Transbrake Button
The invention of the transbrake button has greatly changed the face of drag racing as we know it today. Normally a race car driver shifts their car by engaging the shifter that is located inside the car. But in drag racing, revving up the RPM’s and getting ready for taking off while using the clutch can burn out the clutch. With the invention of the transbrake button, the driver is able to press this button down to a locked position that engages the transmission. Once this button is in place, the transmission is simultaneously in both reverse gear and forward gear allowing the driver to rev the motor without moving. When the transbrake button is released, reverse is disengaged and the drag racer is able to move forward. This process allows the driver to bring the engine’s torque and horsepower up to peak level before take off without using the clutch. A transbrake button allows for a quicker and smoother take off for most drag race vehicles.
Transbrake buttons do have some flaws and technical problems that occur on a random basis. This system is controlled by electric solenoids that are connected to the transmission itself. This allows the transbrake button system to engage the transmission through the housing and into the transmission valve. However, transmissions often heat up to high levels in drag racing and can sometimes burn out these electrical solenoids. This happens more often then most people think when a drag racer makes multiple runs through out the day. Most the time the solenoids burn out later in the day on the starting line after quite a few runs have been made. Once it burns out, the transbrake button concept is of know use to the driver and the driver must rely on the foot break to keep the vehicle from moving. Reaction times can be dramatically slower when using the foot brake and in some cases starting too soon to compensate for the difference in reaction time can occur.
With the ever possibility of risking disqualification from a malfunctioning transbrake button system, new inventions come to rise that help cope with these problems. Since electric solenoids that provide power to the transbrake buttons are subjected to failure in extreme temperatures, the invention of pneumatic powered solenoids came on to the scene. This is important for any drag racer because pneumatic powered solenoids do not burn out during high temperatures in the transmission. This allows the drag racer to make many runs through out the day without worrying about an electric solenoid burning out. These pneumatic powered solenoids usually hook up to aluminum cased transmissions with an out housing unit. Transbrake buttons that operate on pneumatic powered solenoids are manufactured by General Motors, Mopar and Ford.
Pneumatic controlled solenoids that power the transbrake button can maintain functionality up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit without any complications. This is do to the unit being installed a sufficient amount of distance from the housing on the transmission. The normal distance for pneumatic solenoids is 6 inches from the transmission housing and any closer would require a protective heat shield.
Skilled and highly professional drag racers use this transbrake button system because of its reliability and durable qualities. These systems can be used for 2-speed or 3-speed drag racing transmissions and are highly effective in both. With this system, the driver can achieve peak RPM’s, peak torque, and peak horsepower before take off. In order to improve reaction time and a highly skilled take off speed, transbrake button systems with pneumatic powered solenoids are the #1 choice for professional drag racers.
