Drag Car Transmission Gear Ratio
What is a Gear Ratio?
A gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the input gear to the number of teeth on the output gear. In a drag car, the input gear is connected to the engine and the output gear is connected to the wheels. The gear ratio determines how much torque is multiplied from the engine to the wheels.
Why is Gear Ratio Important?
The gear ratio is important because it affects the car’s acceleration, top speed, and fuel economy. A higher gear ratio will result in more torque, which will improve acceleration. However, a higher gear ratio will also reduce the car’s top speed. A lower gear ratio will result in less torque, which will reduce acceleration. However, a lower gear ratio will also increase the car’s top speed.
Choosing the Right Gear Ratio
The right gear ratio for a drag car depends on a number of factors, including the engine’s power, the car’s weight, and the track conditions. A general rule of thumb is to use a higher gear ratio for a more powerful engine and a lower gear ratio for a less powerful engine. You should also use a higher gear ratio for a heavier car and a lower gear ratio for a lighter car. Finally, you should use a higher gear ratio for a track with good traction and a lower gear ratio for a track with poor traction.
How to Calculate Gear Ratio
To calculate the gear ratio, you need to know the number of teeth on the input gear and the number of teeth on the output gear. The gear ratio is simply the ratio of these two numbers. For example, if the input gear has 20 teeth and the output gear has 40 teeth, the gear ratio is 2:1.
Conclusion
The gear ratio is an important factor to consider when building a drag car. The right gear ratio will help you to achieve the best possible performance from your car.
Additional Resources
- Car and Driver: Gear Ratios Explained
- Hot Rod: Gear Ratios 101
- NHRA: Gear Ratios in Drag Racing Explained
