One other thing I would like to expend upon.... drag racing does not = good handling. The two are completely different animals.
Drag racers are designed to go in a straight line as fast as possible.
Drag racing suspension:
The suspension is set up so that the front end lifts on launch(this is accomplished with no shocks most of the time. The rear end is set up to squat which allows as much traction on take off as possible by the transfer of weight to the rear wheels.
Drag racing tires:
The front tires are as small & skinny as possible, this helps the car go straight. The rear tires are as large & wide as possible, this allows for weight transfer & traction.
Drag racing bodies:
As much weight as possible is stripped off the car as possible, especially the front end to make it lighter so that it lifts on takeoff
and transfers the weight to the rear.
Road Racing/Handling cars are setup to go around corners well.
Road Racing/Handling suspension:
The suspension is setup so that the rear is stiffer then the front, this eliminates body roll and helps maintain a nice ride. The front of the car has a heavy duty sway bar to help keep the front end tight.
Road racing/Handling tires:
Tires are usally low profile (35-50 series) in either 16, 17 or 18"
diameters. Most of the time the front and rear tires are the same size or the rears are slightly wider depending on rims sizes chosen. These tires allow you go into turns and hold your ground.
Roa racing/Handling bodies:
Volkswagens set up for good handling generally try to distribute weight more evenly by moving stuff to the front of the car (like the battery for example) and to remove weight off the rear of the car to help keep the front/rear weight distribution closer together. THis makes for an overall better handling car.
So you see the two are completely different sides of the coin.
In my opinion (for whats its worth) I would either set up the car for totally drag racing or Road Racing/Handling with some showing.
You can always drag race (part time) your car if its set up for
handling/road racing but you cant road race/handle a car that is setup for drag racing.
Sorry for being so long winded, its late and the mind is revving.
