Author Topic: runabout vs. sedan rigidity (Read 7488 times)

orangerunabout · « **on:** November 30, 2003, 04:45:52 PM »

i know the sedan is more rigid tha nthe runabotu but how much better is it? i have a 71 runabout right now and would really like to keep it but im doing a 2.3T swap and dont want twist the chasis. i was thinkign abotu inner and outter subframe conenctors, wil lthese provide enough support for low 11's or will i need a cage to provide enough strength?

78pinto · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2003, 05:46:22 PM »

11's is fast, low 11's is faster! If your gonna go that fast i would think a cage would be in order, Any track you go to will want one also!

Subframe connectors i would also do those. Just my opinion... Jeff

crazyhorse · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2003, 06:37:23 PM »

IHRA says 10.50 is the cage cutoff
i dunno bout NHRA
but at 11 flat I'D want a cage.
you could due with a 6 point bar tha wouldn't intrude too much or be too awful hard to install (given welding skills)
in either case subframe connectors are a MUST on a quick unibody car. I've seen a low 11sec pinto launch, pulling the passenger window frame 3 inches from the bodywork!! (how this guy has kept this car together or 15 yrs i have no clue

orangerunabout · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2003, 09:09:08 PM »

thing is i want to keep it "stock" (not fast) looking because its more of a street toy than a track car. did that low 11 pinto have Subframe connectors in and otu and still do that?

i dont think 11's is too tall of an order either, i have a fully gutted interior and its a 71 model so no weight to move at all.

Underdog76 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2003, 10:43:40 PM »

I know that in the IHRA there are different Roll cage requirements for different times. for example if my dad was to run a 11.99 second run he would have to install a 4 point cage and if he runs a 10.9 it would have to be a six or eight pint cage ect, ect,. These requirements usually correspond with the requirements of moving up classes. As far as ridgity, connectors should suffice but as dad says "check the rules and then we'll all know".

crazyhorse · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2003, 05:54:23 PM »

You're right underdog

the pinto i mentioned has a homebuilt 6point cage and one connector per side

It's a 351W 2 4 barrels on a hi-rise and nitrous
(It sounds like a freight train at idle!!!!)

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2003, 09:36:00 PM »

I have subframe connectors and a ( roll bar) in my 11 sec car and you realy hafto look hard to see the Bar. BTW you dont need a ( cage) you need a ( bar) for anything over 10sec. There is a big difference in price and weight. My bar is 4130 chrome-moly 6 point.

orangerunabout · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2003, 10:47:58 PM »

can you post some pictures of your setup and tell me a little more about what you did?

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:18:16 PM »

Here is a pic of the car, drivers side view. You can see the bar but I painted it to match the interior. Like I said in my prior post, you cant see much of the bar becouse I did not want to give anything away.

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:20:10 PM »

Here is a nother view of the bar

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:26:42 PM »

Here is the front attachment point.

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:27:39 PM »

Here is the rear attachment points.

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2003, 06:33:29 PM »

Here is the view from the rear. As you can see ( or not see) its hard to pick out the bar.

78pinto · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2003, 10:36:13 PM »

Looks good Brad, i'll be doing that soon enough! Are you allowed to make the cross bar (behind the seats) removeable? My kids like to ride in my car and i'd hate to have an accident and have them hit the bar, with or without padding. I'd hate to have an accident period!

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2003, 10:09:59 AM »

Thats a good question. The NHRA rule book does not have anything to say about that bar. The only bar it mentions is the drivers side bar that can swing out. I would go to the NHRA web site and ask for a ruling based on what class you will be running. I would assume that if you ran a street legal class it would be permitted

78pinto · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2003, 12:09:49 PM »

ok thanks Brad, i only go to the track for fun anyhow...but i'd hate to get the boot for not having it up to snuff!

turbopinto72 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2003, 07:11:22 PM »

I almost got the boot one time becouse my neutral saftey switch was not hooked up, He let me run once but I had to do some wireing before I got to run again.

78pinto · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2003, 11:06:38 PM »

my last race (12.7) the teck never even looked at my car, anywhere! Under the hood, trunk, inside....sigh ned my sheet, wrote my number on the glass and sent me away!

The Lemonator · « **Reply #18 on:** December 06, 2003, 12:44:05 AM »

I am the Tech man at San Antonio Raceway, an IHRA sanctioned track.
The rule is: 11.49 and quicker requires a 6 point cage. Swing outs are OKon the side bar. There is no mention in the rule book about a removeable bar bhind the seat. In cases like that, we use our own discression. I would have no problem with it as long as it is secured well when it was in the car.
Also, an SFI approved 5 point harness is required and it cannot be over 2 years old.
9.99 and quicker requires a full cage.
NHRA rules are the same, except 11.99 is the cutoff.

There are currently 4 V-8 Pintos running at our track including mine.
If anyone is down this way, come by and see us.

Hope this helps.

78pinto · « **Reply #19 on:** December 06, 2003, 07:39:08 AM »

it does...thanks! And welcome to the board!

Both tracks around me are IHRA sactioned. St. Thomas Dragway (10 minutes away) and Grand Bend Motorplex about 1.5 hours away.

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Author Topic: runabout vs. sedan rigidity (Read 7488 times)