Getting away from the foot brake this year with a bte trans brake in the th400, is it necessary or just a good idea to use a 2 step? Seems it would definetly be a more consistent way to go. Also if used does it put much more stress to engine parts like the crankshaft? Just trying to learn all I can about it, Thanks, Brad
yes 2 STEP IS A BIG PLUS . just don't be that guy who sits on it forever . I don't go up on mine until the lights start coming down.
It puts a lot of stress on the crankshaft, esp. when you sit on it forever. Definitely more consistent, good 2 step strategy wins many races.
For starting line rpm control, I have used both the 2 step and an air throttle control. The throttle control is simply a cylinder that lengthens, so that when you put the pedal on the stop, the carb only opens the amount you pre-set, so rpm is controlled that way. You will need one or the other, and you need to set the rpm limit at least 500 rpm lower than converter stall speed. (assuming your running a 4500-5000 stall converter like you should be with a transbrake). The brake is the hardest on the converter.. sitting on the brake for any length of time, at or near the stall speed, will cause premature failure, and excessive trans heat. I always preferred the air throttle control. We went to that after we broke a block, split number 3 main web.. I attributed that to the 2 step. The block is a much bigger worry than our crankshaft, when it comes to durability on a 2 step. The drawback of the air throttle control is that when you hit the transbrake button, the linkage will lengthen, which will cause the pedal to drop away from under your foot.. you have to "follow it down" and then set it against the pedal stop.. which is very important, a postive stop for the gas pedal. The carpet or floor does not count.. And of course you have to have the Co2 bottle and lines ect... and remember to turn it on (I really recommend an electric on/off valve). The advantage is that you have no pounding on the 2 step, and you still have all the normal carb operation. JW
Answering the original thread...yes, use a two step with a brake. I run a co2 throttle controller as Jim describes, with a 4 wheel line lock setup. I'm off the button on the first bulb and the delay box releases both line locks and the throttle controller together. When on the button I'm only about 2,500 rpm and I get the full pump squirt at launch. This is "old school", but has worked well and IMO is MUCH easier on equipment. It's also consistent enough for bracket racing if you pay attention. I pull the delay box when running in a no gizmo class. Two step and Brake...everyone does that! Jim P, Killer Tomato...no hunting car.
Brad, Here is the starting line controller I would recommend, if you going to go air.. http://www.biondoracing.com/product/SLP.html JW
Thanks everyone..The biondo piece looks really nice and should be just what I need also an electric on,off valve is a great idea. Trying to be more consistent this year and footbraking just dosent do it.
I think most racers are sticking with the 2 step these days. Even in the information on the Biondo pads they describe using this with a 2 Step.
John, Your correct, most of their customers are on a pro tree, many of them with a big car, so they need to be way up there in the rpm to catch a light. I always used this with a .500 tree, for brackets. JW
