Tom
Your right about the parachute lifting the rear of the car. It seems the
faster I go the more likely mine is to do that. Have swithched to a smaller
chute to try and help curb the problem.
John #79 E/GCC
At 08:20 AM 7/28/99 -0700, Thomas E. Bryant wrote:
>Dave,
>
>I don't know if there is a proper or best way to shut down after a fast
>run, a lot depends on the situation at hand, but there are some things
>you don't want to do. (Like pulling it into reverse at 195 MPH, I
>know that's good for a couple of rotations.)
>
>My experience has covered a variety of methods. We used to try to hit
>the ignition switch and the clutch at the same time with wide open
>throttle to get a good plug reading. I have, as John said, just slipped
>it into neutral and hit the chute. (Quite frankly, I don't normally use
>the chute at Bonneville unless there is some compelling reason. The car
>will slow enough to exit within a little more than a mile easily.)
>Recently I have been coming off the throttle easily, hitting the switch
>and coasting down in gear for a distance before slipping it out of gear.
>(A method I have chosen to save the transmission.)
>
>I think the main concern in shutting down is that you don't make sudden
>changes in the attitude of the car. I have seen too many problems at the
>end of runs. I'm not sure what have caused these situations, but I have
>some thoughts on the subject. First and foremost, it is easy to think,
>when passing the 5-mile board, that the run is over, especially if it
>has been an eventful ride. (In the case of a 200 MPH + run, the vehicle
>is still moving at the rate of a football field per second, plus now the
>power is off or reduced, so control is even less positive.) Relaxing too
>much at this point can present a problem! Second, when lifting the
>throttle, the front end gets loaded and may cause the car to take an
>unexpected direction. It's my opinion that is what happened to George
>Field's 300 MPH crash. He had had a very busy ride, exited at 300+ and
>the car immediately turned to the left. Third, parachutes themselves
>have caused crashes by lifting the rear of the car off the ground. Be
>sure you have the chute attached at the proper location on the car and
>that there is adequate tow line on the chute.
>
>I know this is a bit of a morbid presentation about shutting down after
>a run. Your question deserves some answers, I just wish I had the right
>ones. I salute you for posing the question, usually all we are concerned
>about is how to go fast. Maybe someone else out there can shed some
>light on the subject.
>
>Tom #216 D/CC
>
>David Haller wrote:
>>
>> Tom,
>> Just a question I thought you could answer and maybe share with the rest of
>> us out here. I have seen you reach speeds over 200 with you comp coupe and
>> wonder what is your recommended method of slowing down after a run. I've
>> talked with a few folks and have gotten several different answers. Some say
>> at the five smoothly engage the clutch at the same time slide it out of
gear
>> then activate the chute. Others say drive into the chute then take it
out of
>> gear. Some of the procedures I've got down in my head and practice but that
>> one I'm not sure of. Which have you found works the smoothest for you
and is
>> recommended by other veterans,
>> Thanks,
>> Dave Haller #93
>>
>
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