NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

NHRA has amended a rule for EXHAUST/COLLECTORS in their latest update (2/4/13). LOKAR has recieved several calls regarding this change but it doesnt take affect unitil January 2014. When the parts are available from LOKAR, we will have them available for purchase. They are NOT currently available.
SECTON 20: GENERAL REGULATIONS, ENGINE: 1, 1.3 EXHAUST (Page 3) (2/4/2013)
All cars must be equipped with exhaust collectors, headers, or stacks installed to direct exhaust out of car body to rear of car, away from driver and fuel tank. No part of the exhaust system may be routed through the driver’s compartment.
Exhaust collectors/stacks must be securely fastened (i.e., metal connector straps, bolted, welded, etc.) to prevent loss of collector/stacks during competition. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, removable multi-piece exhaust collectors/stacks must be securely fastened with an NHRA accepted header tether, such as Lokar’s 1400009 or 1401009 to prevent loss of collector/stacks during competition.
Please use the following link for all the amendments.

http://www.nhra.com/userfiles/file/2...s%202-4-13.pdf


Thanks!

Ken & Debbie Moses

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Sounds like a response to the unfortunate accident at Atco ,when several people were injured by a flying collector.
I usually dont jump on NHRA's bandwagon when we have to spend money on new stuff, this is a reasonable rule.
Consider not only the possibility of injury to crew or spectators, but loose a collector down track and run over it , the consequences could be catastrophic.

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Since my exhaust exits through the body just behind the front wheel, I should be OK with this?

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Sounds like you would as long as the collector has a teather attached
Chuck

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Are collectors falling off a common problem?

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I assume this is over and above the normal tabs, bolts, and/or springs typically used to attach the collector to the primaries?

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

And the cost of these will be ??? can we fab our own or do they need to be a purchsed tether???

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

May be just me but most of the time NHRA ammends a rule, it is a little hard to understand and sometimes gets a rewrite. My problem on this one is, the Multi-piece exhaust collector wording. Most collectors I have used are one piece. I have used primary tube extensions but I don't think that is what they are refering to. What exactly is a multi-piece collector?

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I personally believe they are referring to anything AFTER the primary tubes, ie. extensions , collectors etc ...Instead of just shoving the collector on to the extensions they really are not or nothing is fastened to the primary pipes--they want to make sure that the tubing from the header flange to the tip of the collector is one piece such that at no time can any portion of the tube(s) comes apart unless/until it is unbolted from the previous part.--Makes sense to me--- FED387

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Think you are right. I remember collector extensions that were slip on but every collector I have had bolted on to 2 primary tubes. I see some stainless ones with spring attachments. Just too many words to say "collector". We know what they are saying but why not just say collector, not multi-piece exhaust collector? But Mr Tech Man, I don't need them because I have a 1 piece collector, not multi-piece. I was an NHRA tech man for years and this is what causes problems. Poorly worded rules or should I say wording open for arguement.
And are these really better-safer. Both do the job if they are secured but neither if they are not. I'm just being picky I guess.

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

So if your collectors and primary extentions are bolted to the primary tubes, are you still required to have this retention devise?

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I remember someone losing a collector on a S/C dragster at the 90 race last year. Who was that? :)

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I guess a door car with headers bolted to collector to mufflers bolted to chassis isn't included in this rule. As the bolted in muffler would act as a restraint. But I wouldn't be surprised how NHRA interprets it.

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Gary
Don't be so sure. It says a removable collector must use an NHRA approved tether. Being bolted in doesn't make it non-removable. Your using logic again.

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I have lost one when the tab welds cracked:rolleyes:

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

That lost collector at the .90 race was off of our car, and it cut the tire. If that matters. But, dont be fooled into thinking it cant happen to you. The rule is a good rule, but I didnt help write it.

Debbie Moses

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

I know it happened to Kenny at the .90 Nationals last year and also to Mike Holland on his burnout on his final License Pass on Friday Night at the .90's. They were able to kick it off the track before he backed up over it which would have made for a mess

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Hey, I remember that. I think it is a good idea to tether the collector after what happened to me on my license run. I know most everyone goes over their cars with a fine tooth comb, but the collector tabs are something we never think will fail until it happens to us.

Mike Holland
SG/SC 1746

Re: NHRA 2013 Rules Amendments
 

Looks like the only way to get around this rule is to WELD the collector to the tubes. So if I was building a new set of headers I would mount them on the car then weld the collector to the tubes before I powder coated them. That way they are not removable and don't need the teather. I have lost a collector on my old door car when the tab cracked. However on my Super comp dragster I have dynatec headers with 4 bolts on each header and they are out in the open where I can check them as I wipe them down after each pass. The old saying out of sight out of mind does seem to fit in some of the door car cases. I don't want to have to put up with the teather, so I guess I will have to weld on my chrome headers. We will see how the rules are applied. Any one else have any thoughts on the subject.:cool: