Landracing Forum

Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => SCTA Rule Questions => Topic started by: 32hotrod on February 18, 2009, 04:30:02 PM

Title: Driving Suit
Post by: 32hotrod on February 18, 2009, 04:30:02 PM
Can someone confirm what SFI level would be required for an A/GC car where the record is over 200. As I read the rule book it seems to say SFI 3.2/15 which means many manufactures don't have this level of suit
Thanks
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: maguromic on February 18, 2009, 04:42:51 PM
Saparco, Simpson, Deist, Stroud and Impact make SFI 15 and SFI 20 suits.  These are just a few  that come to mind, and I am sure their are others that make them as well.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: rustyT on February 18, 2009, 04:51:06 PM
If the company is worthy of 200mph plus, they will make the suit, at those speeds do you really want to have a 200 dollar suit for your safety or someone that designs in the fact that it may take a minute or two to get to you and put the fire out? I asked the same question to the guys that built my fire suit, why do I need a sfi 20 suit when I have two 10# fire systems on board. His answer still gives me chills, He said threre are two kinds of fires, the first is the kind you activate the fire systems, and the second kind is the kind you are knocked out or not able to activate the fire systems and whrere does that leave you, waiting for someone else to save your life, and out there it may take a few presious moments that you will be able to spare with a good suit. So, step up and buy a good suit and you will never regret it.
Just my opinion..... with that and 2 bucks, you can get a cup of crappy coffee.   Phil.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: McRat on February 18, 2009, 05:32:45 PM
The price difference between an SFI 15 and 20 isn't very much.  I went with the 20. 
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: 32hotrod on February 18, 2009, 05:55:58 PM
Thanks guys for your replys, I am not questioning the need for which level. Just asking for clarfication to be sure we read the rules correctley.

Saefty is one area of racing where one does not skimp.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Sumner on February 18, 2009, 08:22:12 PM
The price difference between an SFI 15 and 20 isn't very much.  I went with the 20. 

Go with the 20 and be covered no matter what you might drive and for the added safety like the guys said.  I got mine from:

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/mullay32a2no.html

A good price, they needed lots of measurements and used them to make a good fitting suit, and they delivered quicker than they said they would.

c ya,

Sum
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on February 18, 2009, 11:23:52 PM
Shop a lot. Check out suppliers of used safety equipment. My first suit was a 1 year old Deist 3-2 from drag racer Gary Beck. I kept it folded in a suit case when it was not in use. Deist actually upgraded it to 3.2-20 years later and said it was because it was never hung up. I now have a Leaf -20 bought new at a high performance swap meet for $325 and a Simpson -15 for $150 also new. These are both in suit cases. They were both display models.......A lot of NHRA teams have folded. I would be on the look out. If well cared for they are as good as new..............Good Luck
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Bville701 on February 18, 2009, 11:33:39 PM
Those are great prices. WHich Swap-Meets were those?
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: 7800ebs on February 19, 2009, 01:37:54 AM
Check this site... I've seen suits very reasonable....


http://www.insidetopalcohol.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13



bob
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: 7800ebs on February 19, 2009, 01:38:58 AM
they go fast.... check every few days or more..
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on February 19, 2009, 01:01:19 PM
2 lucky days in Long Beach.........................JD
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Bville701 on February 19, 2009, 08:52:50 PM
Thanks Bob      :cheers:
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: BrentMalone on June 02, 2009, 03:58:58 PM
how long are the firesuits good for???
do you have to replace them in so many years like 5 or 10 years and get new
ones???
it was an sfi 3.2a/20 firesuit.

Thanks Brent
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on June 02, 2009, 04:18:13 PM
For the most part indefinately. It's been a lot of years since SEMA went from a 3-2 and put the dashes(-15, and -20) behind them. I believe it was for blown and unblown....maybe front engine? As long as the technology does not change they won't need to be replaced in my opinion. Condition is the most important thing. NHRA Funny Car drivers are still popping out after being totally engulfed in flames.
If something does come along I'm sure the SCTA will follow with changes just like they did for head padding, and head and neck restraints. They have traditionally given a few more years to meet the new rules.
Good Luck
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: LSR Mike on June 02, 2009, 05:13:28 PM
the SFI -20 suits have to be re-certified every 5 years. usually no problem. don't forget the glove and shoe requirements.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on June 02, 2009, 11:47:25 PM
Mike, I'm a pretty good reader and God knows I've read the SCTA Rule books for over 35 years and thousands of times but you need to tell me where this 5 year re-cert is located in the SCTA Book.

