Header tether needed?
 

After doing a search on here and not really finding a definite answer I'm wondering if I need a tether on a collector extension that has a three bolted flange. The Collector is welded to all four header tubes(street style header).:confused:

Re: Header tether needed?
 

The way I read it in the rule book..... yes you need tethers. But I would put a tack weld on each of your 3 connecting nuts and call it a day.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Walk through the staging lanes when SC and TD are running and you can see all of the headers out in the open. Tell me how may are adhering to the tether rule? Not saying you shouldn't have them but for the most part this rule is being ignored.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

I sent a couple of pictures of my set up, exactly the same as yours, to NHRA in Cali, three or four years ago.
They said no tethers required. I have a copy of the letter from NHRA, and my pictures, in my trailer at all times.
The only question I was ever asked was if my collectors are/were welded to the headers
which I answered yes.They didn't ask about extensions!They never even looked.
Terry K

Re: Header tether needed?
 

they ask in tech, welded or bolted. I tell then bolted. Three bolts connecting the collector to the header, then I have ab clamp on one tube and one on the collector. A single piece of flat steel attached at each end on the clamps with a nut. They have not looked at my setup once since the tether rule was put in place.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

In Division 3, they will look.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Yeah, I think div. 7 might check as I had them sweat me at the Hot Rod 70th race at Pomona on an outlaw car I had with front exit exhaust. Said I should have tethers even after I explained that after both collector tabs broke all the headers tubes would have to fall off before the collector could come off.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

I am pretty sure that anything not welded to the header needs to have tethers. They do check periodically in D2

Re: Header tether needed?
 

I realize I don’t know much (I’m very old), but once you have dialed in your primary lengths, and collectors, why not just put a one inch weld on each tube to secure the collectors?

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Some headers that loop around the frame ( G body) need to be detached at the collector to install and remove headers. Also in some chassis- ease of header installation.

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Also many race style headers are multiple tube, and need to be installed 1 piece at a time. Take a look at the headers on most 390 & 428 Mustangs and Fairlanes. No way to install those headers if they are all 1 piece, (hell, its a major PITA, even with 8 separate tubes!)

Re: Header tether needed?
 

PITA ? bread ? or Politically Incorrect Technical Answer ?

Re: Header tether needed?
 

It's an widely used acronym.

PITA= Pain in the ***

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Not long after the "tether" rule came into effect, at a race in Epping, a guys "tether"
came off.There is even a video of that some where!
The next thing will be a "tether" to hold the "tether" on!!!
Then a "tether" to hold the "tether" to hold the "tether" ....................
Terry K

Re: Header tether needed?
 

So explain the logic here, regardless of my experience (and welding skills), NHRA is OK with me building my entire chassis in my backyard but when it comes to header tethers I need to buy a $125 "NHRA certified' piece of cable and two hose clamps that I could have bought from Grainger for maybe $20? Seems risky to me, maybe they should have to be replaced every two years?

Re: Header tether needed?
 

How long has this "weld-on" tether been accepted?.I thought the reason for using the T-bolt clamp on the pri.pipe and collector was to prevent the old style tabs with 1/4" bolts and lock nuts from breaking off at the weld and the collector coming off.I know you still use the original tabs too, but how is this any better?...gsa612

Re: Header tether needed?
 

So lemme get this strasight......you’re on the forum, telling everyone how knowledgeable you are in manifold/head engineering, but can’t figure out the header tether rule?

Re: Header tether needed?
 

Far from that! Just been a racer a long time in some fast cars and using some common sense. New to the SS game so I'll probably be asking some dumb questions:confused: