It’s a beautiful, breezy day at Flying He Motorsports Park! Today marked the first test and tune of the season for my El Camino, and I couldn’t be more excited to hit the track. If you’ve never been to a test and tune event, it’s a fantastic way to shake down your car, try out new modifications, and get a feel for drag racing.
Here’s a copy of the logbook that I use, you can get a copy right here: https://snowfamilyracing.com/log-book-sign-up/
So, what exactly happens at a test and tune?
It’s all about experimentation and improvement. Whether you’re testing brand-new parts, like my recent intake manifold swap, or just trying to get comfortable with the track, these sessions are perfect. For me, it’s about dialing in the car’s launch, shift points, and staging techniques—especially since I’m a bracket racer at heart where consistency is king.
Today’s focus was on tuning my new single-plane intake and carburetor from Velocity Racing Carbs. I was working to eliminate hesitations, perfect my launch RPMs, and ensure I could stage the car smoothly. These adjustments are crucial for making consistent runs and improving my times.
Once I made a pass, I received my time slip. I ran a 12.57 second quarter-mile at 107 mph. That’s a solid number, especially considering the intake swap added about 2-3 mph to my top speed. It’s a good indicator that the modifications are paying off. The time slip also provides valuable data—reaction time, 60-foot time, eighth-mile time, and more—that help me fine-tune my setup.
To keep track of progress, I use a simple logbook, which I’ve made available for free in both digital and printable formats—check the link in the description! Recording these numbers allows me to compare runs and see what’s working.
The second run was even better. It confirmed that my launch and reaction times are improving, and the car is responding well to the tweaks. I reached out to my carb expert for a tiny adjustment, and I believe I’m close to a perfect tune. The only weak link now is me—the driver. I’ve been struggling with staging and launching consistently, as evidenced by a couple of red lights in a row. Improving my reaction time and launch technique will make a huge difference.
What did I learn?
The parts are working great, giving me a 2-3 mph gain and shaving off tenths of a second. With a few minor adjustments and more practice, this car will become incredibly consistent. The key takeaway? The right modifications combined with driver skill are essential for success on the drag strip.
If you’re interested in getting started with drag racing, check out this video here, where I dive into the basics of racing and how to get your car ready for the strip. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting out, test and tune days are the perfect way to improve and enjoy the thrill of racing!
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