The Top Fuel Dragster

              Performance

  • 5 G-forces at the starting line
  • 0 to 100 MPH in .8 seconds (the first 60 feet of the run)
  • 0 to 200 MPH in 2.2 seconds (the first 350 feet of the run)
  • Standing quarter-mile elapsed time: 4.490 seconds
  • Best finish line speed: 329.42 miles per hour
  • 5 negative G-forces upon deployment of twin 'chutes at 300 miles per hour
“A Top Fuel Dragster accelerates quicker than any other vehicle on earth …
quicker than a jet fighter plane … quicker than the space shuttle.”

Chassis
The chassis is made from more than 300 feet of 4130 chromoly tubing. As per NHRA rules, Top Fuel Dragsters must weigh at least 2225 pounds, including the driver, and have a wheelbase not exceeding 300 inches.

Body
A multi-piece body formed of carbon fiber and magnesium panels is attached to the chassis with quick-release fasteners.

Wings
The carbon fiber rear wing, which can measure no more than 1,500 square inches, exerts 6,500 to 8,000 pounds of down force on the rear tires. The amount of down force depends on the angle of attack of the wing and the quality of the air. The front wings can apply as much as 2,000 pounds of down force, though the front tires are subjected to just 300 pounds because of the rear wing’s leverage.

Supercharger
Mounted atop the intake manifold on the engine, this belt-driven mechanical device rams air into the engine at a staggering rate. A supercharger spinning at 10,500 rpm (based on overdrive of 30 percent and engine speed of about 8,000rpm) will displace 100,000 cubic inches of air per minute.

Engine
The Top Fuel Dragster is equipped with a forged aluminum version of the famed 426 Chrysler Hemi. When equipped with billet aluminum cylinder heads and forged aluminum connecting rods, pistons, and wrist pins and when the intake manifold, supercharger, and fuel pumps are bolted in place, the engine is capable of literally breathing fire, producing upwards of 8,000 horsepower.

Fuel
The powerful elixir that helps coax nearly 15 horsepower from each of the engine’s 500 cubic inches is the fuel, Nitromethane. Known as “nitro,” it is the result of a chemical reaction between nitric acid and propane. Fed by the two fuel pumps that can deliver more than 90 gallons per minute – the equivalent of 10 showerheads – the engine will gulp 15 gallons of nitro at $30 per gallon during one quarter-mile run, including the burnout and staging process.

Drivetrain
The centrifugal force that squeezes together the five discs and four steel floater plates is applied gradually in infinitesimal stages. The procedure is controlled by a hydraulic-fluid-powered throw-out bearing and ram until complete one-to-one lockup between the engine and drivetrain is achieved, which occurs about three seconds into the run. Clutch temperatures can soar above 1,500 degrees. The rear end has a 12-inch diameter ring gear.

Tires
The fat Goodyear slicks on the rear are 18 inches wide and nearly 10 feet in circumference (maximum 118 inches). The air pressure is at six pounds. The front tires are bicycle size with a minimum wheel diameter of 17 inches.

Driver Safety Equipment
A complete fire resistant driving suit, gloves, helmet, and 360-degree neck collar are required. Drivers must be secured in the cockpit with a five-point restraint system using belts that are at least three inches wide and covered with fire-resistant material.

Brakes
The disc brakes, activated via a hand lever in the cockpit and used only on the rear wheels, measure 10 ¾ or 11 ½ inches in diameter and are made from carbon fiber. The primary braking system is a pair of parachutes that can produce up to five negative G- forces of stopping power when deployed after a 325 MPH run.