Does TCI recertify SFI-tagged parts?

[Michael Pliska]

As I get ready to drag my Super-Gas car out of the mothballs, I see that the certification now expires for flexplates, flexplate shields, and trans shields. Does anyone know if TCI will re-certify these parts? I really hate to scrap unused or barely used parts.

Regards,

[Freddie]

Yes, I sent my TCI flex palte back to get re-certified earlier this year. It is best to call them ahead of time, I am not sure about the prices everythig else seems to have gone up this may have as well. Mine was like $50. but it is a Ford to Glide $300 for a new one.

[Bill Baer]

Mike

My experience in a simular situation to your was differennt from Freddie's I sent them my aluminum trans shield and they said they didn't make it. So I removed the Powerglide performance decal that was covering their stamp and sent it back to them again and they said the couldn't recertify it because it was "too old" which makes no sense to me for a piece of aluminum that simply rides along above the trans case especially when you think about all the aluminum flying over your head right now! Bottom line is spent $36 in shipping and got nothing but bullspit! There is not a single part in my trailer that has TCI on it and there never will be!

Billy Baer

[Michael Pliska]

Originally Posted by Bill Baer

Mike

My experience in a simular situation to your was differennt from Freddie's I sent them my aluminum trans shield and they said they didn't make it. So I removed the Powerglide performance decal that was covering their stamp and sent it back to them again and they said the couldn't recertify it because it was "too old" which makes no sense to me for a piece of aluminum that simply rides along above the trans case especially when you think about all the aluminum flying over your head right now! Bottom line is spent $36 in shipping and got nothing but bullspit! There is not a single part in my trailer that has TCI on it and there never will be!

Billy Baer

I called TCI, and they said they could recertify "anything they made". He said they would evaluate recertification costs once the part arrived (which kinda spooks me not knowing it ahead of time), but he said it is typically $25/part with a turnaround of 5 days. It turns out that the mid-plate flexplate shield was actually made by another company (Venture Products International from NC). Venture said they would recertify the flexplate shield for $45 including return shipping, same day turnaround. Since I've decided to slow the car into the 10's for now (because of the doubling of the NHRA fees), I'll just forego most of the recertification. I just bought a new flexplate shield since my original was a bit old (I bought it used in 1988) and didn't want to wait for the turnaround time.

Regards,

[Freddie]

I think with the economy in the crapper, and NHRA's new fee's there may be alot of S/G cars adding a lil bit of wieght and more time to thier stops and running S/ST, or just bracket racing.

[Michael Pliska]

Originally Posted by Freddie

I think with the economy in the crapper, and NHRA's new fee's there may be alot of S/G cars adding a lil bit of wieght and more time to thier stops and running S/ST, or just bracket racing.

I agree. In my case, I think I'll just bracket race for now. With the 500 lbs max ballast rule, I'd be on the ragged edge of being able to make the 2800 lbs limit.

[dak]

Mike the 500 lbs ballast max.... is that just removable ballast??? Check the book because if believe there is a difference

[Michael Pliska]

Originally Posted by dak

Mike the 500 lbs ballast max.... is that just removable ballast??? Check the book because if believe there is a difference

The 500 lbs is the total ("permanent" and removable) ballast max allowed, 100 lbs max removable. To be "permanent" it must be connected to the frame with bolts with the nuts welded to the bolts. I've wondered how much of a weld they expect to see here, I would like to use as little of a weld as possible so I can easily remove it later.

I remember a guy 20+ years ago who ran a Brogie roadster in Div 7 S/ST, he had a back bumper that was a huge lead-filled bar.

One thing which would be an issue which sort of helps resolve itself - if I added a bunch of ballast, I know I'd need wheelie bars, which would add more weight!

[Freddie]

I wander how often they really check, I noticed at some events the S/ST cars dont even roll across the scales. Let alone look over the car for where the wieght is added and how.

[Michael Pliska]

I remember back in the 80's and 90's, it wasn't until later rounds at national events that I ever got weighed. I don't remember ever getting weighed at a divisional. That said, I would comply with the rules if I decide to try S/ST. I may have to add enough brackets for mounting 500 lbs after I get the car back together. With the slow tree I could just launch the car with the stop on, and turn it off with the shift to 2nd. Low-tech high-mph racing!

Different but related topic - does a S/ST entry in a LODRS or National Open give me a grade point towards racing S/G at a national event?

The crappy thing is that I have S/G & S/C numbers but not S/ST. I figured there was no way I'd ever cram 500 lbs of ballast into my car, but maybe I'll try. When I renew I'll change the S/C to S/ST.

Regards,