Clunking noise when launching car.

[Kris]

So, I took my car to the track, and after making a few passes, I noticed a clunking noise when the car hooks so to speak.

The car is on drag radials, and when I launch the car, I hear a loud clunking/popping noise in the front. I thought it was a trans mount or motor mount, but it doesn't shake at all.

It's almost like it "clunks", then when I'm done with the burnout, it's re-clunks..

I know this doesn't tell much, but I'm just getting ideas. I'd take a look and see what it could be, but with snow on the ground, I'll wait till springs and get the parts now.

 

[94 DropTop]

ball joints maybe

 

[Steven]

control arm bushings

 

[GDTrumbo]

Upper strut mount???

GT

 

[Steven]

Upper strut mount???

GT

doesnt have one

 

[1quk50]

its the A-arm bushings mine is doin the same thing lol

 

[Venom351R]

Mine clunks sometimes when I come to a stop, its the A Arm bushings. Im just waiting to replace the whole thing w/ Tubular A arms and a K member so it can clunk for now.

 

[Kris]

So just hold off on replacing them until I upgrade?

I'm one of those types that feel everything that could be replaced, should be. But, if it's not hurting anything, I'll leave it.

It seems to make the noise anytime there is a thrust from a stop or close to it, doesn't matter if it's in reverse or 1st gear.

Well, That's good to hear that it's the A-arm bushings (I think).
I had thought it coulda been a motor mounts at 1st bc I bought the car with a 95 cobra motor swapped in. So, I had thought something wasn't tight.

After my 5th pass of the night, is when the noise started.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Kris]

Also, I thought while I had this post, I'd ask another question.

Which gear should I go with?

4.10, or 4.30?

I just plan on this being a street car with some spray. If I can go bottom 12's on pump gas durably, I'm a happy guy.

 

[reduceallpain]

My car making clicking clunking boise in the front and it was because the control arm bolt was loose.. Also maybe the noise is your front struts?? When they get old and worn off they make that kind of sound

 

[94 DropTop]

4.10

 

[Kris]

4.10

4.10 is better than a 4.30?

Everyone on a local forum has nothing but good things to say about the 4.30.

My car hardly see's much highway driving, and alot of track time. I like bracket racing.

 

[Steven]

4.10 for an auto. A 4.10 in a 5 speed 5.0 is like giving a fat girl running shoes

 

[Kris]

4.10 for an auto. A 4.10 in a 5 speed 5.0 is like giving a fat girl running shoes

So go with 4.30's then?

My car is a 5 speed.

I thought about 4.56's, but I'd need a pretty big tire to compensate.

 

[94 DropTop]

i thought you had an auto. I wouldnt go over 4.10 your not even going to have a full second in first with those. My buddy had 3.73 and he never even used 1st gear daily driving.

 

[Kris]

i thought you had an auto. I wouldnt go over 4.10 your not even going to have a full second in first with those. My buddy had 3.73 and he never even used 1st gear daily driving.

I'm just looking for what's gonna help my car most at the track.

I use to own a 98, and those car's loved 4.10's and 4.30's, but used a T45. Way different engine though.