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8:1 BATTERIES
All batteries must be securely mounted; must be of sufficient capacity to start vehicle at any time. Batteries may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments. Rear firewall of .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is relocated in trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located in a sealed .024-inch steel, .032-inch aluminum, or NHRA-accepted poly box. If sealed box is used in lieu of rear firewall, box may not be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body. Relocated battery(s) must be fastened to frame or frame structure with a minimum of two 3/8-inch-diameter bolts. OEM located batteries without complete OEM hold-down hardware must be secured to OEM battery box/tray using the same 3/8-inch diameter bolt hold-down method described in previous sentence. (“J” hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut.) Metal battery hold-down straps mandatory. Strapping tape prohibited. A maximum of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds combined maximum weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements), is permitted. Maximums may vary according to Class Requirements.

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Also a battery disconnect switch needs to be mount on the back of the car to disconnect the + side of the battery from the electrical system.

Most newer batteries are not really affected by hard launches, particularly any dry cell unit. I have always placed the posts parallel with the tail panel to reduce the possibility of the plates shifting backward and shorting, however I have NEVER heard of this happening.

You didn't mention what rear suspension you have. With leaf springs I would run the back braces to the point in the frame the rear shackles mount to, which would be near the tail panel.

On a coil-over car I would terminate about halfway between the tail panel and the shock mount bar, with a support tube down from the brace to the shock mount tube.

Sorry your on your own on the back seat, there is no "easy" way! The good news is you can cut some of the seat supports out since no one will be sitting back there.

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How about another firewall Q ? .... a engine - with severe setback.

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7:4 FIREWALL
Each car in competition must be equipped with a minimum .032-inch aluminum or .024-inch steel firewall, extending from side to side of the body and from the top of the engine compartment’s upper seal (hood, cowl, or deck) to the bottom of the floor and/or belly pan. Firewall must provide a bulkhead between the engine and/or fuel tank and driver compartment. All holes in firewall must be sealed with aluminum or steel. In certain instances, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other composites may be used. See Class Requirements or consult NHRA. Use of magnesium prohibited.

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Roll cage mandatory in cars running 10.99 (*6.99) or quicker or any car exceeding 135 mph. In full-bodied cars, with unaltered firewall, floor, and body (from firewall rearward, wheeltubs permitted), running between 10.00 (*6.40) and 10.99 (*6.99), roll bar permitted in place of roll cage. In convertibles running 10.99 or quicker or exceeding 135 mph, roll cage mandatory.

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Doc - not sure what you are looking for, but here is the general regs firewall section

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NHRA rulebook for 7.50 or slower says .024 inch steel or .032 aluminum. Bulkhead must isolate driver compartment from trunk. Doesn't say how to mount it.

Fireproof caulking

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THX for the rule-book info/quote Pro-uN !

The severe engine set-back I am talking about is the Caravan project ... putting the RB engine in where the regular front seat driver and passemger is ...and then drive-it from the second-set of seats in the rear.

Have to build a special dog-house with cover. Small round or square tubing with two layers of 032 alum on either side of the tubing with some foam insulation inside ? ..

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The rule due NOT require two layers of metal on the doghouse cover. But there is a difference in which fire suit/gloves/shoes the driver must wear if aluminum is used, depending on speed and if power adders or alcohol fuel is used.

And while not in the rule book, I highly advise against any foam sound deadener. Burning plastic foam is similar to Napalm.

Depending on how you configure the engine cowling, it may be difficult to pass tech with a motor relocated into the drivers compartment.

Again depending on how it is built, it may need to be classified as an exhibition vehicle.

I know this guy was having issues a few years back.

Scott

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The rule due NOT require two layers of metal on the doghouse cover. But there is a difference in which fire suit/gloves/shoes the driver must wear if aluminum is used, depending on speed and if power adders or alcohol fuel is used.

And while not in the rule book, I highly advise against any foam sound deadener. Burning plastic foam is similar to Napalm.

Depending on how you configure the engine cowling, it may be difficult to pass tech with a motor relocated into the drivers compartment.

Again depending on how it is built, it may need to be classified as an exhibition vehicle.

I know this guy was having issues a few years back.

Scott

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So you seem quite familiar with drag-strip-tech ... ?

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You could say that.

I have been a member of the NHRA Division 3 Safety Certification team for 3 years as a tech for the Lucas Oil Divisional Races Series, as well as the Jegs Super-Quick series.

I worked the Staging areas for 4 NHRA National events last year, including the U.S. Nationals.

I was track announcer at Indianapolis Raceway Park for two years, and I am still the announcer for the Monster Mopar races.

I was also recently named as the Tech Director for the NADM (Diesel Motorsports).

Here's a picture. I am the one in the black hat.