Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Rockfalls Raceway 2011 schedule is up!

SShink · 3K+ Club

Count me in. biggrin

Which date did you guys do last year as the club?

John D · 2K+ Club

May 15 last year... some pics on the website home page.

Looks like "Club Day" is the 21st this year. I'm all for it, very reasonable and lots of runs available.

-- Edited by John D on Monday 17th of January 2011 07:49:08 PM

Derek69SS · Founding Member

I'd love to... not sure if it'll be ready though.

Lost in the 60s · President

The Camaro Club has the 21st designated as the season opening cruise. No route or destination has been picked yet. If it's all on the West side of the cities, I would probably prefer going to Rock Falls.

frank · Active Member

can i go too?

Bungy L-76 · Active Member

I might have to try and get mine together enough to make it up there. But it will by no means be complete.
They don't have a price listed for the 21st. Is the club day a special rate?

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

God Know Im always late getting going as well. If we are not really ready as a group on a xar club day we could always do the Muscle car day.. Looks like they have scheduled a few extra of those.... also If there were enough going maybe we could still get a group rate..
Just gauging interest at this point.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Confession time... part of my justification for trading in my 2 wheel drive Ford Ranger last Nov. for a full size GMC Sierra SLT 4 X 4 was so that I could pull the Chevelle on a trailer to get it on the track. I even used that on the wife and she bought it! biggrin

Buying the Sierra was the best decision I've made in awhile being this is one of the worst winters in a few years! It's really comfortable, plenty of power, and makes the long commute much easier. Although... with gas going to $3.19 a gallon now, it's a little painful on the wallet. It does get just as good of mileage as the Ranger did though, even with 4 wheel drive.

Looking forward to hooking it up to a trailer with the Chevelle on it next summer to go to the track!

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Yeah.. Ill put up with the crappy mileage... Having a good vehicle that can haul a car trailer and parts around is almost like a no-brainer in this hobby.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

frank wrote:

can i go too?

Sure. The more the merrrier.

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

frank wrote:

can i go too?

For sure!

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

This may be a good date to shoot for to get the car done. Looks like one has to have a Snell 2000 or later helmet. Just out a curiosity what does it cost to run on club day ?
Here is another scary thing never drag raced before : )

Lost in the 60s · President

Bowtieman427 wrote:

This may be a good date to shoot for to get the car done. Looks like one has to have a Snell 2000 or later helmet. Just out a curiosity what does it cost to run on club day ?
Here is another scary thing never drag raced before : )

No different than what you do on the street............wait for the green light, stab the loud pedal to the floor and go.... biggrin

'Course there is the tire heating in the burn-out box, light timing and launch rpm with a stall converter, tire style and pressures, but that is a learning process. If you're just there to see what it's about and have fun, refer back to paragraph 1... wink

I bought this helmet from here; http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-phenom-m2005-helmet.html?productid=1872

frank · Active Member

i would hold off on getting a m2000 i think that is wrong you need m2005 or m2010 rock falls is giving a date of 1/1/12 i called them lets see what happens

-- Edited by frank on Saturday 29th of January 2011 10:48:50 AM

Lost in the 60s · President

frank wrote:

i would hold off on getting a m2000 i think that is wrong you need m2005 or m2010 rock falls is giving a date of 1/1/12 i called them lets see what happens

-- Edited by frank on Saturday 29th of January 2011 10:48:50 AM

Right the 2000 helmets are expired. You need 2005 or newer. Mine is a 2005.

Bungy L-76 · Active Member

Do they allow the "M" helmets? I thought they had to be SA rated.

Lost in the 60s · President

Bungy L-76 wrote:

Do they allow the "M" helmets? I thought they had to be SA rated.

