Well, alot of it can be your driving too. Even guys who have been racing for years still have things to learn. Its not like your motor is going to be putting down 250hp so don't be hoping that high. Stock 225hp rating only ends up being 160-180 usually to the wheels. When it comes to the track a car can be putting down 200hp and run 12's and a car that has 400 can run 13's. There are alot of variables and how a car is set up.

 

heres a pic of my car right before i blew the rear end with a t-5. the highest rpm was 3k.