SFI flexplate mandatory in all v8s Jan 2024

[MR DERBY CITY]

Don’t have an answer for the obscure combo’s , AND NHRA doesn’t care. Just like the Tethers, this is a knee jerk reaction from NHRA. It’s RACING, and RACING can be dangerous. With that said Billy, count me in as a guy that likes his feet and toes….

[jmantle]

And I've got a "Billy question" here, since this "issue" involved the starter ring gear and not the actual flexplate itself, are Mopars going to have to have SFI approved torque converters?[/QUOTE]

Billy, I've never seen a ring gear come off a Mopar converter but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have seen the external balance weight come off one, pretty heavy chunk just held on be two spot welds. Made a mess of the case.

[L.Fite]

Billy, I've never seen a ring gear come off a Mopar converter but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have seen the external balance weight come off one, pretty heavy chunk just held on be two spot welds. Made a mess of the case.

So... enlighten me, because it never occurred to me, is the counterweight on the converter?...
If so... how do you guys balance your rotating assembly?

Haven't worked on many Chrysler products in my time, last was in the late 70s and not performance stuff...

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Chevy55

No, I'm saying if you sign your tech card to an SFI approved flexplate and you don't have it and it explodes you're liable not the NHRA or the track.

You didn't answer my question.

[Chevy55]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

You didn't answer my question.

I said no but you really need to call tech for their answer. These safety rules are adopted to also help prevent authorities from liability.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by jmantle

Billy, I've never seen a ring gear come off a Mopar converter but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. I have seen the external balance weight come off one, pretty heavy chunk just held on be two spot welds. Made a mess of the case.

Hi Jim! Steve Stasko posted a picture of one "coming off" a couple of pages back.

[Mark Yacavone]

There are stamped plate made where you could weld the Mopar ring gear in as many places as the approved GM items. Then ,there are some builders that will attach the ring 4 or 6 light gauge tabs...Guess which one the racers are gonna want...

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Chevy55

I said no but you really need to call tech for their answer. These safety rules are adopted to also help prevent authorities from liability.

Now wait a minute, if I abide by all of the rules, I'm libel and if I don't abide by all of the rules I'm libel. Where does SFI/NHRA's liability come in?

[Chevy55]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Now wait a minute, if I abide by all of the rules, I'm libel and if I don't abide by all of the rules I'm libel. Where does SFI/NHRA's liability come in?

Probably doesn't because they can show that they did everything possible to provide a safe event. If you follow the rules then you also can prove that you did everything possible to protect your safety and the safety of others. If you can't possibly follow the rules then you need a waiver from the NHRA. Over the yeas that's what I've come to believe.

[Lenny5160_v2]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

So you're telling me that if my SFI approved flexplate explodes and pieces go around and/or through my SFI approved trans shield and flexplate shield that NHRA and the track will accept full responsibility?

I would think if all equipment was with the rules, then it is bad luck or part of the risks associated with competing. Everyone is responsible for their own stuff.

If you signed off on a tech card that everything was good but are found to have expired and/or non-SFI stuff, you are willfully negligent and would be open to a lawsuit to cover all damages.