My brother-in-law has challenged me to a race at Santa Pod sometime next year. He has an E92 335d with 365ish bhp. I have a blob WRX.

Obviously if we have the same power, I would have thought it would be an easy win for me. But how much power can I get away with to beat him? I think his quickest is a 13.2. He is getting some new proper rubber soon so I expect he will get it down to around 12.8/13dead.

Basically, how much power do I need for a 12.5 pass?

I have to beat him!!

 

Assuming your car isn't modified I would think you're going to need as much as you can get out of your basically standard set up, certainly 320bhp +.
Quote from another thread
'12.70 @ 105 mph. Blob eye 53 plate with 328 bhp dynod @ SRR.'

 

Going by that then, 350bhp should see me happily to 12.5/12.6.

Thank you for your quick reply, now time to start saving lol

 

How are you planning to achieve over 330bhp on a WRX lump? Not saying it can't be done, but a reliable 350 might be a bit steep. Plenty get around 330 with a VF35, fuel pump, a decent exhaust and a remap. I haven't heard of too many with genuine 350 though.
And then of course you have the gearbox

 

Hope you've got deep pockets

 

Damn, I knew there was something else

 

Didn't know that, thank you. Looks like 330 it is then.

Just out of interest, what is the weak link at 350? And what's the limit on the 'box? Am I to assume that launches at 330 are the gearbox at its limit?

 

Both engine and box are stressed to the max at that bhp.
That's why serious drag racers use sti running gear

 

I am far from a serious dragger. Is the box likely to **** itself at 330?

 

Probably be ok but depends on how hard you launch it.
It's more torque that kills it rather than bhp

 

Yea I should have said; how much torque will it take? Sorry for the noobish questions :/

 

It will take a lot more torque when driven considerately than if you launch it with intent.
Guess what you need to do on the strip?
Everyone will have something to say about the strength of a 5 speed box. Some say they are made of chocolate, some will say they work far better than most give them credit for, but at the end of the day they aren't the strongest gearbox around.

Don't forget you will also be stressing every other drive train component as well.

 

Racing for times, or racing for 1st over the line?

 

5 speed box in mine has been in since 23 May 2008, 2 days later I sepnt all day kicking it's head in at Scooby Shootout. It's fared well. Agreed, they aren't the strongest though.

 

A set of blast plates should help strengthen the box,not expensive,there is a member on here fabricating and selling them(can't remember who tho?)
Have a search for blast plates.
I saw a U.S. Site who tested them with good results.

 

Ha, now that depends!!!

If I'm first across the line, he'll probably mention something about times; conversely, if my time is faster and he crosses first, he'll claim that as a win :/

 

Stipulate that it's 1st across the line, pointless racing for times if (assumption) you have no experience of drag racing.

Or, say nothing to him, get a 2.35l, GT35R and all the rest of supporting mods, and a 6 speed sequential box. Cost will be about £30K including the box, mind.

Turn up, and run at least a 10s run, and flip him the middle finger.

 

You assume correctly. And regardless of the outcome, I'll be flipping the bird lol.

I think first across the line carries more in the way of bragging rights anyway, as I know his car is more powerful so in theory should post a quicker time. 1st over the line should prove who is the better driver

 

Or just see if Andy Forrest will hire you his car
Check it out on YouTube! WOW

 

Andy's car is on it's way to Australia!

http://www.worldtimeattack.com/index...ac-entry-list/