SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024

[L.Fite]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

To be fair, nowhere on the box or instructions could I find where the PRW piece was made. It does have the "PRW-USA" sticker on it, but again, it does not specifically state anywhere "Made In XXX"

I was referring to the to the golden eBay piece...
The PRW one appears to have an actual legit SFI sticker on it... (But I'm sure someone probably can fake that also, not saying that's the case here, but things like that do occur also)
Or am I misinterpreting the photos?..

There is a lot of "Hecho en Chin*o parts floating around...
That's what my beef is with Made in China...
Back in the 80s (I think) when all this began, I heard a story about a bus wreck where the bolt holding the steering components broke and killed some people and the cause of the breakage was the bolt was made in China/overseas counterfeit/substandard grade 8 bolt?
Was told that's when they started making the bolts traceable to the manufacturer.
Also remember a story also about pot metal ball joints... Fact or Fiction?
"Made in China, looks like a ball joint"

I do know it seems like a lot of imported appliances, etc. don't seem to last as long as the "good old stuff".
Don't think it's just Chinese manufactured stuff, I'm sure there are others doing the same thing.
Back in the 50s/60s it was Japan making cheap junk...
They pretty much fixed that when the reputation started to haunt them, then they stepped up their game and became a quality manufacturer of electronics, etc.
Part of the problem is our wanting the cheapest price on everything...

All I'm saying is caveat emptor, make sure you use quality parts on you stuff, one of the reasons SFI, UL, ASME, etc. testing organizations are necessary.

Anyway, seems we've gone off on a vector...
Sorry

[Mark Yacavone]

Looks like about twice the flex plate that a lot of the Mopar guys are using, and still doesn't address the supposed problem...The ring gear :-(

[Paul Precht]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Looks like about twice the flex plate that a lot of the Mopar guys are using, and still doesn't address the supposed problem...The ring gear :-(

Very true, the one on my car looks like this, I got it in late 74.

[MR DERBY CITY]

After reading this thread , I have come to 2 conclusions. Not quite sure if the new flex plates are any better than the old ones. Some of you guys value your feet and toes more than others.

[Mark Yacavone]

Something that I learned...

There are some guys that spent years and money to develop a combination, and now NHRA is telling them they can't race it anymore.

How about the 425 Caddys ? There are a few still out there.
High 12's. low RPM ..Hmmm
Any suggestions from the guys who do value their feet and toes?

[L.Fite]

Yes... that is a problem, isn't it?

And honestly, I don't have an answer for some of these more obscure combos...

Do you grant waivers, for some combos?...
Pending an approved part?...
Hmm...
That would certainly start a whole new s--- storm now, wouldn't it?

Don't know...

[MR DERBY CITY]

Don’t have an answer for the obscure combo’s , AND NHRA doesn’t care. Just like the Tethers, this is a knee jerk reaction from NHRA. It’s RACING, and RACING can be dangerous. With that said Billy, count me in as a guy that likes his feet and toes….

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Any suggestions from the guys who do value their feet and toes?

Ya know, IMHO in 21ST century America I'm far more apt to lose my "feet and toes" and other things (like my life) driving to and from the racetrack than I am in the safety of my (11,12,13,14,15 second) racecar! Do I have to even bring up what might happen when I stop to fuel up or get some groceries?
Again, IMHO if any Racer is THAT afraid of losing their "feet and toes" in their racecar then maybe that Racer should seriously consider just how much faith they have in their own abilities and/or their mechanic's abilities to give them a safe car. NHRA doesn't even have any kind of remedial Tech Inspection anymore! How am I supposed to rely on them to keep me safe?
I'll put my faith in my good old "American Iron" parts and my ability to inspect them.

[L.Fite]

21st Century America, that's a whole new topic...

I've always been of the opinion that you're safer on a race track than on a freeway...
Even before road rage was a thing...

In the industry I work in there may be a greater risk of injury or death than racing...

I would hope everyone that races understands the risks and would do what it takes to reduce the chance of injury...
Isn't that part of the reason for sanctioning bodies?
I think Wally would think so...

And you are correct, there is no one that looks at flywheels during tech but maybe in teardown? maybe...

Good old American iron is getting harder to find, original or aftermarket...
Just saying...

As for your ability to inspect, there are fewer people around that have your abilities...
Alot of that ability has to do with being around long enough to know what to look for...

Honestly, I would have assumed that safety equipment was covered in the General Regulations and would have gone by ET across the board...
So much for logic...
We'll just have to see where this goes...

Probably driven more by the lawyers than anything else.

Be safe, have fun...