1. What is the Drag Race ET Equation?

The Drag Race ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete a quarter-mile drag race based on its weight and horsepower. This formula provides a theoretical estimation of a vehicle's performance potential.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Drag Race ET equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Vehicle weight in pounds (lb)
• \( HP \) — Engine horsepower
• 5.825 — Empirical constant for quarter-mile estimation

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the weight-to-power ratio, then multiplies it by the empirical constant to estimate elapsed time.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: ET estimation is crucial for drag racers to predict vehicle performance, compare different setups, and optimize power-to-weight ratios for better track times.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET estimation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimation. Actual track times may vary due to traction, aerodynamics, driver skill, and transmission efficiency.

Q2: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: No, this calculation uses raw horsepower figures. For more accurate estimates, use wheel horsepower instead of engine horsepower.

Q3: What's a good ET for a street car?
A: For production street cars, ETs typically range from 12-16 seconds. Performance cars can achieve 10-12 seconds, while dedicated drag cars can run under 10 seconds.

Q4: Can I use this for different race distances?
A: This equation is specifically calibrated for quarter-mile (1320 feet) drag racing. Different constants would be needed for other distances.

Q5: How much does weight reduction affect ET?
A: Significant weight reduction can dramatically improve ET. Generally, reducing weight by 10% can improve ET by approximately 3-4%.