1. What is the Drag Racing ET Equation?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the drag racing ET equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical quarter-mile time based on the power-to-weight ratio, with the cube root relationship accounting for the non-linear nature of acceleration.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Accurate ET estimation is crucial for drag racers to predict performance, compare vehicle setups, and optimize power-to-weight ratios for competitive racing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and horsepower. Both values must be valid (weight > 0, HP > 0). The result provides the estimated quarter-mile elapsed time in seconds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this ET calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimation. Actual ET can vary based on traction, aerodynamics, driver skill, and transmission efficiency.

Q2: What are typical ET values for different vehicles?

• Street cars: 12-16 seconds
• Performance cars: 10-12 seconds
• Drag race cars: 6-10 seconds
• Top fuel dragsters: 4-5 seconds

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain losses?
A: No, this calculation uses raw horsepower. For more accuracy, use wheel horsepower instead of engine horsepower.

Q4: How does weight reduction affect ET?
A: Reducing weight has a significant impact since ET is proportional to the cube root of the weight-to-power ratio.

Q5: Can this be used for different race distances?
A: This equation is specifically calibrated for quarter-mile (1320 feet/402 meters) drag racing.