SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

What I am talking about is High 11/low 12 second and slower Stockers!
My DTD tells me that NHRA is trying to "align" the rules but that is absolutely not the case and not true. They claim to be "aligning" the rules with the Stick classes where a V8 must have an SFI shield and flywheel. As it is written now, a V8 automatic combo needs an SFI flexplate even in a 14 second car! The caveat being that a V8 automatic car doesn't need a transmission shield/blanket until 10.99! And it doesn't need a flexplate shield until 9.99! Where is the "alignment"?
A Bracket car doesn't need an SFI flexplate or any kind of shield until 9.99!

Billy, I wonder how many people at NHRA actually know they have 14 second V8 car running in Stock.
Also ,how many know there are V8 combos that an SFI flex is not available for..
How many even care?

[Billy Nees]

I'm still waiting for some of the 302/2V FFFFord guys to reply what with all of the different "balances" over the years.

[L.Fite]

The gold piece pictured is what happens when you check eBay for an SFI flexplate

YEAH... CHINA...

[Steve Stasko]

Originally Posted by L.Fite

The gold piece pictured is what happens when you check eBay for an SFI flexplate

YEAH... CHINA...

To be fair, nowhere on the box or instructions could I find where the PRW piece was made. It does have the "PRW-USA" sticker on it, but again, it does not specifically state anywhere "Made In XXX"

Pioneer was bought by Lodi .
https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/d...house-location

[L.Fite]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

To be fair, nowhere on the box or instructions could I find where the PRW piece was made. It does have the "PRW-USA" sticker on it, but again, it does not specifically state anywhere "Made In XXX"

I was referring to the to the golden eBay piece...
The PRW one appears to have an actual legit SFI sticker on it... (But I'm sure someone probably can fake that also, not saying that's the case here, but things like that do occur also)
Or am I misinterpreting the photos?..

There is a lot of "Hecho en Chin*o parts floating around...
That's what my beef is with Made in China...
Back in the 80s (I think) when all this began, I heard a story about a bus wreck where the bolt holding the steering components broke and killed some people and the cause of the breakage was the bolt was made in China/overseas counterfeit/substandard grade 8 bolt?
Was told that's when they started making the bolts traceable to the manufacturer.
Also remember a story also about pot metal ball joints... Fact or Fiction?
"Made in China, looks like a ball joint"

I do know it seems like a lot of imported appliances, etc. don't seem to last as long as the "good old stuff".
Don't think it's just Chinese manufactured stuff, I'm sure there are others doing the same thing.
Back in the 50s/60s it was Japan making cheap junk...
They pretty much fixed that when the reputation started to haunt them, then they stepped up their game and became a quality manufacturer of electronics, etc.
Part of the problem is our wanting the cheapest price on everything...

All I'm saying is caveat emptor, make sure you use quality parts on you stuff, one of the reasons SFI, UL, ASME, etc. testing organizations are necessary.

Anyway, seems we've gone off on a vector...
Sorry

[Mark Yacavone]

Looks like about twice the flex plate that a lot of the Mopar guys are using, and still doesn't address the supposed problem...The ring gear :-(

[Paul Precht]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Looks like about twice the flex plate that a lot of the Mopar guys are using, and still doesn't address the supposed problem...The ring gear :-(

Very true, the one on my car looks like this, I got it in late 74.

[MR DERBY CITY]

After reading this thread , I have come to 2 conclusions. Not quite sure if the new flex plates are any better than the old ones. Some of you guys value your feet and toes more than others.

[Mark Yacavone]

Something that I learned...

There are some guys that spent years and money to develop a combination, and now NHRA is telling them they can't race it anymore.

How about the 425 Caddys ? There are a few still out there.
High 12's. low RPM ..Hmmm
Any suggestions from the guys who do value their feet and toes?