So I went to the drags...

[MuddinJeeper]

I'm not a engine tech by any stretch of the imagination...so bear that in mind when reading this

I noticed that some of the cars had their cylinders firing in close group, versus a more normal "idle". Why are they set up like that and what is the main advantage?
Thanks,

 

[98XJSport]

Not sure what you mean from the description, but this is what it sounds like. When they set up a higher performance drag car, they tune the engine(air/fuel, timing, cams, etc etc) to work the best it possibly can while basically at wide open throttle. However, what is best at WOT usually doesnt give you a nice, smooth idle.

Make sense?

Kinda like the SR-71 Blackbird, leaks fuel everywhere when on the ground, but once its heated up from high altitude supersonic flight, no leaks at all.

 

[87manche]

a lot of that poor idel comes from a cam that has stupid long durations. Again, setup for raciong, not idling.

 

[MuddinJeeper]

oh ok. I figured that it would be timing, but i didn't think about the cam. that makes sense.
Thanks!
Ian