pretty old, but i may as well add my 2¢...

launching in 2nd will really take some slipping. i've got 4.30s with my 33" tires (a little lower-geared than stock 245s with 3.73s), and i've got to slip it a little starting in 2nd if i'm at a dead stop in normal driving.

as for an A->B comparison between 2wd & 4wd launches, here's the last time i ran the truck (yeah, forever ago):



the last 2 runs were in 4wd & saved me a best of .2 on the launch, .3 on the ET, and .5mph. this was with a stock long block 5.3, LTs, ORY, Blackbear 91 scan tune, 3.73s, and 31" highway tires.

and the reason shifting sucks is thanks to the terrible design of the clutch line. it's too restrictive (much like the old F-bodies) but can't be drilled out (well, the pre-02 half-plastic ones can't). it don't allow enough fluid back into the master cylinder reservoir to fully disengage the clutch for 3rd after a quick 1-2 shift. even with brand new fluid, i've only been able to single-clutch 3rd following a launch one time. when i drag from a dig, it's almost always a double-pump for the 2-3 shift.

 

Nice times!

You said the 99-02 clutch lines couldnt be drilled out. Do you know if the 03-06 ones are the same? Might go to a parts store and check it out.

 

without looking it up, i think it's the 02 or 03 through 06 lines that are the all-braided line... but the fittings are reversed from the old style. the quick connect is on the master cylinder and the roll pin is on the slave, so i'd have to swap all that around, too. that's why i didn't bother with it when i was looking into it. your 05 should be fine - just check out the F-body "drill mod" for the clutch hydraulic line & see if you can do it to yours.

ps: i think we passed each other yesterday afternoon - you were heading to the squadron as i was on my way to the tower.

 

That looks like a really easy and cheap mod. Next month when I'm not on weekend duty I think I will try it.

Yep that was me I waved!