This was my very first time on the dragstrip, and may be the last.
Curiosity was my motive. What can I get out of my 1971 LS5 roadster M20/3.08, stock but restored? Answer is: 14.3 sec @ 97.8 mph. I feel it is not too bad for a first timer. It looks like the weakest element is the clutch. I smelled it.
Does anyone here have an opinion on these numbers?

I didn't see the run, so don't take this the wrong way. Unless the clutch is slipping pretty bad... The weak link was behind the wheel. Not trying to make fun, but if you got a good launch there is no way you should've smelled clutch. What was the reaction time trap time etc. ?

I did 14.8 for my first trial, starting from idle.
On the second race, I decided to start in the rpm's; the clutch did slip for the first 3 sec or so. Time was 14.9 sec. I did smell the clutch afterward on my way back to the line. Other racers did smell it too.
On my third race, I started from idle again and did 14.3.

Here are the results: As you can see, I shaved the .5 sec in the first seconds of the race.

Also notice your reaction time was better on the last run. This is part of your difference which only gets better with pratice. You may have some clutch slippage, but it could still be you. Again not an insult, just more pratice needed. If it is slipping you may have had too much engine speed at launch. It could be a worn but not worn out clutch. What type clutch do you have? How much wear? Keep in mind really mean dragsters use clutches designed to slip. This keep them in the peak engine torque range without spinning the tires. You stock clutch is not designed this way, but could operate that way with some wear or if the clutch is underrated for you engine hp.
Finally a low 14 sec run on a car is not bad. Many muscle cars of the 60's and 70's were 14 sec cars. Those who don't think 14 is fast have not been in many or any of them.

Ken Styer

Thank you for your opinion. I understand the clutch thing. I know the clutch did slip because, on the 2nd race, I had a higher rpm than normal for the speed for the first few seconds until the rpm drop and I feel a stronger acceleration.
The clutch is stock.

i have been thinking of going to the dragstrip with my 74 ls4. What tires did you have on there? Mine is an auto so no worries with the clutch, but i did look at the results from a 1974 car magazine article, on a 74 ls4, with 270 net horsepower: 4 speed with 3.55 gears, they managed a standing quarter in 14.9 at 95.7. However, with the turbo 400 they managed a standing quarter in 14.7 at 97.2. I hope this helps with your numbers, if your car is completely stock, it shouldn't do much better than 14.3. Sure it does have more hp, but flywheel hp for the 74 was 330. Mine has a few hop ups so i hope it would be faster than that. Hope this helps.

Those are some good R/T's! You sure you're a first timer? If the clutch is worn you could probably pick up some time by replacing it, probably not a whole lot though. Keep racing man, practice makes perfect, other than the car, it's all in the launch and the shifts. And believe me, 14.3 is definitely respectable.

I have 235/70 on the rear, 225/70 on the front.

... yes, Davii, this was my very first time on a dragstrip. I take your question as a compliment.
Thank you.

As well you should Christian, that's how it was meant!

Hi,

I had my '71 LS5 at the track last year. It has two mods that seem to help my numbers a little. My Rochester carb has been swapped out for a Holley 650 double pumper & I have '69 open chamber heads. (They were installed before I got the car so I don't know the details of exactly how they affect compression ratio.)

I made 3 runs -- each one getting better.
1. 14.25/98.5
2. 14.10/99.4
3. 13.95/100.7

I had my air filter cover flipped over for the second & third runs. You had problems with the clutch -- I had problems keeping the tires from spinning with the TH/400 automatic. Getting to know that balance of how hard to push it I guess just comes with practice!