Derek, of all people, I would think you would understand. It's just to attain a LOWER gear ratio.
I don't doubt for one second, that you know more about physics than I do in relation to traction, and tire size. But I don't believe a STOCK, Limited, automatic Crossfire has so much power that it couldn't drag race using the front tires, on the rear, and not benefit by turning a faster ET. An SRT may very well be another matter.
The subject of installing a lower gear ratio in this car has been talked about at length, many times before on this forum. Using a smaller diameter rear tire to attain this, is just a means to an end, in the least costly manner.
If I had an automatic, and could buy a 3:55 ring and pinion, and have it installed for under $1,500, I would probably do it in a heart beat. A 3:73 would be even better.
But since I have a 6 spd, (with it's ridiculously short 1st gear ratio) installing a lower gear in the differential would render 1st gear useless.
I took my car to the drags last spring just to get a base line to go by, but got rained out before I had a chance to go down the track. I haven't made it back since. But I feel an automatic would be a much better tool to use, simply because "driver ability" would be taken out of the equation, since no two people can shift a manual the same way (especially in a Crossfire).
I really wish somebody would at least try out my theory. I honestly feel it would cut a Crossfires ET by as much as 2 tenths of second, as long as they know how to "launch" the car.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but for absolutely no cost (other than sweat equity) it would be worth it, just to say your "stock" automatic Crossfire runs in the 14's (since according to the magazines, they don't).
The whole thing is just an experiment, of course "slicks" would be better, but that's not the point.
As for Icons 113 mph 1/4 mile speed, maybe it's his "red mirrors", don't they add MPH on the high end?