NHRA Levied Actions Against Don Davidson

[Adger Smith]

Rusty,
I feel you are correct about parts and sizes being correct by the rules.
The way things are today most good engines are built at very close tolerances. Splitting Hairs is a good way to say it.
I believe the Std Temp for measuring devices is 72 Deg F. If you carry a micrometer around in your pocket all day long it will be close to your body temp. If you measure a part around quitting time and that part is at at room temp, not you body temp, the measurement will be incorrect. The inverse applies, too. Hot or cold part and std temp measurement tool equals a bad measurement. Parts and tools grow and shrink with temp changes even though it may be a small amount they change. One should never use a "Standard" to check a micrometer if they are not both the same temps.
There is the reason for using the Standard Temp.
I think If NHRA is going to fine and suspend you for measurements being out of tolerance the parts should be measured at and by Std temps & practices. That is the same way any good shop should do measurement.
I wonder what temp that .007 out of size carb was?
In the old days I've seen guys hit a carb with dry ice fire extinguisher before turning it in for Tech. Hummm, wonder why.
At tear down I would use a chiller to bring a hot engine to Std Temp. The other use for a chiller is for performance and I think that has been covered well in the thread.

[Billy Nees]

The bottom line here has to be, why the fine?

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

The bottom line here has to be, why the fine?

That's what I want to know too. Is there a published "fine list" or does it get made up as things occur?

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by GUMP

That's what I want to know too. Is there a published "fine list" or does it get made up as things occur?

We have a winner!

[Chad Rhodes]

one thing to consider on the lift issue is that if NHRA's lifter has a different plunger height than Don's that would affect the lift one way or the other.

[sammy pizzolato]

I feel sorry for don i honestly do. But in his case they must have used a solid lifter to check the cam.honest mistake.on the carb he needs to talk to his carb man. And i think that one thousand for a fine for a minor lift!! That is a bit much. Now on the other hand for a big carb that is another thing!!! When are they going to start checking for the 55mm cam.half the stock elem field has them.if they are going to let them go I WANT ONE!!!!!!

[HandOverFist]

I thought they always used a solid lifter to check.

[Jim Wahl]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

one thing to consider on the lift issue is that if NHRA's lifter has a different plunger height than Don's that would affect the lift one way or the other.

Absolutely Chad! After a couple of years of being torn down almost everywhere I went with the little Caddy, Travis gave me some of the best advice I ever got. Bring your own solid lifter that matches your plunger height of the lifters in the car! It does make enough of a difference! Don't think so? Try it! Jim


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