Whats the difference between modified and stock....

[Motorhead350]

.....suspension? I don't completely get it when it comes to 1/4 times. When people will say "The car ran this time and it's still stock suspension!" Whats the big deal? Is it because the stock has more weight or something? Again as far as 1/4 mile times go, not the circle track. Thanks

[blackf0rk]

The suspension has a lot to do with the way the car moves (literally) when the car launches. The wheels are the only thing touching the road, and the suspension helps keep those 4 points ON the road with has much traction as possible.

I don't know all the ins and outs myself, so I cannot explain in detail (someone will do so here soon), but if your car is rocking and rolling (front and back) you can expect some loss of your time...not because of horsepower, but because of a lack of traction.

[magindat]

Weight transfer plays a role, too. If you spend your torque shifting weight, there's less to spend on the launch. Suspension balances the need for some weight transfer and nt so much that you lose your forward launch. It's a game of trial and error. So, it's often best to copy someone who's already spent the time and $. Also, a great launching car may not also be a great driving or handling or riding car. You have to reach your own comprimise.

[Motorhead350]

Thats what I figured, but does anyone know the difference in time it can make?

[Warpath]

It can make a small or huge difference depending on what else is modified. If you have so much power that you just spin the tires excessively, then a suspension that can harness that power will make a huge difference.