In How to Hook and Launch: Traction Mods for the Street & Strip, author Dick Miller explains the physics behind what gets a car moving from a standing start, and how to best harness the various powers at work. Getting the rear tires to really bite and gain maximum traction is divided into several small steps, and Miller walks you through each phase of the launch.
Today's enthusiasts face a wide range of potential traction improvements, from softer tires and basic bolt-ons to complete or partial chassis replacements. Most opt for something in-between, where some well-engineered components are chosen to replace the factory equipment and offer a greater capability and range of adjustment. It is this range of upgrades where Miller spends most of his time, explaining what the parts and pieces do, and how to use them to their highest potential.
Author Dick Miller of Hernando, Mississippi, has been drag racing competitively for 40 years. The overwhelming majority of his experience has been with modified street cars (versus purpose-built racing cars). This wealth of experience has served to educate him on the needs facing others who choose to drag race their own street machines. He is also a manufacturer of custom-crafted suspension and traction aids for a wide range of domestic rear wheel-driven cars.