Big Chief and Jackie, known for their high-powered street racing exploits, recently faced a unique challenge. With a major race just around the corner, they had to make an unexpected switch to 28-inch tires for their race car, a change that required adjustments to various aspects of the vehicle. In this article, we'll dive into their exciting journey as they adapt to the new tire size, make critical changes, and aim to find the right setup before the big race.
Big Chief and Jackie's first experience with 28-inch tires on the street! Photo by Big Chief 405
The story begins with an unexpected turn of events. Just days before the upcoming race, which was restricted to cars equipped with 28-inch tires, Big Chief and Jackie received a last-minute call from 6sixty Street. This call set their wheels in motion as they needed to prepare their race car to compete on the smaller tires. Their car had been racing on 29-inch tires, and the quick change was not as straightforward as it might seem.
The switch to 28-inch tires wasn't a simple swap-and-go operation. Big Chief and Jackie had to make a series of adjustments to their car to ensure it could handle the new tire size. Some of the key modifications included changing the gear ratio, the tire type, ride height, and converting their car for the use of nitrous oxide. These changes presented a daunting challenge, but the seasoned racers were up to the task.
Photo by Big Chief 405
With the adjustments complete, it was time to put the car to the test. Over the course of two nights, Big Chief and Jackie embarked on a series of shakedown runs to evaluate the car's performance on the new 28-inch tires. They closely monitored various aspects of the car's behavior, including RPM, drive shaft movement, and G-forces experienced during the runs.
During the tests, they encountered some challenges that needed addressing. One of the most notable issues was wheel speed and an undesirable oscillation as the car moved off the rubber of the racing surface. The data from their tests indicated an imbalance, especially during gear changes and acceleration, which needed resolution before the upcoming race.
Photo by Big Chief 405
To address these issues, Big Chief and Jackie devised a plan. They aimed to optimize the car's suspension and weight distribution to achieve better traction and balance. Specifically, they sought to improve the car's ability to stay on the track and prevent the wheel spin they had observed. Their goal was to maintain the car's front-end height and allow the rear to regain its ride height, ensuring a smoother and more controlled run.
The process involved fine-tuning the car's suspension and making adjustments to the front spread. This included lowering the top of the front four-link bar to give the car more leverage and help it regain height when needed. Additionally, the rear of the car underwent modifications to improve the bottom bar angle, further enhancing traction and control.
In the final stages of preparation, Big Chief and Jackie made additional changes to maximize their car's performance on 28-inch tires. They filled new nitrous oxide bottles, changed the oil, and considered adding some extra weight to the rear of the car. This was done to maintain balance and prevent the car from separating due to added bar angle and suspension changes, which could result in a loss of traction and power.
After several rounds of testing and reconfiguration, the car showed significant improvement and promising results during its runs. Big Chief and Jackie demonstrated their adaptability and problem-solving skills, getting the car ready for the big race despite the tight timeline and the complex nature of the changes required.
Photo by Big Chief 405
As the race day approaches, Big Chief and Jackie remain confident in their ability to take on the competition and give it their all. This journey exemplifies the determination and resilience that street racers bring to their craft, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of underground racing.
In this high-stakes world, where every last detail matters, Big Chief and Jackie's pursuit of excellence highlights their commitment to their craft and their desire to be competitive at the highest level. Now, with their car optimized for 28-inch tires and a freshly honed setup, they are ready to face the challenges of the big race head-on.
Video by Midwest Street Cars
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