I've build quite a few cars, but never one that I was planning to race. Now I'm building two that will likely see some FUN track time, Texas Thaw and the Nostalgia Drags are two events we like to attend next year. While building the cars (customs, many different cars and parts) what do I have to keep in mind to make sure I pass tech inspection at those kinds of events? These will be relatively slow cars, one with a potent straight 6 and one with a slug V12, both with a Ford F1 cab. Any references to rules? things to pay attention to?
Try posting pictures of the 2 even if they're not done. It should give us a better idea of what's needed for safety.
Go to the website for the NHRA, every class has different rules, most are based on speed, the faster you go, the more likely you are to die, to offset that they add more equipment, If you can build a car that can run and pass tech for an NHRA event you should be good to go for that season at any track. The rules do change every year and sometimes suddenly, so join them or one of the other drag racing associations, you really wont be informed unless you get involved.
I've got an NHRA rulebook, but some of the rules seem unrealistic for a car based on parts from the 1940s. Some of the cars we saw run at the nostalgia nationals at yello belly last week didn't seem to come close to meeting the NHRA rulebook.
Some tracks are pretty lax in their tech. But any track that is NHRA sanctioned is supposed to tech ALL cars according to NHRA rules for insurance purposes. Larry T
Radiator overflow can Driveshaft loop (if you are gunna run slicks) Seat belt (5 point in date if its gunna be fast enough for rollbars 7.50 and faster) Battery securely mounted (with a master cutoff if its relocated) No battery or fuel tank or fuel lines in the driver compartment Tires in good shape and all lug nuts and studs accounted for No fluid leaks period (especially antifreeze) These events are usually pretty fair as far as tech goes ,but i do know that the items i just listed are not up for a vote at these turnouts.
That's what I was looking for.. basic safety item to get you down the track. So far this is what we're planning: - Driveshaft loops (2) - Driveshaft cage for the trans yoke - Battery on firewall.. need to build a mount - Fuel lines are going to be on or in the frame - Lug nuts and studs all accounted for (hard to inspect with moon discs) - No fluids in it yet, but we won't have leaks Big question remains, how fast will it go, we'll have around 200hp to the rear wheels in the first project to be finished. Besides the cab the car is pretty light weight, light frame, big tires in the back. Based on the engine, trans/rear-end/wheel ratios and weight we're expecting a 7.8 (+/- .2) second 0-60 time with a top speed just shy of 130pmh, No idea how to translate that to a 1/8 mile time.
"Lug nuts and studs all accounted for (hard to inspect with moon discs)" I'm not sure they will allow you to run with the discs on. Also check if lines are allowed inside the frame. Good luck and have FUN!
No more than 12" of Rubber Fuel Line. Neutral Safety Switch or Positive Lockout on Automatic Trans. Must have shocks. Roll Bar at 11.99 or Quicker Roll Cage at 10.99 or Quicker Must have open end lug nuts & extended studs when running slicks Fully enclosed driver compartment Full Bodied cars need two operational doors Re-shaped fenders must be rolled or beaded Battery Master ON/OFF Switch mandatory for 9.99 or quicker Must have 1 functional tail light. Seatbelts mandatory...more restrictions the faster you go Appoved helmet mandatory No shorts, or tank tops.
over build and don't skimp!..safety is first, speed second...recheck before and after each pass!...get the rule book and get the new one each year as there will be some changes...check out the seasoned racer's cars and ask questions if you need to know....practice the tree!
Don't use the cars that race at Yello Belly as a guide of what is needed for safety. That is a unsanctioned outlaw track and has no affiliation with ANY racing organization.
Most of the input so far seems pretty straight forward. We're building a street car that may see some time on the strip, but more for the enjoyment and thrill then for the speed. Some of the choices we make won't be the safest option, for example we're planning to run a 1947 Buick bench seat instead of nice safe, person restraining racing seat. But overall we're building this thing for safety and strength.. Big power assist brakes from a very heavy car, a fully boxed and triangulated frame (even building a K member for the rear crossmember) we're converting to modern gas shock, modern rubber, working doors, fuel cut off switch, power cut off switch. And for the remark that Yello Belly is outlaw, maybe that's why the Nostalgia Nationals were so much fun.. enough rules to be safe but not so crazy that you can't run what you bring unless you are a diehard NHRA rulebook carrying expert.
One of the early posters asked for pics of the car. I just started a build thread for our father/son project, with lot's of pictures http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478394
With200 hp you will be lucky to go 7.8 seconds in the 1/8th mile & if you are talking about the 1/4 mile time & speed probably in the 13teens & maybe a little over 100 mph. if you run those speeds & times your safety liability is not very large even in NHRA. There is an equilvancy ratio vs-vs 1/8 & 1/4 ets. A lot depends on how much you have modified the car." In braket racing its the driver not the car." Get a rule book!
Heres a conversion from 1/8 to 1/4 ET .Its a little off for my car .I have run 7.26 in the 1/8 and 11.48 in the 1/4.The chart says i should be in the low 11.30's in the 1/4 .It should get you in the ballpark though ... www.empirenet.com/pkelley2/eight-to-quarter.htm - Similar
After looking at your build post I'd say seat belts,an over flow for the radiator, battery tie down and common sense will be all that you need. Tim
Where in Wylie do you live ? I live in Allen and a good friend of mine lives in Wylie off of 78 and Brown St. -Aaron
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