I couldn't find any spec for that on their website, but I could see needing an SA rating for any cage required car. None of my stuff will get out of the 14's, so I think I'm OK.

frank · Active Member

from rock falls site IMPORTANT TECH UPDATE: Effective 1/1/12 the Snell M2000 or SA2000 Helmets will no longer be valid for use in drag racing. Please check your helmet and if you have either a Snell M2000 or Snell SA2000 you will need to replace it prior to competing in any competition at any NHRA sanctioned racetrack in 2012. The Snell M2000 or Snell SA2000 helmets are expired and no exceptions will be made for use of this model of helmet if you are running 13.99 and quicker in the 1/4 mile or 8.59 in the 1/8th mile. Acceptable helmets are the Snell 2005 and Snell 2010. Please also remind your fellow racers to check their helmets as well!! Thanks.

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

Ok need Snell 2005 or 2010 helmet.
What is the ballpark cost to participate ? Really did not see to much on there for club events although I really did not look all that hard.
thans so far for the helmet clear up.

seagrams72 · Active Member

Lost in the 60s wrote:

None of my stuff will get out of the 14's, so I think I'm OK.

Same here, I won't be ordering my Nomex suit or Hans device anytime soon.

bowtie · Secretary

Go back into the newletter archives, I did an basic article on Drag Racing last June when NOrthstar CHevelles went out to Rock Falls for thier club day on 5/15. It was a fun time, there's some pics there too. I was happy to find my car is actually as fast as I expected, would be faster with better tires and some decent weight transfer too.

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Here is a list I made up some time ago.. dont let it scare you like it does everyone every year..... its mostly common sense and a lot of it applies to 11.50 or faster stuff. I only post this because I dont want anyone driving 100 miles only to be not allowed to race because of a $5 part

THE BASIC ITEMS NEEDED TO PASS TECH INSPECTION FOR THE TYPICAL STREET CAR INCLUDE:

*GOOD TIRES*

* DUAL THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS*

* A BATTERY TIE-DOWN*

* RADIATOR OVERFLOW CATCH-CAN*

*OPERABLE NEUTRAL-SAFETY SWITCH*

* ALL WHEEL STUDS MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION*

YOU WILL NEED TO PROVE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST “ONE STUD WIDTH” OF ENGAGEMENT OF THE STUD THREADS INTO THE HEX PORTION OF THE LUG NUT. IN OTHER WORDS…. IF YOU HAVE 7/16” STUDS, YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST 7/16” OF THAT STUD ENGAGED INTO THE "HEX" PORTION OF THE LUG NUT.. USING “ OPEN ENDED” LUG NUTS IS THE EASIEST WAY FOR THE INSPECTOR TO SEE THIS.

* NO MORE THAN 12" OF NEOPRENE HOSE*

* OPERATING SEAT BELTS*

* A VALID STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR NHRA COMPETITION LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS*

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR LONG PANTS, SHOES, AND A SHIRT!

A HELMET IS ONE OF THE FIRST SAFETY ITEMS THAT YOU WILL NEED . A HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS OF ANY VEHICLE DOWN THE ROCKFALLS RACETRACK.. HELMETS THAT MEET NHRA REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE THOSE THAT HAVE SNELL AND SFI RATINGS AS LISTED BELOW WITH EXPIRATION DATES.

IF YOU ARE INVESTING IN A HELMET…. IT WOULD BE BEST TO BUY ONE OF THE ONES FROM THE NHRA RULEBOOK).

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE HELMET RATING MUST BE DESIGNATED ON A TAG INSIDE THE HELMET, OR SEWN TO ONE OF THE HELMET STRAPS. THE DESIGNATION STENCILED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE HELMET IS INSUFFICIENT FOR NHRA TECHNICAL INSPECTION.

NHRA HELMET EXPIRATION DATES:

Snell 2000 Expires 1/1/2012 SFI 41.1A Expires 1/1/2014

Snell 2005 Expires 1-1-2017 SFI 41.2A Expires 1/1/2014

Snell 2007 Expires 1/1/2019 SFI 31.1/2005 1/1/2017

SFI 31.1A Expires 1-1-2014 SFI 41.1/2005 1/1/2017

SFI 31.2A Expires 1/1/2014 SFI 24.1 (JDRL only) 1/1/2015

SFI 24.1/2005 1/1/2017

Has you Battery been relocated?

