After seeing the thread on the transmission going nuke in that a-body, I realized I have not given much though to safety equipment. Though by build is a long ways off, I should consider stuff for my ride that will keep me and others safe for when I finally get to go down the track. I was planning on padded roll cage, trans blanket, fire suppression system, fuel cut-off, fuel cell and helmet with suit in case something turns ugly with a capitol 'fugly'. It's been about 12 years since anyone I known had a bad accident racing at the track, but almost every few months I having a friend/associate that got their ride ker-smashed and totaled from street racing/drifting/speeding. I have some ideas on stuff, and depending on the class, that dictates what equipment you have to run. Probably be prudent to run safety equipment/mods that are not required, but still beneficial. Thinking when I start running, but to build for a car that will be safe, even if it's not fast enough for that class. Would love to hear some suggestions. I was also thinking that other could benefit from some info. WOuld like to think everybody could have a little extra safety in their rides.

It all depends on how fast you'll go, as you've noticed. Since you gave us no clue as to how fast you think you'll go, we can only make wild guesses.

This was not about how fast I was planning to go, but what people should think about for safety equipment/precautions should be used, regardless of speed of the vehicle. Though if you must know, I would like to brake 10's and be able to drive the truck to and from events.

Thanks, that makes it easier. The stuff required by NHRA to run tens is not to difficult to deal with in a street car. A roll bar or cage, with appropriate padding, and the necessary harness, are really the only things you'll deal with in normal driving. The other stuff you needs, such as driveshaft loop, trans shield, flexplate, battery and fuel related things, etc are just things you do when building the car. Just read the rule book carefully, then post your plans so others with some experience might give a few tips to make sure you're doing it right.

As far as general safety precautions--don't drive like a dick. Respect the power you have available, only use it when it's appropriate.

Honestly I think a performance driving class would be money well invested depending on what type of driving you plan on doing. I've seen people at the track who obviously have lots of $$$ to own a nice race car, and yet still find a way to wreck them by not being wise enough to lift out of it when the race was already gone for them.

Safety equipment? Fire extinguisher!

I was just checking this out last week. Seemed like a good idea.


Firesense fire system

I have a padded roll bar, fire extinguisher, 5 point harnesses, ( anyone that rides with me has to put it on), Super sprag, bullet steel front drum, and a blanket.

I have engine catch tray. Transmission shield, accusump for priming and low oil pressure emergency needs, 2 driveshaft loops (front and rear), neutral safety switch, roll cage, window net, 5 point harnesses, parachute, fire suppression system in both engine bay and pointed at me in passenger compartment, also small fire extinguisher mounted to cage. Yes, all in my street cat. I take the parachute off on the street.

Tool box, jack, stands, etc. in the trunk?
Secure them with seat belts (E-booger learned me that).
If not, it becomes a skull fracture when the car T-bones, spins, flips, rolls.

ANYTHING in the trunk needs secured !

anyone have pics of a rear driveshaft loop ? the fronts are easy to fab up, but the rear loop takes some thought, especially the attaching points in anything other than a chassis car.

WHEN you snuck in your GF in the trunk INTO the drive in theater back in the 50s .....

JUST HOW was she secured ?

I could make a comment about duct tape, but I won't.

That's what "etc." means...

Good luck on your goals
Now get to work
I don't envy you, I hope you get it done.
How much does it weigh now? 4600 Lb.+ ?
I'm thinking you need to he shooting for 750HP+

she was just jammed into the corner and secured by all the beer bottles............

Empty?

probably.........

Just got done with my third day at SEMA and I did not see any new safety equipment. In fact, there was almost nothing except a few helmets, nets and fire suppression systems. I will say this. The show this year was a drag racers paradise! Instead of large abundance of monster trucks and caster challenged imports, the amount of race only and low e.t. Racers was incredible! Even seen a turbo diesel that ran 3.998 in the 1320!