power level? I've been seeing some interesting deals on E-Bay and such, and have wanted to put together a 4 cylinder dragster as a sort of rolling test lab, comparable to an F/D or F/ED. These cars seem to have a shorter wheelbase than any of the small block V-8 dragsters, like a C/D, and they are definitely shorter than most Super Comp applications. And then the Top Fuelers are over 300" long. Looks like there's a correlation between available power and wheelbase. Can anyone explain it? In particular, is a 220" wheelbase too long for a naturally aspirated 4 cyl with automatic? __________________ Tony Curcio 1860 STK