ANY CAR WITH A RELOCATED BATTERY MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A MASTER ELECTRICAL CUTOFF, CAPABLE OF STOPPING ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDING IGNITION (MUST SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, AS WELL AS FUEL PUMPS, ETC.). THE SWITCH MUST BE LOCATED ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WITH THE "OFF" POSITION CLEARLY MARKED. IF THE SWITCH IS OF A "PUSH / PULL" TYPE, THEN "PUSH" MUST BE THE MOTION THAT SHUTS OFF THE SWITCH, AND PLASTIC OR "KEYED" TYPED SWITCHES ARE PROHIBITED. ALSO, THE BATTERY MUST BE COMPLETELY SEALED FROM THE DRIVER AND/OR DRIVER COMPARTMENT. THIS MEANS A METAL BULKHEAD MUST SEPARATE THE TRUNK FROM THE DRIVER COMPARTMENT, OR THE BATTERY MUST BE LOCATED IN A SEALED, METAL BOX CONSTRUCTED OF MINIMUM .024 INCH STEEL OR .032 INCH ALUMINUM, OR IN AN NHRA ACCEPTED PLASTIC BOX. IN CARS WITH A CONVENTIONAL TRUNK, METAL CAN SIMPLY BE INSTALLED BEHIND THE REAR SEAT AND UNDER THE PACKAGE TRAY TO EFFECTIVELY SEAL THE BATTERY OFF FROM THE DRIVER. IN A HATCHBACK TYPE VEHICLE THE BATTERY BOX IS USUALLY THE EASIEST SOLUTION, SINCE THE ALTERNATIVE IS TO FABRICATE A BULKHEAD WHICH SEALS TO THE HATCH WHEN CLOSED. AT PRESENT, MOROSO IS THE ONLY COMPANY WHICH OFFERS AN NHRA ACCEPTED PLASTIC BATTERY BOX, PART NUMBER 74050.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF MAJOR ITEMS THAT ARE REQUIRED AS SPECIFIC ET’S AND SPEEDS. THIS LIST IS A GUIDELINE, AND WE RECOMMEND CONSULTING A CURRENT NHRA RULEBOOK FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND DIAGRAMS.

13.99 SECONDS
- DRIVE LINE LOOP WITH SLICKS (11.49 OR SLOWER NOT REQUIRED WITH STREET TIRES)
ROLL BAR IN CONVERTIBLES RUNNING 11.00 TO 13.49
- SFI SEAT BELTS IN CONVERTIBLES

11.49 SECONDS OR FASTER
- SFI APPROVED JACKET AND ROLL BAR
- SFI APPROVED SEAT BELTS
- SFI FLYWHEEL / CLUTCH / BELLHOUSING. STEEL VALVE STEMS / ARM RESTRAINTS IN (OPEN CARS)

10.99 SECONDS OR SUPER STREET
- SFI TRANSMISSION SHIELD,
OR AT 135 MPH - AFTERMARKET AXLES
- SFI HARMONIC BALANCER
- ROLL CAGE WITH ALTERED FLOOR PANS,
OR 135 MPH - WINDOW NET REQUIRED
- IGNITION CUT-OFF ON ALL BIKES / SNOWMOBILES THAT EXCEED 135 MPH

9.99 SECONDS OR SUPER GAS OR 135 MPH
- NHRA CHASSIS CERTIFICATION
- NHRA COMPETITION LICENSE
- SFI NECK COLLAR
- SFI GLOVES SFI FLEXPLATE / FLEXPLATE SHIELD
150 MPH PARACHUTE

Lost in the 60s · President

Operable nuetral safety switch......my '66 never came with one. Does that still apply? Where would I put one if so ?