The Current page 23 has no mention of it and I have never---repeat---never returned a suit for re-certification since 1976. I could be wrong but this time I'll say I'm from Missouri...............Show me.........JD
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: GH on June 03, 2009, 09:02:41 AM
JD, maybe he's talking about the new rule that the arm restraints can't be older than 2005. I just sent my jacket back to Stroud so they can recert the arm restraints.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Rick Byrnes on June 03, 2009, 10:48:49 AM
NHRA requires a 5 year re certification of the firesuit.
With built in arm restraints, I suppose recert of that item will be necessary.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on June 03, 2009, 12:00:51 PM
Thnaks Rick. Once again so far we are not the NHRA.

GH: Built in arm restraints maybe what Mike is talking about. With that said the date for them is newer the 2006 which is 3 years; which is a new time for us on safety gear. My slip on arm restraints dated in the 80's is no different from the new ones I have seen. It is a possibility the SCTA will not up that date for 10 or more years who knows at this time. right now it's a begin date.

As for following the NHRA 5 year rule fire suit, I hope it never comes to pass with the SCTA. . . . JD
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Glen on June 03, 2009, 12:10:53 PM
The major change was on the alum.buckle on the arm restraints, steel is now required. Judy is checking them with a magnet prior to inspection.Joe Hansen was changing some at the last lakes meet. Checking with the SCTA rules committee would be a good idea. It doesn't say it in the rule book.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: thundersalt on June 03, 2009, 12:32:10 PM
From what I've seen on Simpson suits is that the built in restaint ring is at the elbow and scta wants restaints at the wrist or forearm so you would have to use separate restaints anyways.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Glen on June 03, 2009, 12:48:33 PM
I am checking with SCTA on this to verify the change to steel is in effect , will update when I hear.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on June 03, 2009, 01:15:33 PM
Glen and All. My personal favorite with arm restraints are my slip on with no metal ends. (I have 3 different kinds). I choose to use a 5 point seat belt system with a latching handle. I put both the slip on arm restraints on the crotch strap instead of one of the sides. When I release the latch and move up out of the roll cage the arm restraints NEVER hang up and I get out of the car with ease. I'm sorry to say these are out of date which for me is unfortunate. I do not like the slot style and would like to have a ring on the end which has less of a chance to hang up. Non of my 3 styles are aluminum but that doens't matter; they still don't meet the new date rule.

Thunder: My Simpson has the built in ones at the elbow and you are right I don't use them. ...........JD
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Glen on June 03, 2009, 06:52:42 PM
On page 29 of the new rule book 3.D.3 Arm/Leg retraints:SFI specification 3.3 arm restraints  with a mfgs. date of 2006 or later required. I was told no alum. buckles.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: LSR Mike on June 04, 2009, 10:12:12 AM
I guess it is just a drag racing spec. from my SFi Spec's list.

Following is a list of all SFI Specifications applicable to FIA Championship
Drag Racing, with respective expiration periods. An item with an expiration period must be returned to the original manufacturer or his agent for inspection and recertification at the end of this period before it can be permitted for further use at an FIA sanctioned event.


