How to Build a Drag-Racing Car

While just about any vehicle can be raced on a drag track, you will need to modify your existing stock car in order to make it competitive. Building a proper drag-racing car is far from inexpensive, but it does have its rewards, such as the sheer excitement of intense acceleration, and the ability to win cash and prizes.

Things You'll Need

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Helmet and eye protection
  • Racing slicks
  • Specially mixed fuel
  • Specialized suspension, including adjustable shocks
  • Stock vehicle
  • Supercharger or turbocharger
  • Roll cage (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Build a Drag-Racing Car

    • 1

      Replace the stock treaded tires with racing slicks. Racing slicks are wide, flat, treadless tires that help to speed up your drag car by having a better grip on the track. Since they are slightly underinflated, the area of contact between the rubber and the road is also increased, which will help you to achieve faster launches at the starting line.

    • 2

      Make modifications to the suspension of your drag-racing car in order to make it stiffer and less prone to raising and lowering upon acceleration. High torque from the engine will cause the front of the car to raise up and lean toward one side. By using adjustable shocks with each spring set at a different rate, and by installing traction bars near the axle housings, you will be able to keep your car level and steady when you step on the gas.

    • 3

      Add a supercharger or turbocharger to your engine when you build your drag-racing car. These devices increase the power of your vehicle by blowing air into the combustion chambers of the engine, making the fuel burn faster.

    • 4

      Consider using a specialized fuel mixture when you build your drag-racing car. This can range from high-octane mixes of gasoline, nitrous oxide canisters to help boost, or a fuel that is completely different from gasoline, such as methanol and nitro-methane. Along with a supercharger or turbocharger, these fuels will burn more quickly and create more power.

    • 5

      Include the proper safety equipment when you build your drag-racing car. This includes at least one fire extinguisher, a helmet, eye protection and possibly a roll cage to protect you if your car rolls over during the race.