How to prevent hitting redline so often?

Hey guys,

Im running a NA 3.8L L26 from a buick. The original cars Tachometer ran to 7000 but i'm pretty sure the redline was closer to 6K for most purposes. My issue is when trying to get maximum accelleration off the line (drag racing or whatever) I hit redline in first gear faster than I can get my foot all teh way to teh floor. I hate hitting redline so often on a engine that wasnt really designed for it. And if i try second gear starts I tend to Lug for a bit (no big LS V8 Torque for me)

I also assume there is no rev limiter on the car with the analog throttle body and everything so how do I prevent doing damage to the engine by hitting the limiter? Anything I can do to help her?

Ryan (upstate new york)

There's probably an adapter or converter out there that can monitor the tach output and cut fuel and/or spark to the engine above a programmable threshold.

Random googling turned up this: http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Ignitions/Daily_Driver/6425_-_Digital_6AL_Ignition_Control.aspx but no clue if it would actually work in your application.

Point being, something like this is probably what you're looking for.  Hopefully, someone else chimes in with the answer.

The rev limit should be around 6500 on that program. The rev limiter is easily programmable with our HP tuner software. Where ever you would like it set is no problem if you send us the ECU.

Sounds like short gear is too short, and second gear is too tall for launching. What about a taller rear end?

Paul M