1.1 Single Disc Clutch & Flywheel Assembly N/A
1.2 Multi-Disc Clutch & Flywheel Assembly;
ET, PS 2 years
1.3 Multi-Disc Clutch & Flywheel Assembly;
TMD, TMFC, TF & FC 1 year
1.4 Multi-Disc Clutch & Flywheel Assembly;
TMD & TMFC 1 year
1.5 Two-Disc Clutch & Flywheel Assembly;
ET, Adv. ET 1 year
2.2A Front engine dragster Chassis; TF, TMD 1 year
2.2B Front-engine cars, driver behind rear end
TMD N/A
2.3H Rear engine dragster Chassis; TF, TMD 1 year
2.3K Rear engine dragster Chassis; TF, TMD 1 year
2.4B Front engine dragster Chassis; Adv. ET N/A
2.5A Rear engine dragster Chassis; Adv. ET N/A
2.7A Rear engine dragster Chassis; ET N/A
3.2A/1 Jacket N/A
3.2A/5 Jacket (and Pants where applicable) N/A
3.2A/15 Jacket and Pants or Suit 5 years
3.2A/20 Drivers Suit 5 years
3.3 Neck Collar and Head Sock N/A
3.3/1 Gloves, Shoes N/A
3.3/5 Gloves, Shoes, Boots N/A
3.3/15 Gloves, Boots N/A
4.1 Automatic Transmission Shield; Rigid 5 years
4.1 Automatic Transmission Shield; Flexible 5 years
6.1 Flywheel Shield; 1.1 & 1.2 clutch
(2-disc maximum) 5 years
6.2 Flywheel Shield; 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 clutch
(more than 2-discs):
Steel 2 years
Titanium 1 year
6.3 Flywheel Shield; 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 clutch
(more than 2-discs) 2 years
(Check with manufacturer; may be only 1 year)
7.1 Lower Engine Ballistic/ Restraint Device 1 year
9.1 Flywheel Shield; 1.1 & 1.2 clutch
(2-disc maximum) 5 years
10.1C With clutch; TF, FC 1 year
10.1D Funny Car, F/E Dragster Chassis; TMFC, FC 1 year
14.1 Supercharger Restraint (Roots); ET 2 years
14.2 Supercharger Restraint (Roots); TMD,
TMFC, FC 2 years
14.21 Supercharger Restraint (Screw type); TMD,
TMFC 2 years
14.3 Supercharger Restraint (Roots);TF 2 years
14.4 Valve Cover Restraint N/A
15.1 Drive Wheels N/A
15.2 Front wheels; FC, TF N/A
15.3 Rear wheels; FC, TF N/A
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jimmy six on June 04, 2009, 12:53:36 PM
IMO most of the dates are to keep the sponsors happy and racing expensive for the little guy...Like I say I'm glad the SCTA is not the NHRA........................JD
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: LSR Mike on June 04, 2009, 01:03:03 PM
Now that I have returned to my source for the previous post (rather than the file I saved years back) the text is changed a bit

http://www.sfifoundation.com/speclist.html


In the FAQ section I found this:

When adopted as part of the rules of a race sanctioning body, enforcement is entirely up to that organization. The manufacturer then provides the racer with product that is in compliance with the specs enforced by the sanctioning body.

So the SCTA can call out the spec's  and the SCTA that controls enforcement... The expirations appear to be "recommendations"



Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: jl222 on June 04, 2009, 01:42:07 PM
IMO most of the dates are to keep the sponsors happy and racing expensive for the little guy...Like I say I'm glad the SCTA is not the NHRA........................JD

  DITTO

  JL222 :cheers:
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: GH on June 04, 2009, 02:17:30 PM
DITTO, me too, when I was nostalgia racing in A/GS, I had to have an NHRA license renewed every 2-3 years including an EKG because I was over 50, certified cage every 3 years, seat belts every 2 years, join NHRA every year, got to be very expensive just to go and make some noise and have some fun.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: tedgram on July 02, 2009, 08:13:59 PM
  What SFI rating suit will I need for G/BGT or G/BGMS?
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Dynoroom on July 02, 2009, 08:30:55 PM
  What SFI rating suit will I need for G/BGT or G/BMS?

It's in the SCTA rule book, SFI 3.2A/20.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: interested bystander on July 02, 2009, 08:59:01 PM
Same one NHRA requires John Force to wear, I recall.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: tedgram on July 02, 2009, 10:05:08 PM
Ouch, for a 150+ mph car with a stock turbo!!!
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: Dynoroom on July 02, 2009, 10:16:54 PM
Ouch, for a 150+ mph car with a stock turbo!!!

YOU might be a 150 mph car but you need to run safety equipment to the record in the class, that's 211 mph in G/BGT.

Are you racing at the salt or somewhere else?
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: interested bystander on July 02, 2009, 11:09:00 PM
Force runs between two guard rails a little over a half mile and has a VERY competent SAFTY crew that's, like a field dog, ALWAYS poised to react.

The Salt, Elmo and the distances from safety people at other events to a possible mishap warrant the extra time protection of the 20 suit, plus the fairly heavy fire bottle requirements.
Title: Re: Driving Suit
Post by: tedgram on July 02, 2009, 11:34:15 PM
Ouch, for a 150+ mph car with a stock turbo!!!

YOU might be a 150 mph car but you need to run safety equipment to the record in the class, that's 211 mph in G/BGT.

Are you racing at the salt or somewhere else?

Some where else.