New for 2014

[KRatcliff]

Originally Posted by denbreeden

Some guys have their wife keep their nuts in her purse...


Dennis Breeden

Well....at least they are safe and won't hit someone during a burn out.

[1855sc]

How about any tab weld that broke and the collector fell off?

I have been enhanced enough to go IHRA racing!

In response to the above question:

Yes, We have had it personally happen on our SC car at a race last year. NOT during the burn out, BUT ON A RUN. Weld Broke on the tabs with bolts holding the collector in place. Collector proceeded to cut rear tire, and be projected out into the field approx. 50 yds. we did get lucky as it broke on the side where the jersey barrier is and not another car, and we were able to stop safely. We have since worked with the header company and "beefed" up the tabs/bolts. Do you currently do inspections on your set up?
We do because they are in plain view, and it still happened. Our headers are only 2yrs. old. I dont believe that this rule is a bad one, and I dont know the cost, but dont think for one minute this couldnt happen to you.

Debbie Moses

[KRatcliff]

Lelchook just sent me a pair of these.

[bert powell]

Originally Posted by Pedigo Perf

I suppose another way NHRA could address this issue is to DQ or even fine any racer that has parts fall off his car during an event. Which would you prefer?

Header bolts are notorious for vibrating loose for obvious reasons. My collectors are welded, but when bolts are used they should be used with locking type nuts. Most aren't.

That is exactly what NHRA should do instead of forcing every racer to spend money because some do not check there stuff or use the correct hardware. I am under my car after 40 runs checking for loose bolts, etc. I have replaced grade 5 collector bolts many times because the threads look bad from overtightening. I switched to grade 8 bolts, lockwashers and crimped locknuts.

[bert powell]

Originally Posted by 1855sc

How about any tab weld that broke and the collector fell off?

I have been enhanced enough to go IHRA racing!

In response to the above question:

Yes, We have had it personally happen on our SC car at a race last year. NOT during the burn out, BUT ON A RUN. Weld Broke on the tabs with bolts holding the collector in place. Collector proceeded to cut rear tire, and be projected out into the field approx. 50 yds. we did get lucky as it broke on the side where the jersey barrier is and not another car, and we were able to stop safely. We have since worked with the header company and "beefed" up the tabs/bolts. Do you currently do inspections on your set up?
We do because they are in plain view, and it still happened. Our headers are only 2yrs. old. I dont believe that this rule is a bad one, and I dont know the cost, but dont think for one minute this couldnt happen to you.

Debbie Moses

Sorry that this happened to you. I do check under my car every 40 runs for loose bolts and the collectors. The weld on the collector tab is roughly 1/2" long (or should be). This does not fail instantly, a crack will begin and grow over time to the point it no longer has enough strength to hold the collector. The goal is to catch this with regular maintenance before it gives up.

[69ssea]

The tabs will break instantly if you have tire shake. Been there, done that! The only thing holding my collector on was the evac tube. maybe we can get them approved as a tether?

Phil Unruh

[Tom Goldman]

Everyone likes to say they stay on top of things and their stuff will never fall off.
But I've seen many cars at the track and some in my shop have only 1 bolt with no lock nut holding on the collector ,or an old worn out spring, " because I need to be able to take it off to change the trans or converter"
I had a baffel from a muffler come out and cut a tire , and that was bad enough.
I'd hate to see the damage from a collector .
We've all seen this happen at the track, and unfortunately it took someone getting seriously hurt to prompt this rule.

[Ed Wright]

I'll just weld my collectors on. I never take them off anyway. Mine does go up on the lift between races anyway, the inspectors have no way of knowing that.

[Dinsdale]

It's another knee jerk cover all the basis fix to a very small problem. I've had my collectors held on with springs for 8 years and never had one come off even after smacking the pavement from a wheelstand gone badly. Maybe the spring keeps the tab from breaking, I don't know.

[Bob Bender]

Originally Posted by Tom Goldman

Everyone likes to say they stay on top of things and their stuff will never fall off.
But I've seen many cars at the track and some in my shop have only 1 bolt with no lock nut holding on the collector ,or an old worn out spring, " because I need to be able to take it off to change the trans or converter"
I had a baffel from a muffler come out and cut a tire , and that was bad enough.
I'd hate to see the damage from a collector .
We've all seen this happen at the track, and unfortunately it took someone getting seriously hurt to prompt this rule.

You know mine wont fall off.