I have a 68 Convertble that currently runs low 13s according to G-tech. I am building a new solid roller motor that should easily run 12s or lower. I would like to take it to the track to see actual times but have read that the tracks will not allow you to run a convertible without a roll bar if it runs quicker than 14.00 or 13.50 (depending on the track) I will not be putting a roll bar in the car and was wondering it there is any way around this?

I have heard of many just running to the 1/8th mile mark (is their any restriction on how fast I can run in the 1/8th mile?) and shutting down to avoid the the 1/4 ET restriction. This would be OK but I won't know my 1/4 trap speed etc.

What happens (other than looking stupid) if I wait 2 seconds after the light turns green to start the run. How will the timing slip read, assuming I then run a low 13 time. Will the slip indicate a 15 second ET and not ban me from running further?

The clocks start when you break the beam, not when the green light comes on, so your E.T. will be the same, but your reaction time will be forever. You might get a run in, then get sent home if its too fast.

It probably depends on the track you take it to. Some will let you run a couple times (especially if you don't know what it will run)and tell you to slow down. Others especially on a normal raceday and not a T-N-T would more than likely kick you off the track. It mostly depnds on the local officails. The track I go to, on a street legal grudgematch day would tell you to slow down. On a regular raceday, they kick you off the track.
Good Luck with your motor buildup smile.gif

8.59 for the 1/8 in the NHRA rule book. As said, you might get one pass if you can convince the tech inspector that the car is slow. If the engine is snarling and loping and full of race parts he might not believe you.

Last night I had a person blow an engine 2 cars in front of me. The track didn't catch it, and some oil got down. I got sideways doing 110 mph in the traps. Luckily I got it straight. I was glad I had my 5pt and roll bar. There's a reason for the rules. Keep that in mind, you never know.

Under the new NHRA rules for "Pure Stock/Street Legal" cars, you would not need a roll bar uless you were running 11.49 or quicker. The press release is here: http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/june/062202.html

Maybe that will help you if you haven't done too much to the stock vehicle. This is NHRA's efforts to placate the track owners and get good PR relative to the growing problem of street racing.

I don't think a solid roller cammed engine in a 68 will qualify for the Pure Stock class. :(

I would bet that 11.49 does not pertain to convertibles. I sure would want something protecting my head besides a helmet.

Unless you can convince the tech inspector that your Chevelle is really just a large motorcycle...

Here is your solution: Private track rental. Seriously, just look into getting a group rental. This puts the burden of safety on you and your buddies that rent the track.

Another solution: Buy a second non-convertible Chevelle and set it up for the drag racing fun you desire.

Thomas

Originally posted by Bomber '67:
Another solution: Buy a second non-convertible Chevelle and set it up for the drag racing fun you desire.

Thomas PERFECT! anyone could use another Chevelle! graemlins/thumbsup.gif