Fabricated Housings?

[RPM5595]

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]

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]

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]

check your pms.

[RPM5595]

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