Header Retention Rule Revision

[Bob Gullett]

As per NHRA in the latest rules update.
SECTION 20: GENERAL REGULATIONS, ENGINE: 1, 1:3 EXHAUST (Page 3) (2/18/2014) All cars vehicles must be equipped with exhaust collectors, headers, or stacks installed to direct exhaust out of car vehicle 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 system components must be securely fastened (i.e., metal connector straps, bolted, welded, etc.) to prevent loss of collector/stacks system components during competition. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, All removable multi-piece exhaust collectors/stacks must be securely fastened with either an NHRA-accepted header tether, or a minimum ½” (half-inch) stitch weld located on each primary tube or be permanently attached to the vehicle body or frame with positive fasteners (i.e. exhaust hangers, support brackets, bolts/nuts, etc.) such that they require tools for removal to prevent loss of collector/stacks during competition. A current list of NHRA-accepted header tethers is available on NHRARacer.com.

[Ed Carpenter]

So my nuts and bolts are good now?

[Bob Gullett]

The way I read it is all you need is a exhaust hangar and a muffler clamp per collector. Attach the hangar to the body or frame with a muffler clamp attached to the collector. $10-20 worth of parts.

[buzzinhalfdozen]

Oh heck....just welded as set for a Super Comp racer, thought I read 1 inch stitch welds. Oh well guess it will be twice as good. Though I'll follow the rule I still absolutely do not agree with it, I built my entire car, from bending the tubing, fitting it and welding it in...but I can't be trusted to make sure my collectors don't fall off. Don't make sense to this hillbilly. Sorta like wearing a belt and suspenders, either one will get the job done. Heck actually I've got over a half inch of weld involved in my tabs so does that count if I put tabs on all 3 tubes? I'm sure a lawyer could wear them out with the wording they used.

[jmcarter]

Wow, they just screwed the folks who developed tether systems that would meet NHRA's approval, now hangers will do. Some racers will save some $$ but was it all really worth all the angst over the last 4 months?

[Rick Bailey]

Seems like there's still the dragster owners to fleese !

Rick

[442OLDS]

Originally Posted by Bob Gullett

The way I read it is all you need is a exhaust hangar and a muffler clamp per collector. Attach the hangar to the body or frame with a muffler clamp attached to the collector. $10-20 worth of parts.

I kind of read it that way too,except there probably will be another rule amendment that the hangar and muffler clamp have to be NHRA accepted.The Napa version may not qualify.LOL

[farmco r/sa]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

So my nuts and bolts are good now?

this seems nuts......

[gsa612]

Now there's a grey area in the definition of the clamp and hanger lol..I was thinking of using a 3 1/2" SS t-bolt clamp on the collector,with a piece of metal strapping to the clamp bolt,and the other side bolted/screwed to the floor.I wonder if that would be acceptable?.What a cluster**** NHRA!.

[gsa612]

Originally Posted by gsa612

Now there's a grey area in the definition of the clamp and hanger lol..I was thinking of using a 3 1/2" SS t-bolt clamp on the collector,with a piece of metal strapping to the clamp bolt,and the other side bolted/screwed to the floor.I wonder if that would be acceptable?.What a cluster**** NHRA!.

My collectors are bolted to the pri.tubes with a tabs (the old fash.way).I was going to make a "tether" ^^ with a clamp and straps to the floor.Unless I'm misunderstanding the revision,it seems like it would pass?.