So do track officals give you problems about not having a roll bar and running 13.99 or faster at 1/4mi. tracks? We all know LS1 verts will go 13.99 or faster stock, so will the officals even let you run? Or do they just kick you out after one or two passes? I'm going to the track for the first time this weekend, and don't want a big hassel. I know I'll get at least one pass because I don't know my 1/4mi time, but as cold as it will be this weekend, with the high pressure, and good traction, I'm hoping for high 13's.
Posted by BPS (Member # 1260) on :
Depends on the track - you'll have to see for yourself.
When I went I told them mid 13's - ran 11's and have been banned
The expression on their faces - priceless
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
Depends on the track. Our local track claims to adhere strictly to NHRA rules and won't let me run faster ... so I run up to 85 MPH and hold it for the rest of the run. That still allows me to work on my R/T, 60' times, and 1/8 mile time getting in all 3 shifts .... so it's still very useful.
At gatherings the rules are more relaxed ... at the F-body 35th anniversary celebration in Bowling Green they even let me run with the top down.
Posted by Rickerbucks (Member # 1208) on :
Very strict here at Mission Raceway in Vancouver BC. They told my buddy wit his LS1 Firehawk that his car 'could' beat 13.99 and if it did, that was it after the first time.
I have a 5 point roll bar and should be good to 11.00.
However, I suspect that I can go faster then that but I do not want to.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Milan Dragway here in Michigan does not seem to have a problem with a convertible. Just wear a helmet. They classify a T-top car the same as a convertible and a helmet was necessary. Well these F-bodies run well under the 13.99 index and a helmet is neccessary anyway! Posted by Bern'n T/A (Member # 1350) on :
I don't know if this is feasible or even helpful in your situation but...
If you're only just breaking 13.99 barrier and track officials aren't happy, try to find an IHRA sanctioned track. IHRA rules (correct me if they have recently changed) give convertibles a 13.49 limit.
Cecil Co. Dragway didn't like my 3 - 13.6x runs and politely asked me to leave (NHRA sanctioned). MIR on the other had had no issues (IHRA sanctioned).
Rules for a helmet for 13.99 or faster apply to both sanctioning bodies.
Posted by amy00ss (Member # 106) on :
Our track in Tulsa was just recently given an IHRA sanction. The owner of the track requires a roll bar for convertibles for 13.99. The problem I see is that when these rules were made the cars rolling off the showroom floor were not running the numbers they are today. And if you consider the strength of my 2000 Convertible top and a convertible from the '60s, I am sure the newer ones have more structural integrity. Anyway, I am not too much into drag racing but I like to go out and watch. I know safety issues must be addressed but it seems that the numbers need to be upgraded.
Posted by 98TripleWhiteWS6Vert (Member # 1095) on :
I was told I would be going home if I clicked off another 13.7 at Mason Dixon Dragway in Maryland. I race there once a month in a bracket points race...so I have to dial 14.0 and sandbag .5. Hitting the brakes at 100+mph to drop 20mph is far more dangerous than if they let me run the car out. I refuse to ruin my car with a cage, its too rare.
Interestingly, when I raced at Maple Grove they let me run 13.6's all day long. Where a helmet and see what they say. Ask around.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by poSSum: Depends on the track. Our local track claims to adhere strictly to NHRA rules and won't let me run faster ... so I run up to 85 MPH and hold it for the rest of the run. That still allows me to work on my R/T, 60' times, and 1/8 mile time getting in all 3 shifts .... so it's still very useful.
At gatherings the rules are more relaxed ... at the F-body 35th anniversary celebration in Bowling Green they even let me run with the top down.
I saw a picture of you running with the top down and that looked cool,but I was wondering how the track allowed you to do so.
Posted by Jim@GMHTP (Member # 1079) on :
quote:Originally posted by 98TripleWhiteWS6Vert: I refuse to ruin my car with a cage, its too rare.
Did you buy the car for yourself or someone else, who won't want to buy it from you if it has a roll bar? The structural rigidity a roll bar adds would certainly help cut down on the squeaks and rattles that are developing each time you race and drive it without one.
I can understand if someone doesn't want to lose their quasi-functional backseat to a roll bar, but with very few exceptions, the uniqueness of a fourth gen F-Body should not be a limiting factor in modifications. The collectors that are very particular about their cars would already be turned off by the fact that you have drag raced the car in the past.
