I think what you are refering to is a locked rear differential. Locking differentials are good on off-road vehicules or when drag racing because it gives you more traction when the wheels are spinning at the same speed. But it's very bad on handling because when the vehicule is turning you need to have the outside wheel spinning faster than the inside wheel because its following a circle of larger radius. The solid rear axle refers to the suspension of the car and it means (correct me if I'm wrong) that the vertical movement of one wheel is connected to the the movement of the other (as opposed to an independant suspension where each wheel moves freely).

 

Ooops too slow on the keyboard!

 

I haven't quite taken notice to the message center while I'm running down the track. The question is: Does anyone think the TC will affect running the 1/4 mile?

 

I have absolutely no racing experience but considering the traction control will kick in only when you're loosing the rear (which shouldn't happen too much on a really good run I guess) I would think the traction control would not hinder a good performance but could help you to avoid loosing the car into a wall (in that case your lap time will not be your biggest concern!).

Maybe I would deactivate it on the start though...

 

[quote=169stang,January 31, 2005, 3:22 PM]
I haven't quite taken notice to the message center while I'm running down the track. The question is: Does anyone think the TC will affect running the 1/4 mile?

I think Boomer answered your question about as good as it can be answered at this time. Could be that someone who has been experimenting with an electronic timer on runs might be able to give you more input.

 

[quote=wild stray,January 31, 2005, 10:49 PM]

Agreed!

 

T/C does not use the brakes, it just limits the engine.


<!--QuoteBegin-Preacher@January 31, 2005, 5:42 PM
I have absolutely no racing experience but considering the traction control will kick in only when you're loosing the rear (which shouldn't happen too much on a really good run I guess) I would think the traction control would not hinder a good performance but could help you to avoid loosing the car into a wall (in that case your lap time will not be your biggest concern!).

Maybe I would deactivate it on the start though...

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I agree. I have never been to a track, but in the little experience I have had, I do not feel the T/C has limited me on dry roads in any way.

 

Then the grinding noises I hear must come from the manual tranny. I did the test last night and the sound seems to come from the front of the car. You hear anything with T/C active Kluski?

 

Yes of course! It doesn't make any sense at all to have your traction control on while going down the dragstrip. If you choose to use it, you will see slow times. The track is the safest place to race and if you're still scared you shouldn't be racing at all.

 

I have a manual transmission also. The only sound heard was the same as if I put it in first and let the clutch out real slow with no gas. Just the sound of the engine barily going. I had it start to bog down, or what seemed to sound like it bogging down. But I figured it was because I was going up a steep hill, and it was slowing down as much as possible to get traction.

As far as grinding, I have not heard anything close. I would not have known it was in T/C if I had not looked at the message center (or for the fact that it was moving real slow).

 

Starting to get nervous about this noise...

 

Having the T/C on or off is NOT going to make a difference at the strip. The T/C in the 05 allows quite a lot of slip in dry conditions, more slip than you're going to want for a good launch anyway.

A novice driver getting a 13.7 on his first try sounds really good to me!

 

Actually, it does use the brakes...it will pull RPMs on your engine, and then also apply the brakes if pulling RPMs idn't enough.

http://www.belanger.com/fordauto/mustang2005/

 

That was my thought too. If the switch is on, but the T/C is not engaged, how can it slow your time down?

 

THANK YOU! I don't know about anyone else, but I really hate all of these electronic additions for people who don't know how to drive. Traction control, anti-lock brakes, etc. By the way, anyone know a safe way to disable anti-lock brakes?
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Not sure how anti-lock brakes is only useful if you don't know how to drive your car, its useful when other people don't know how to drive and force you to brake hard. When your brakes lock up and your tires are sliding on the pavement, it is next to impossible to steer your vehicle to avoid the car in front of you.

 

Well, I ran at the track last night, w/ the TC off. I improved my time to 13.66. The difference was in my 60' time. That is unless I just launched better. I will be able to tell better next week when I get a few more runs in. I can't say it was due to the T/C being on or off. I just know I improved my time!

 

Quick question....have you noticed any problems stemming from your underdrive pulley, such as undercharging by the alternator, overheating b/c of the slowed down water pump, or lower functioning a/c b/c the compressor is slowed?

 

None at all. The way the car runs-functionally, and the gauges haven't changed at all. It just pulls a bit better!