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Drag Strip ET Calculator

Drag Strip ET Equation:

\[ ET = 5.825 \times (WT / HP)^{1/3} \]

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1. What is the Drag Strip ET Equation?

The Drag Strip ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the quarter-mile elapsed time based on vehicle weight and horsepower. It provides a theoretical prediction of drag racing performance under ideal conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Drag Strip ET equation:

\[ ET = 5.825 \times (WT / HP)^{1/3} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the weight-to-power ratio and scales it to estimate quarter-mile elapsed time.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: ET calculation helps racers predict vehicle performance, compare different setups, and understand the relationship between weight reduction and horsepower gains.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual ET depends on traction, aerodynamics, driver skill, and track conditions.

Q2: What is a good ET for a street car?
A: Most production cars run 13-16 seconds. Performance cars can run 11-13 seconds, while dedicated drag cars run under 10 seconds.

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, this calculation uses raw horsepower. For wheel horsepower, use dyno-measured values instead of engine horsepower.

Q4: How does weight reduction affect ET?
A: Reducing weight has a similar effect to adding horsepower. A 10% weight reduction is roughly equivalent to a 10% power increase.

Q5: Can this be used for different racing distances?
A: This equation is specifically calibrated for quarter-mile (1320 feet) drag strips.

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