1. What is the Wallace 1/8 Mile ET Equation?

The Wallace 1/8 Mile ET (Elapsed Time) equation estimates the time it takes for a vehicle to complete an 1/8 mile drag race based on weight and horsepower. It provides a quick and reasonably accurate prediction of drag racing performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wallace equation:

Where:

• \( ET \) — 1/8 mile elapsed time (seconds)
• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight (pounds)
• \( HP \) — Engine horsepower

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the weight-to-power ratio and multiplies it by the constant 3.58 to estimate elapsed time.

3. Importance of ET Calculation

Details: Accurate ET estimation is crucial for drag racing enthusiasts, performance tuning, and predicting vehicle performance before actual track testing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vehicle weight in pounds and engine horsepower. Both values must be positive numbers. The result shows estimated 1/8 mile elapsed time in seconds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the Wallace equation?
A: The Wallace equation provides a reasonable estimate for most vehicles, but actual performance may vary based on traction, aerodynamics, and drivetrain efficiency.

Q2: What is considered a good 1/8 mile ET?
A: For street cars, 8-9 seconds is good, 7-8 seconds is excellent, and under 7 seconds is exceptional performance.

Q3: Does this include driver weight?
A: For best accuracy, include driver weight in the total vehicle weight calculation.

Q4: Can I use this for different racing distances?
A: This equation is specifically calibrated for 1/8 mile distance. Different equations exist for 1/4 mile calculations.

Q5: What factors affect real-world ET besides weight and HP?
A: Traction, tire type, transmission type, launch technique, weather conditions, and altitude all significantly impact actual ET.