Stan, heck we are not concerned about weight either,, (I am the driver and I weigh 375, so we are just worried about the weight being balanced properly, once I get in) My next big question is what is the proper Front to Rear weight distribution for this type of car ?
The tubular gussets weigh more than 1/8" plate gussets. Also I have 4 times more gussets than the required 4 per side. We chose to use tubular gussets, as we where told that they are stronger and provide not just shear protection, but some added structural rigidity and tube support. In the opinion of pro chassis builders the tubular gussets are a step above the minimum requirements of the basic .125 plate gussets.
We where not going against the book to cut corners, we where trying to be safer and exceed the minimums.
Thanks for your concern and keep the ideas, opinions and comments coming,,, this build diary has multiple purposes and one is to resolve problems here and in the shop before we head to the salt.
My Bell Housing mistake was caught and resolved within a few days of me posting those pics and although I had to buy another Bell Housing and make new mounts and buy another release bearing,,,this board saved my bacon on that pick...
Charles