Before starting the Drag Pak, it's important you familiarize yourself with the numerous gauges and switches. Each one of these has an important function during the starting procedure and overall operation.
The SmartWire Panel is located above and in front of the driver, mounted on the upper windshield/upper roll bar and contains eight switches total.
#1 is a push button for the starter.
The remaining (7) are toggle switches that control:
There are two main power switches on the Drag Pak. One is located on the right side rear fascia below the tail lamp. The second is a lever located on the inside next to the trans tunnel on the passenger side. Either switch can be used as they both operate the vehicle’s main power switch. To turn the power on while inside the car, pull the lever back. To turn the power on from outside, pull the lever on the rear facia-mounted power switch.
The 2021 Drag Pak is equipped with a unique automatic shifter that has a special pattern designed for drag racing. It’s important for you to familiarize yourself with how it functions before operating the vehicle. The shifter uses a cable to operate, and one special feature is the “Clean Neutral” function. This allows the driver to safely put the car in the Neutral position when going through traps without the risk of accidentally shifting into Park or Reverse.
The Line Lock button is located on the shifter handle to aid during the burnout procedure. To activate, first pump and hold the brake pedal to create adequate pressure – note the brake pressure gauge on the dash. Once you’ve reached approximately 600 pounds, hold the Line Lock button, then release the brake pedal. Burnout styles may vary, but make sure the rear slicks have rolled through the water box. Once adequate heat has been generated with the slicks via a burnout, release the Line Lock button and stage the car.
The 2021 Drag Pak uses an integrated Two-Step and Launch Control/Torque Management feature that’s contained within the Holley Dominator ECU. This feature is enabled by turning on the headlamps - switch #8 on the SmartWire Switch Panel. Both the Two-Step and Launch Control get activated by depressing the brake pedal. For detailed information on their operation and proper usage, refer to the Initial ECU Launch section.
The parachute lever is located above the driver and is cable operated.
Download this pdf for more information about deployment, repacking and care of the parachute.
The door windows on the 2021 Drag Pak are equipped with the Smart Glass feature like production street cars. This feature drops and raises the door glass approximately 5mm as the vehicle doors open and close. They use a special module for operation to accommodate the constant on/off switching of the main power during storage and race operations. After an extended period of the main power being switched off, the windows may need to go through a complete up/down cycle to recalibrate the module.
To recalibrate the Smart Glass module:
NOTE: The main power must be on in order for the door windows to operate properly. Make sure the windows are in the dropped position before shutting off the main power to the vehicle so you can open and close the doors.
The 2021 Drag Pak uses a production trunk with the Dodge Challenger SRT® Performance spoiler. If the main power switch is turned on, the trunk can be opened by pushing the button located in the middle of the trunk lid above the tail lamp panel.
If the main power is shut off, a cable can be found within the fuel door on the driver’s side that serves as a manual override to the production electronic switch.
The 2021 Drag Pak uses three analog gauges, which are mounted in the dash within the sightline of the driver. The AutoMeter PRO-COMP ULTRA-LITE series gauges monitor important vehicle information.
Recommendations for brake pressure during activation of the Line Lock and Two-Step when staging are covered in the Initial ECU Launch section.
The shift light is located in the dash in the direct sightline of the driver. The shift light RPM setting is pre-programmed for recommended shift points. The RPM settings can be customized using the Holley Dominator software.
w The 2021 Drag Pak uses the Holley Digital Dash (part number 553-106) to monitor many engine functions. Download the Holley Digital Dash User Manual for detailed information on its functions.
Please refer to the switch panel located on the upper roll bar directly above the driver’s sight line.
WARNING: Engine damage can occur if the recommended start-up procedure is not followed.
WARNING: Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or confined area.
NOTE: During initial transport, the Drag Pak is filled with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water to protect the engine from sub-freezing temperatures. Refer to the Competition Set-Up section for proper preparation of the cooling system and intercooler for competition.