For enthusiasts looking to maximize the drag-racing abilities of their cars, it would be beneficial to understand and apply the key points that Jeffery makes. Aftermarket manufacturers of F-body suspension components make excellent high-quality parts, but it is the responsibility of the enthusiast to be educated, and choose and set up the parts to meet their suspension goals. Purchasing aftermarket suspension components is expensive-doubly so if you have to purchase parts over again because the part or component wasn't designed to address your specific needs. Short of spending serious money in order to attend formal chassis training, a viable option is to call up Madman & Co. to discuss your current setup. No matter if your budget is large or small, the key is that you get the technical expertise in order to maximize your current setup, or create a plan to systematically take your car to the next level.
Drag Testing
Testing of the '96 Trans Am was conducted at State Capitol Dragway in Port Allen, Louisiana. Located 17 miles west of Baton Rouge, the track was rented by Thunder Racing/Madman & Co. specifically for testing related to technical and feature articles for GMHTP. Testing occurred on two separate occasions, with one dedicated to baselining the TA and another as part of a track event to document the differences after the suspension was modified. Unfortunately, during testing of the new suspension, the car broke a driveshaft and damaged the output shaft on the TH350 transmission, ending the day. Subsequent testing ensued after the output shaft on the transmission was replaced and a heavy-duty driveshaft was custom-ordered from PST. While in the transmission to repair any damage caused by the driveshaft failure, all clutches were replaced, and the transmission was built back up to race specs. Unfortunately, on the second pass (with the rebuilt transmission and new driveshaft), the input shaft on the transmission sheared off, ending testing until a new transmission could be sourced. Based on the power being put down, it was determined that a race-built TH400 would be a better choice for long-term durability. A Turbo 400 transmission was sourced and rebuilt to race specs by Tranz King of Baton Rouge, and the car was taken back out for testing. Since the TH350 and TH400 have different gearing in First and Second gears, a comparison of 60-foot times isn't quite apples-to-apples. Suffice it to say that when testing resumed, the 60-foot times dropped to 1.24 with no other changes to the suspension.