1. What is the Drag Race ET Equation?

The Drag Race ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates quarter-mile elapsed time based on vehicle horsepower and weight. It provides a theoretical prediction of drag racing performance for planning and comparison purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Drag Race ET equation:

Where:

• \( ET \) — Elapsed Time (seconds)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower
• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight (pounds)

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the power-to-weight ratio to estimate quarter-mile elapsed time, with 1350 as the empirical constant.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: ET estimation helps racers predict vehicle performance, plan modifications, and set realistic expectations for drag strip results. It's useful for comparing different vehicle setups.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter horsepower and vehicle weight in pounds. Use actual measured horsepower at the wheels for more accurate results. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual ET depends on traction, aerodynamics, driver skill, and track conditions.

Q2: Should I use wheel horsepower or engine horsepower?
A: For most accurate results, use wheel horsepower which accounts for drivetrain losses. Engine horsepower will give optimistic estimates.

Q3: What is a good ET for street cars?
A: 12-14 seconds is good for modified street cars, 14-16 seconds for average performance cars, and under 12 seconds for serious performance vehicles.

Q4: Does this account for driver weight?
A: No, this calculates vehicle weight only. Add driver and passenger weight to the vehicle weight for more accurate results.

Q5: Can I use this for different race distances?
A: This equation is specifically calibrated for quarter-mile (1320 feet) drag racing. Other distances require different formulas.