NHRA T-Top / Roll Cage Rules

There seems to be some confusion on this issue; I'm getting different answers from different people so I'd like to try this, here. . ..

My egregiously overpowered little Mustang II has T-tops. I want to race it this summer at the street legals; rough math says I'm pushing 300 hp tops, so I'll be really happy if I even scratch the 13's.

What kind of roll bar / roll cage will I need? Can I get by with a 4-point roll bar? This car is mostly a weekend driver; I'd hate to have to hack into the dash or make it a royal PITA to get in and out of. Added bonus, it would be really nice to still be able to, um, recline the seats. If you get my meaning. :toocool:

FWIW, I'll be putting in a driveshaft loop and a pair of racing seats with 4-point restraints.

Techinspector, you out there? Stu Cool, Pro70z28, any of you other experts, please chime in. Thanks.

Tech 1 told me a long time ago, but I think it was up to an 11.50 no safty equipment on the car other than stock saftey restraints is nessary.

Just to be silly here:LOL: I would like to point out that a wreck at 65 looks pretty nasty ,300 hp ,should get u up to 90 mph:eek: I would want a something to protect me a little,a mustang 2 is very small,its not like ur racin a 70 caddy or a70 newyoker 5th avenue land barg,ur in a tin can!!!!!!!!!:whacked:

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Matt167
Tech 1 told me a long time ago, but I think it was up to an 11.50 no safty equipment on the car other than stock saftey restraints is nessary.

---

Matt is correct. No roll bar is required until 11.50.
You will, however, need a Snell-approved helmet (use a Snell 95 or later to prevent flak from the tech officials) at 13.99. The driveshaft loop will be required at 13.99 with slicks or 12.99 with DOT-approved street tires. Otherwise, clamp the t-tops on, fasten the factory seat belts and anticipate the green :)

Quote:

---

Originally posted by techinspector1
clamp the t-tops on, fasten the factory seat belts and anticipate the green :)

---

:cool:

Thanks, Richard!

Shawnlee, you are right, and I think I'm going to put the 4-point bar in, anyway. It's like $200 from Jegs, and compared to what might happen to me if I park this flat-black sardine can shiny side down :eek: that seems like money well spent. For that matter, it might save my skinny @ss if some nimrod T-bones me when I'm coming home from a gig at 2:30 AM.

Safety, uh. . . first.

Cheers!

If you're gonna put a roll bar in it, you need to know all about it. Please read this paper I wrote.....
http://streetmachinesoftablerock.com...opic.php?t=217

Yep, if your gonna put in a roll bar, it better be NHRA legal, a non compliant roll bar may be more dngerous than non at all. Also, if you install a roll bar, you need to have proper harness...even if your only running 13s.