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

I have never seen them check for a NSS. Its my understanding that they operate off of the clutch pedal like a brake light switch.. maybe one of the stick guys could answer this better

frank · Active Member

overflow tank and helmet should get you by seatbelts also

-- Edited by frank on Sunday 30th of January 2011 1137 AM

frank · Active Member

don't check much at the rock but brainerd i have had them check nuetral switch and how much hose was on fuel lines, drive shaft loop, shut off switch and i think even drivers license. its amazing how many people hook up shutoff switch wrong they don't factor in alternator running the car. my fata#$ can't get by 11.65 but the daughter is at 11.54 and i think at 11.5 i need different seat belts.

-- Edited by frank on Sunday 30th of January 2011 01:36:18 PM

-- Edited by frank on Sunday 30th of January 2011 01:36:51 PM

bowtie · Secretary

I know when I was at Brainerd, they were more strict. At Rock, they looked at my helmet and checked the basics. Both asked my expected ETA and based tech off that.

frank · Active Member

not much for clubs but the chevelle club is pretty cool lately, i will have to give somebody dues at the rock.

SShink · 3K+ Club

frank wrote:

not much for clubs but the chevelle club is pretty cool lately, i will have to give somebody dues at the rock.

Frank, it's good to see you on the forum and I'm looking forward to bumping into you this spring/summer as I usually do! Hopefully we'll see you at some of the club events. smile

SShink · 3K+ Club

Lost in the 60s wrote:

Operable nuetral safety switch......my '66 never came with one. Does that still apply? Where would I put one if so ?

I went to an eighth mile track near Omaha/Council Bluffs last Fall, and they did check NSS. That's one thing I have to hook up in my trans install because it isn't operable with the floor shift column in my car. I think all the linkage is there, but will find out soon...

Bungy L-76 · Active Member

When my brother lived up in Moorehead a few years ago, the 1/4 mile track was less then 5 min from his house. The first time I went with him, I noticed a couple guys went down the track with no helmets on. I said "WTF!" My brother said "yeh, they don't make you wear a helmet here"

-- Edited by Bungy L-76 on Sunday 30th of January 2011 0712 PM

-- Edited by Bungy L-76 on Sunday 30th of January 2011 0733 PM

Lost in the 60s · President

SShink wrote:

Lost in the 60s wrote:

Operable nuetral safety switch......my '66 never came with one. Does that still apply? Where would I put one if so ?

I went to an eighth mile track near Omaha/Council Bluffs last Fall, and they did check NSS. That's one thing I have to hook up in my trans install because it isn't operable with the floor shift column in my car. I think all the linkage is there, but will find out soon...
The nuetral switch on your car is mounted to the selector lever right under the console cover.

If I'm not mistaken, '69 was the first year for a safety switch on a clutch pedal....maybe 68.....

I guess if I HAD to, I could use a TH400 kickdown and cut it into the purple wire to the solenoid.

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

Found Helmet full face which I am sure many do not like HJC CL-16 it is Snell M2010. I am thinking of getting.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/HJC-Full-Face-Helmets/HJC-CL-16-Solid-Black-Helmet/95060.html
http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/HJC/CL-16-solid

Anyone see any issues with this ? It should work it is M2010. Figure a M2010 should last a while.
Could not find any 3/4 or opens that were 2010

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

The IMPACT velocity is an open face helmet with snell 2010 rating...

http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/autoopenface/IMP15000

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

Thanks Tony, should have been more specific open face at the same price point : )
That is a nice open face helmet.

Lost in the 60s · President

Bowtieman427 wrote:

Found Helmet full face which I am sure many do not like HJC CL-16 it is Snell M2010. I am thinking of getting.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/HJC-Full-Face-Helmets/HJC-CL-16-Solid-Black-Helmet/95060.html
http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/HJC/CL-16-solid

Anyone see any issues with this ? It should work it is M2010. Figure a M2010 should last a while.
Could not find any 3/4 or opens that were 2010

It should be fine as long as YOU'RE OK in a full face. I don't care for them, but that's just me.

Scott Parkhurst · Super Poster

I want to go to this.

