8-Second Turbo Mustang - NMCA Boost Control

On the first run of the day, the dense Memphis air allowed for too much boost on the line and popped off the intake tube. This was the only wrenching they did all weekend.

The fuel system uses a Weldon pump that feeds the boost-reference pressure regulator. The ratio is 1:1, and the fuel pressure is set to 42 pounds at idle with no vacuum. To add or subtract fuel during dyno tuning, the crew adjusts the pulse width of the injectors.

The CFM of the turbo dictates the required size of the blow-off valve. If the valve opens and there is still boost in the system, the throttle blades can hang open or surge back into the turbo and damage parts. This system uses a 50mm valve from Tial Sport.

The handle attached to the top of the rollcage is for the parachute. After Tim drives through the lights, he pushes the handle forward and the cable pops the pin out of the spring retainer that pushes the 'chute into the wind. If you are faster than 149 mph, you need one. The buttons are part of a Firefox fire-suppression system. The upper button is for an engine fire, and the lower button is for a fire in the cockpit. The overhead switch console is from Painless Wiring and the shifter is from Hurst.

Robello Racecraft built the 'cage so the car can go as fast as 7.50s without having to change anything. It is an SFI 255 Funny Car 'cage, which simply means it wraps around Tim's head. He also wears a neck brace to keep things attached.

To get a turbo to work, you need to build boost. The two-step HyFire box breaks up the spark while the car is on the line with the footbrake applied, causing fuel to ignite in the exhaust and spool up the turbo. The car is then switched to the second step connected to the transbrake right before the car leaves the line. If you try to spool up the turbo on the transbrake, you will overheat the transmission.

Even though Tim has a parachute, the brakes have been upgraded to a disc-brake system from Strange Engineering designed to bolt on to the stock Mustang control arms. You never know when the 'chute isn't going to open.

Instead of on the trailer, the broken Mustang put Larry in the barbecue pit.