Some rule questions
 

The NHRA rules say that if you run quicker than a 11.50 then you need a roll bar. Does this apply to all tracks and events such as test and tune or private track rentals?

Do you need a jacket if you run nitrous?

To have your car tech inspected do you have to go to a special licensed mechanic or what?

I have more questions but these are good for starters.
Thanks.

Send a PM to allthrottleandsomebottle...

Thanks Gary, I will do that!

Any sanctioned track needs to adhere to the rules of the sanctioning body, whether it's a TnT, event or rental. But, that being said, they let alot of stuff slide during rentals. Which they shouldn't, because if someone is in a bad accident, it's the track's azz.

FWIW, RobZs car isn't "legal" for what it runs. He could never run those times at an event.

As for "tech" inspection, it's done at the tracks by tech inspectors.

You need a fire jacket, and long pants, if you run 120 mph. Not positive on the ET, but I believe it's 10.9 and/or 120 mph.

:iagree: He is the man to ask.

I run 13.004's at the track in the vert and have not been red lined for not having a roll bar YET. They should adhear to the rules, but depending on the track and who they are letting run, as Ed said, sometimes things slip by.

Ed, the car will be paid off soon...it needs to go faster, hopefully me and my hard earned cash will be visiting you by the end of the summer for some cool toys.

I ran 11.9's before my SC install, I would like to make some passes to see what it can do now but I might get told not to come back. I will need a trailer so I can get back home, I suspect I will be breaking some parts after a few runs.

Part breaking is bad!!!

And expensive.

If you make ONE clean run, they're gonna toss ya! :toetap: :seeya:

That's what I am afraid of. I don't mind a 4 point roll cage but I won't do a 5 or 6 point.

What kind of time/speed could I get away with using a 4 point roll cage?

I think you are speaking of a 4 point roll "bar". NHRA and IHRA each have specific instructions for the bar and the cage that are in the rule book. I'm not sure that a 4 point would be acceptable to either group. I have not found my rule book, but when I do, I wiil let you know.

Gene :drivingskid:

You are right, 4 point roll bar. I found at NHRA, dated 2008, roll bars mandatory for 11.49 or quicker (I am assuming 4 point roll bar). A five point roll bar would be needed for 10.99 or 135MPH. I see swing-out sidebars are permitted. A whole bunch of other requirements would be needed but the bar/cage is the biggest PITA. I need to find someone that has a Vette with a swing-out sidebar to see if I can live with it before deciding.

I don't know what time/speed I would get, but I suspect I would need the 5 point roll cage (I would go with the 6 point). Hopefully I get the bugs out of my setup then I can try the strip to see where I am at.

Talk to Steve

I would just like to get to 11.5 or better, if I get banned after that it's cool.

Thanks Joe, I sent Steve a PM.

I don't want to make my street car a race car and I will only go so far to comply with the rules. I don't know if I will be ready to try the track this year or not but it can not hurt to start planning on the upgrades needed.

At the beginning of each season I will spend time on the track's website for specifics about T&T days, rental days and use their links to Sactioning rules. All depends on which car I take and for what. Went to Richmond three years ago in a "street class", ran 10:90 something on the first pass in our Mustang and they kicked us out because the mufflers were too loud ! Sometimes you don't get to stay and play if you pi-- of the regulars !

I've done several C5 and a couple C6 roll bars, including Steve's.

If you do a 6 point with swing out door bars, you can remove the door bars completely when driving on the street, and just install them when you go to the track. It only take a couple minutes to put them in.

Unless the NHRA changed the rules, and I haven't looked at a rule book in at least a year, the minimum required roll bar is a 5 point. Hoop, 2 rearward bars, and at least one door bar on the driver's side.

Looking at some pictures online, I don't know if the short piece of the sidebar mount, after removing the side-bar, will be in my way getting in/out of the Vette. I need every inch of space getting in and out. :D

Any licensed and sanctioned NHRA track will require you to adhere to the current NHRA rules in order for you to run your car. That said, I've heard they are a bit more lenient on the street legal/test & tune kind of events vs actual race events at some tracks around here. Not sure why this would be as the track could lose their sanctioning and/or insurance if there was an serious injury accident resulting from an non compliant car. For your own safety as well as for the driver in the other lane, I would highly encourage you to follow all the NHRA rules that apply to your vehicle.

A roll bar is required for hardtops (including T-Tops) running 11.49 or quicker and 13.49 for convertibles.

If you are going to run nitrous and are going to run between 10.00 to 13.99
and have the OEM or .024-inch steel firewall, you will need a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1. Be aware there are a bunch of rules and specs that apply to nitrous bottles, placement, mounting, etc......

As for tech, as others have mentioned, this will be done at the track by a track official.

D'oh! I just noticed this thread was started in 2009 :o Oh well, perhaps my post might still help others.......