I managed to finally take my truck to the track for the first time (1/8 mile). It was a great friday night (10-31-03). Bear in mind that I ran on my original bald factory tires, and had tail gate up(wether or not the tailgate makes a difference, I'm not sure)
First run-
Reaction time: 1.1071
60ft.: 2.4534
330ft:6.6585
1/8ET: 10.14
MPH: 71.09
Horrible traction!!!!!!!!
Second run-
Reaction time:1.0183
60ft: 2.4143
330ft: 6.5947
1/8ET: 10.07
MPH: 71.21
still horrible traction!!!!
Third run-
Reaction time: .5886
60ft: 3.3015
330ft: 9.0314
1/8ET: 13.00
MPH: 63.89
This run was my worst because I launched above 3000rpm and spun literally half way down the track(no lie here), then half assed the throttle the rest of the way and still managed to run a 13. I reved it up so high because I knew it was going to be my last run that night because they were closing. Notice getting closer to getting that perfect light on that one!!

Next time I plan on running mid 9's, I just spent $600 on tires. Tomorrow I'm getting my MSD wires, underdrive pulleys, and 160 thermostat. Soon to come LS1 edit, cam and traction bars!!!!
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99 gmc sierra sle rc/sb: 3.42 limited slip, HPP3, K&N FIPK, Helix Power Tower TBS, ram air, Edelbrock TES headers, true duel Flowmaster exhaust, Magnaflow x-pipe

 

nice runs! Ive actually heard that leaving the tailgate up creates a sort of "air bubble" in the bed, creating a smooth curve for air to pass over the truck and hit the 'bubble' and go over the tailgate. (That is the extreme basic explanation w/o the right terms...) I read if over a year ago online, it was some aeronotical (sp) engineer's essay or something on the subject. Wether or not its true I dont know but it does make for an interesting theory.

 

the tailgate is nothing but a large air deflector. with it your costing yourself valuable time,speed on the track.