[Excaliber]

As much money as there appears to be on the line, not to mention prestige, I'd say screw the clutch and use 2nd for the launch. Problem with that is, how many practice runs do you get using 2nd and how many clutches do you replace before the actual race?

Could you even make THREE runs launching in 2nd? Well, it all comes down to the FINAL DRIVE RATIO'S. I know what WILL work, and work well. Something like I had, was sweet, close ratio top loader with 3:31 rear gear was just about perfect for the 1/4 mile.

Close Ratio top loader 1st gear: 2.32
Rear Gear: 3.31
Total final gear ratio? Who can do that calc, it escapes me... (I think it's 9.4)

Assuming the Cobra is running a TKO.
TKO600 1st gear: 2.87 (assumes a .64 over drive non road race version).
Rear Gear: Unknown, 3.5 maybe?
Total final gear ratio? (I think it's 10.1)

Assuming the Cobra is running a TKO.
TKO600 2nd gear: 1.89 (assumes a .64 over drive non road race version).
Rear Gear: Unknown, 3.5 maybe?
Total final gear ratio? (I think it's 6.5)

Hmmm,,, sounds pretty high, might loose the clutch.