I had the chance to make a few passes at a greasy 1/8-mile track in TN when Derek and I went down there, and all it did was make me crave some 1/4-mile runs at a sticky track. The car was working pretty well and was 4th fastest in a field of 70 Pro Touring cars. The guys faster than me were all in pretty serious rides, and all were either LS or Big Block powered.

So, ya- count me in. I'm craving an 11-second slip! 11.99 would make me very happy.

-- Edited by Scott Parkhurst on Monday 7th of February 2011 12:01:57 PM

Derek69SS · Founding Member

If you're craving a sticky track, Rock Falls isn't it... I think they do their track-prep with a zamboni. biggrin

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Derek69SS wrote:

If you're craving a sticky track, Rock Falls isn't it... I think they do their track-prep with a zamboni.

Cedarfalls is much better.. but too far for (most) of the members

Anyway you guys are all about replicating street conditions and using DOT tires.. So maybe the Rock is the place to legally see how it would do on the street..at least there isnt police, crosstraffic, or potholes..LOL

Chris R · 2K+ Club

How much do the current rated Snell helmets cost these days?

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Chris R wrote:

How much do the current rated Snell helmets cost these days?

The SA rated Helmets start about $150.00

Here is a Snell 2010 rated openface for 149!! Pre order now and should be in by the time we race

http://pitstopusa.com/i-5923339-racequip-open-face-helmet-pre-order.html

John D · 2K+ Club

Had a new toy waiting for me when I got home!
$149, free shipping.

RaceQuip Open Face SA2010
Got it from the outfit in the above post -

Tony

I'm ready (don't know about the car... but I'm ready

)

Tony Hoffer · Moderator

Mine came last week...

Bowtieman427 · Active Member

If you did not get a helmet yet I just got one from JCS Speed. They are having a moving sale now till the 9th. I got the "Pyrotect Pro Airflow open face SA2010" for $133.20 with free shipping use code "JSCMoved" or mention on phone with them. If you want other then white call Pyrotect direct to see what is in stock. I would reccomend calling JCS direct also to insure you get the helmet color you want.

http://www.jscspeed.com/catalog/Universal_Parts/Safety_Equipment/Pyrotect_Open_and_Closed_Face_Helmets_Accessories/Pyrotect_Pro_Airflow_SA2010_Rated_Helmets_Accessories.html

-- Edited by Bowtieman427 on Thursday 5th of May 2011 10:32:14 AM

SShink · 3K+ Club

Bowtieman427 wrote:
If you did not get a helmet yet I just got one from JCS Speed. They are having a moving sale now till the 9th. I got the "Pyrotect Pro Airflow open face SA2010" for $133.20 with free shipping use code "JSCMoved" or mention on phone with them. If you want other then white call Pyrotect direct to see what is in stock. I would reccomend calling JCS direct also to insure you get the helmet color you want.

http://www.jscspeed.com/catalog/Universal_Parts/Safety_Equipment/Pyrotect_Open_and_Closed_Face_Helmets_Accessories/Pyrotect_Pro_Airflow_SA2010_Rated_Helmets_Accessories.html

-- Edited by Bowtieman427 on Thursday 5th of May 2011 10:32:14 AM

Active link: http://www.jscspeed.com/catalog/Universal_Parts/Safety_Equipment/Pyrotect_Open_and_Closed_Face_Helmets_Accessories/Pyrotect_Pro_Airflow_SA2010_Rated_Helmets_Accessories.html

frank · Active Member

car is now out of commision. bolt that alt. bolts to on head snapped off. taking head into shop on monday hope it will be done, they told me a couple days. easy out wouldn't work.

SShink · 3K+ Club

frank wrote:
car is now out of commision. bolt that alt. bolts to on head snapped off. taking head into shop on monday hope it will be done, they told me a couple days. easy out wouldn't work.

Hope you get it back together Frank. We still have 2 weeks, so hopefully it works out.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Took the Chevelle for nice drive to Fleet Farm this afternoon and now I can check the helmet off the list!

Scott Parkhurst · Super Poster

So May 21 is still our day, right?