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Author
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Topic: Trans Brake Button
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jsracingbbf
Gearhead Posts: 2954
From: Batesville,MS. , U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 10-07-2002 10:41 PM
   
What is your prefered method for releasing your trans brake assuming you have one? Right hand, left hand? is this hand quicker or more consistant? Any particular finger? anyone use a special switch, optic style maybe? What mount location? Any and all opionions please comment. I'm gathering DATA on this, I always like to compare to learn things. I have used 5 different setups, and I always wire an extra button in somewhere just in case one dies. I've used mushroom head style on the trans hump, steering wheel mount, shifter mount, quick release from Biondo and Optic light triggered. So far I like the Biondo quick release with my right hand, not my fastest hand but more consistant. ------------------
Jerry Smith
69 Mustang Pro ET Drag
70 Mustang retired former footbrake car
"If You can't Run with the Big Dogs Stay on the Porch!"
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F551
Gearhead Posts: 266
From: Manitoba, Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 10-07-2002 11:34 PM
I use a TCI button on the steering wheel with my right thumb.After I release my hand goes to the shifter - so the left hand is there to keep the car straight.  Only button I've ever used, we talked about an adjustable button but got a delay box instead. We have a spare button in the trailer - also use TCI button for the line lock on the left side of the steering wheel. When releasing I use my arm instead of just the thumb - theory is bigger muscles react faster - who knows, but it's working for me. Maybe a left handed person might prefer that hand. ------------------
Fred
68 Mustang 500CID/Powerglide - "No Tubs"
86 Mustang GT Cobra
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-08-2002 12:42 AM
Food for thought and I'll answer tomorrow.
If you are right handed, what is the dumbest diget you have? Which one would be the easiest to train?I have a B&M button mounted on the steering wheel. You guys figure out how a 30 year three pedal and foot brake racer made the switch successfully.  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA/MCA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 9533
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 10-08-2002 12:44 AM
Jerry,We're currently using Alex's left hand B&M buton method. We tried Rob's arm method with the right hand off the wheel, but my driver was red lighting too much. So, as Alex explained it the left thunb is the dumbest index on your body, assuming you're right handed. You actually have to tell your left thumb to release the button. SteveW
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jsracingbbf
Gearhead Posts: 2954
From: Batesville,MS. , U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 10-08-2002 02:08 AM
Steve, Im left handed which most left handed folks are somewhat ambidextrious due to living in a right hand world. With much practice on my box in the car (it has a practice feature) I have found my right hand to be more consistant than my left, however my left is much faster. So I have a button for each hand. I normally bracket race with the right index finger. If I am running a .400 tree I use the left index finger.
Jerry
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 27499
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-08-2002 04:46 PM
BINGO Steve! 
Well, he had some insight as we talked about it extensivly. I have trained several dozen new commers to "button" racing and have found that 99% of right handers aclimate best using their left thumb. As long as you can find a comfertible spot for the button it is almost full proof in a consistant car.
When I first raced with a brake I tried all of the "normal" spots using my right hand digits and couldn't hit the tree with a baseball bat. .650 to .420 on a 5 tenths tree.  It was so inconsistant that I gave up. I won may races foot braking MM and was deadly. After some suspension modifications I decided to try the brake again and the car began to leave the starting line like a rocket. I knew then that I had to figure something out as the performance increase was just too good to pass up. (and the wheelies got bigger)
I got a practice tree and realized that I could hit it best almost everytime with my left thumb. So then we went about the task of picking out a comfertible button. I tried every button made and settled in on the green B&M unit mounted on the left side of MM's steering wheel. The high dollar ones were just too uncomfertible and un-natural. Especially the adjustable one.
Most south paws that I know seem to drive well using their index finger off a bracket on the dash high up. ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator/ non 65-66 Mustang owner sensitivity co-ordinator NHRA/IHRA/SRA/MCA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
Part time secret agent license #0089
Professional Manwhore
The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
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jsracingbbf
Gearhead Posts: 2954
From: Batesville,MS. , U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 10-08-2002 10:44 PM
quote:
Most south paws that I know seem to drive well using their index finger off a bracket on the dash high up
Alex! that describes where my button is to a T. Thanks for the tip on the THUMB! I may have to install another switch and practice!
Jerry
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