Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Don’t have an answer for the obscure combo’s , AND NHRA doesn’t care. Just like the Tethers, this is a knee jerk reaction from NHRA. It’s RACING, and RACING can be dangerous. With that said Billy, count me in as a guy that likes his feet and toes….:)

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

And I've got a "Billy question" here, since this "issue" involved the starter ring gear and not the actual flexplate itself, are Mopars going to have to have SFI approved torque converters?[/QUOTE]

Billy, I've never seen a ring gear come off a Mopar converter but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have seen the external balance weight come off one, pretty heavy chunk just held on be two spot welds. Made a mess of the case.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Billy, I've never seen a ring gear come off a Mopar converter but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have seen the external balance weight come off one, pretty heavy chunk just held on be two spot welds. Made a mess of the case.

So... enlighten me, because it never occurred to me, is the counterweight on the converter?...
If so... how do you guys balance your rotating assembly?

Haven't worked on many Chrysler products in my time, last was in the late 70s and not performance stuff...

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

You didn't answer my question.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

I said no but you really need to call tech for their answer. These safety rules are adopted to also help prevent authorities from liability.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Hi Jim! Steve Stasko posted a picture of one "coming off" a couple of pages back.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

There are stamped plate made where you could weld the Mopar ring gear in as many places as the approved GM items. Then ,there are some builders that will attach the ring 4 or 6 light gauge tabs...Guess which one the racers are gonna want...

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Now wait a minute, if I abide by all of the rules, I'm libel and if I don't abide by all of the rules I'm libel. Where does SFI/NHRA's liability come in?

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Probably doesn't because they can show that they did everything possible to provide a safe event. If you follow the rules then you also can prove that you did everything possible to protect your safety and the safety of others. If you can't possibly follow the rules then you need a waiver from the NHRA. Over the yeas that's what I've come to believe.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

I would think if all equipment was with the rules, then it is bad luck or part of the risks associated with competing. Everyone is responsible for their own stuff.

If you signed off on a tech card that everything was good but are found to have expired and/or non-SFI stuff, you are willfully negligent and would be open to a lawsuit to cover all damages.

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Ya know I've got a real problem with all of this legaleze crap.
If all of my equipment was within the rules then it is bad luck or part of the risks associated with competing. BUT, "Everyone is responsible for their own stuff".
IF I'm "responsible for my own stuff" and it fails then I'm apparently "negligent" because I'm "responsible for my own stuff"!
It's all double talk. If I'm legal and "responsible for my own stuff" and it fails or I'm not legal and "responsible for my own stuff" and it fails I'm apparently STILL libel!

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

I've seen ring gear pieces break off a Mopar converter, but it's usually when the starter hits and it falls out on the ground. Never seen one explode out.

Front drums on the other hand..........

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

Here ya go Billy, I forgot about this, I believe if a racer is in compliance with the rules then the racer insurance will cover an incident if the racer is not negligent.
https://www.nhra.com/insurance-and-claims-info

Re: SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024
 

With this rule, I have a Meziere billet flexplate on my 12 second stocker that has now become a maintenance item because of a date on a sticker. I can take the same car to a bracket race and replace it with a $35 non SFI unit and not have any questions about the safety. I’m all for having rules in the name of safety, but the consistent inconsistency of rules is overwhelming at times. Having broke different flexplates in the past in various ways, I’m also fairly certain these things don’t normally explode on the spot without some warning signs from a broken weld or being cracked in some way shape or form. Thankfully my stuff is all apart right now so we can get it set for the next 3 years and hopefully common sense will prevail before I have to deal with it again while all the V6 cars that out out run me can run a stock flexplate if they want.

Matt Hawk