Lots to think about. It seems like I need to first decide what my short and long term goals are. If I want the quickest ET in time trials, then three forward speeds would seem to help reach that goal. If I want consistency while racing—and the best chance of winning more often—then the fewest variables would seem to be the best way to reach that goal and the PG and transbrake might offer the best chance over time (assuming more seat-time for the driver). This option may not be the quickest, but certainly wouldn't be slower than the current set-up. If I want to do a bit more cruising and an easier time getting to the drag strip, then an OD and the 200R4 would fit the bill. As someone much wiser than me said, “Compromises don’t usually make consistent race cars and race cars make lousy street cars.“ So....I’ll have to think about what I want to do first, how everything fits within my budget, and what the long term plan is.
What IS clear to me, is that any of the options will need more traction control and proper chassis setup for what will be a significantly more aggressive launch. A set of CalTracs and some racing tires would seem to be in my future. Perhaps a start would be a set of taller tires to get me to the strip and then a slightly shorter pair of racing tires installed when I get there. M&H makes a 23 inch slick which would also work well with my 4.11 rear gear, in terms of slightly higher rpms at the end of the ¼ mile.
Keep the advice coming and I’ll let you know what I decide.
