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Quarter Mile Elapsed Time Formula:
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The 1/8 mile elapsed time formula estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete an 1/8 mile drag strip based on its weight and horsepower. This formula provides a quick estimation of vehicle performance for drag racing enthusiasts and automotive professionals.
The calculator uses the 1/8 mile elapsed time formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula uses a cube root relationship between the weight-to-power ratio and elapsed time, reflecting the non-linear nature of acceleration.
Details: Accurate 1/8 mile elapsed time estimation is crucial for drag racing preparation, performance tuning, and comparing vehicle performance capabilities. It helps racers set realistic expectations and make informed modifications.
Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides an estimated 1/8 mile elapsed time in seconds.
Q1: How accurate is this formula?
A: This formula provides a good estimation for typical drag racing vehicles, but actual performance may vary based on traction, gearing, driver skill, and other factors.
Q2: What is considered a good 1/8 mile time?
A: For street cars, 8-10 seconds is typical. Performance cars may run 6-8 seconds, while dedicated drag cars can achieve times under 5 seconds.
Q3: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: The formula uses engine horsepower. For wheel horsepower, you may need to adjust the input value based on your drivetrain efficiency.
Q4: Can I use this for different racing surfaces?
A: This formula is optimized for prepared drag strips. Times may vary on different surfaces due to traction differences.
Q5: How does weight reduction affect ET?
A: Weight reduction has a significant impact due to the cube root relationship. Reducing weight improves ET more than linear calculations might suggest.