Fabricated Housings?

RPM5595 · 07-17-2008, 09:12 PM

Hi everyone, I need some answers from real racers. I am currently converting my car to run in SS/AS in 2009. According to the NHRA rulebook, SS and SS/GT vehicles have to use a "OEM" "automotive type permited" rearend. In the Modified Stock section it says "any automotive type permitted". Does that mean you can use a fully fabricated 9 in. housing such as Comp Engineering makes in SS/Modified? I contacted two different NHRA officials and received two different answers. Is anyone currently using the "fabbed" housings? Thanks in advance for the help.

Jay Roeder

Bill Harris · 07-20-2008, 05:59 PM

Jay, That is my understanding. SS and SS/GT have to have OEM style housings, i.e., the stamped/formed housing and the dome style rear cover on a Ford 9". The modified stock and modified classes can use a fabricated housing made up of sections of plate.

I'm not sure I understand why a fabricated housing would be any better, but it surely is more expensive!

F.J Smith's website shows the different ones he makes, with one specifically identified as S/S legal.

http://www.smithperformance.com/catalogue_rendhous.html

Adger Smith · 07-20-2008, 07:14 PM

I believe Vic Custer @ EasTex Race Cars built Lee Sharps SS/BS & a couple more fast SS cars. I think he would know what you could do. I bet he even knows the rule.
936 564 1615 shop 936 552 4470 cell

jbracecraft · 07-21-2008, 09:24 AM

check your pms.

RPM5595 · 07-21-2008, 02:12 PM

Thanks fellas, the only reason I was considering a fabricated housing is that I am going to use a Strange Engineering "Ultra Case" and I have been told I may have clearance problems in a stock Ford case because the Strange caps are larger. I already have a Ford housing narrowed and brackets tacked in place but it wouldnt be a big deal to switch them over to a fabbed housing. Seems as though the problem with the fabbed housing would be I could never run a "regular" SS class or GT in the future. Thanks for the info.
Jay

07-17-2008, 09:12 PM	#1
RPM5595 Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashua,Iowa Posts: 136 Likes: 84 Liked 32 Times in 14 Posts	Fabricated Housings? Hi everyone, I need some answers from real racers. I am currently converting my car to run in SS/AS in 2009. According to the NHRA rulebook, SS and SS/GT vehicles have to use a "OEM" "automotive type permited" rearend. In the Modified Stock section it says "any automotive type permitted". Does that mean you can use a fully fabricated 9 in. housing such as Comp Engineering makes in SS/Modified? I contacted two different NHRA officials and received two different answers. Is anyone currently using the "fabbed" housings? Thanks in advance for the help. Jay Roeder __________________ Jay Roeder facebook.com/racefuelsales Former N/SA , Soon to be SS/AS, Renegade Race Fuel dealer

07-20-2008, 05:59 PM	#2
Bill Harris Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ooltewah, TN Posts: 420 Likes: 13 Liked 26 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Fabricated Housings? Jay, That is my understanding. SS and SS/GT have to have OEM style housings, i.e., the stamped/formed housing and the dome style rear cover on a Ford 9". The modified stock and modified classes can use a fabricated housing made up of sections of plate. I'm not sure I understand why a fabricated housing would be any better, but it surely is more expensive! F.J Smith's website shows the different ones he makes, with one specifically identified as S/S legal. http://www.smithperformance.com/catalogue_rendhous.html __________________ Bill Harris ex 2172 STK ex 2272 S/S

07-20-2008, 07:14 PM	#3
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,418 Likes: 518 Liked 776 Times in 293 Posts	Re: Fabricated Housings? I believe Vic Custer @ EasTex Race Cars built Lee Sharps SS/BS & a couple more fast SS cars. I think he would know what you could do. I bet he even knows the rule. 936 564 1615 shop 936 552 4470 cell __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS) Last edited by Adger Smith; 07-20-2008 at 07:15 PM. Reason: sp

07-21-2008, 09:24 AM	#4
jbracecraft Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Fabricated Housings? check your pms.

07-21-2008, 02:12 PM	#5
RPM5595 Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashua,Iowa Posts: 136 Likes: 84 Liked 32 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Fabricated Housings? Thanks fellas, the only reason I was considering a fabricated housing is that I am going to use a Strange Engineering "Ultra Case" and I have been told I may have clearance problems in a stock Ford case because the Strange caps are larger. I already have a Ford housing narrowed and brackets tacked in place but it wouldnt be a big deal to switch them over to a fabbed housing. Seems as though the problem with the fabbed housing would be I could never run a "regular" SS class or GT in the future. Thanks for the info. Jay __________________ Jay Roeder facebook.com/racefuelsales Former N/SA , Soon to be SS/AS, Renegade Race Fuel dealer