Quote:
Originally Posted by Run to Rund
Tom, I have no problem with NHRA allowing the removal of the swing axle grenade. I am just trying to follow the logic. If safety is important, why force some to use weaker parts which cost the same or more? Fortunately for AMC racers, Chrysler bought AMC and NHRA lets them run better diffs like the Dana. GM racers have to run the 12 bolt which takes a lot work to make it live in fast classes, and I suspect most of them are all aftermarket parts, not even the housing being from GM. The benefit seems to be lower HP drag than the 9". My point of logic is that there seems to be no safety or cost related reason to NHRA's decision. Neither are they preserving "originality" since everything is aftermarket anyway. Among the Ford guys, they have to spend the same money for 28 spline pinion pro gears, instead of getting the stronger 35 spline pinions. It would seem to make better sense to "level the playing field" and let any car rearend be used, period.
|
I'm at a loss to think of any make vehicle that NHRA does not allow a structurally sound rear end. All Fords get to use the 9", All GM's get to use a 12 bolt and all Chrysler products get to use the Dana 60. And the swing axle issue has been resolved with either structurally superior parts or a straight axle conversion. The after market makes every part needed for these and if you want to use an inferior, yet brand specific, rear end (like a 8" Ford instead of a 9" Ford) for a possible performance advantage (less drag I suppose), the choice is available. But if it blows up it's not NHRA's fault, it's the racer who chose that route.
I get soooo tired of the "safety" bait when used by a racer that can't afford a part or wants the simple way around the rule book. Real safety is not driving a vehicle in a timed acceleration speed contest!