Big Al

iTrader: (1)

If you have a car that runs 12.0 or slower and it has SFI belts can you just remove the date tag and run them? We run IHRA here, I've had this argument with the NHRA techs and they seem to think it's safer to remove the out of date SFI belts and pit in factory belts, or they are a bunch of hard heads.

Anybody have to deal with this?

My car has a full cage, a containment seat and 5 point Crow belts that are 1 month out of date. And they are bitching about the belts. I could understand it if I was running 11.40's...

Al 95 Z28

wreckwriter

iTrader: (1)

I think if you have a harness it has to be in date.

tim99ws6

iTrader: (31)

:lol



Awesome.


Simple answer: It's highway robbery that belts de-cert every 2 years IMO, but "ripping the tag off and running them" is not the answer.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Some belt mfgrs will "recert" them for <$ than new.....
Also, if you have a cage, I don't think using stock belts a "doable thing"...Tech wise, anyway...

Kinda like a $30 helmet... Ok if you have a $30 head....

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Reason why they have a 2 year cert is due to people out there running on belts that were very old and at some point was a factor in a accident. Rules typically need to be universal in order to fit all races. They want to make sure if you had a bad crash, your coming out alive.

If a belt broke and some racer winds up dead or severly hurt, you better beleive that company will start getting a bad rep and half the time things breaking is operator error or improper matience.

Sorta like Bogarts breaking due to heavy street use.....

TA1364

iTrader: (11)

Ive seen this argument come up before. I dont see how you can run stock belts that could be 30 years old but cant run an out dated newer belt. They are both "out of date" so what the hell is the difference. The rule really needs changed to do something about stock belts.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

When you run belts that are designed to specifically be rated up to a given ET, they need to be up that level. Stock seat belts do not have the same expectation of protection or safty a 5 pt harness is designed to have.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

I agree that stock 30+ year old belts might not be the safest thing on a car close to the roll bar / 5-point line. But when we're talking about safety items, I feel it's never a bad thing to have a little extra. I've seen a few accidents recently where guys are wearing all the required stuff, and as a result my motorcycle helmet (although NHRA legal) will get traded for an SA rated one next year.

Derek

Big Al

iTrader: (1)

Talked to an IHRA safety tech this morning. According to him you do not need up to date belts if your class does not call for them. Class rules say 11.49 for a regular car, 13.49 for a convertible. He said the NHRA rules are the same. He said if the tech inspector says you do, ask him to show you where it is in the rule book. I looked through the 2012 NHRA book and it says belts have to be updated IF needed. Section 4A, Page 8 Here it is verbatim: SFI 16.1 restraint system, when required, includes crotch strap and must be
updated at two-year intervals from date of manufacture

The key words here are "when required."

I would find this out just AFTER having my belts recertified

Al 95 Z28

1lejohn

iTrader: (9)

I agree with you. I went with the next step up on my jackets and pants. I just had a flex plate break and blow a chunk of bell housing off. I' m now thinking it's time for a trans shield. It's like everyone thinks it won't happen to me. Well It surely will in time. I get mad at guys building 9 or even 10 sec street cars then getting booted from the track for lack of safety equip. and then bitching about the track officals. At least try and make it legal for the times your running. The belt issue does suck for door cars but on the dragsters they are in the sun all day.

BrianSF-GA

This is exactly my worry about my M6 ... what were your times/power level before this happened? Did the "chunk" make it into the cabin?

1lejohn

iTrader: (9)

It all went out the bottom. I never heard it or felt it. I drove back to the pits and turned off the car. I went to start it and nothing just the starter motor running. I guessed the solenoid went out. I couldn't see under the car so I didn't find it till the next day at home. I felt bad that there was trash on the track that no one knew about. Mid 10's and low 130's.

BrianSF-GA

We appear to be making similar power at the rear wheels, but with an A4, you are making better engine power. I realize that a shattered flexplate is different than a exploding flywheel/clutch assembly, but I have not heard of too much damage from flexplates letting go.

1lejohn

iTrader: (9)

I agree but it will still be a pain to fix. I'm now concerned with the tranny blowing up and ending in my lap.

Whats your best time and MPH?

Zmg00camaross

iTrader: (11)

My car runs mid 11s and should go faster this year. But I got a QTP bellhousing when replaceing my clutch. Kind of sucks to buy a $450 part that does nothing for performace. But my legs and car are worth more the 450 bucks so the car got it. Just have to view it in a differnt way.

LNorton

iTrader: (3)

Yup, Belts only need to have an up to date tag if the car is required to have a rollbar.

Big Al

iTrader: (1)

Went to the drags Saturday prepared for a fight. Guy looked at the belts and didn't say a word. Go figure....

They had an Import shootout, so I tried to get in, told them my car was built in Canada and imported to the US but they would not budge

Al 95 Z28