cutting the firewall whats to gain?

[57sailplane]

well,

i am thinking of getting started back on my truck again.
since its in its raw form i want to make all the mods i can now. question is how much is there to gain to cutting the firewall to set the motor back. and how far back is recomended. if i go this rout i will probably cut to fit a big block. need to read the nhra rules again as its been a while since i have read them..


later andrew k

[tinydb84]

I believe if you modify the firewall then you have to run a full cage. I am sure someone will jump in with a lot of the rules that come into play once you do that.

I am tempted to recess my firewall so I am sub'ing this thread.

[57sailplane]

ya,

i have the cage installed already...

[Marv D]

there is a LOT of "if/ then's"

If your required by the rules to run a cage (because you cut the firewall) then you must have a SFI certified window net, and trans shield and flexplate shield and...

The advantage of shifting weight towards the rear might be quickly overcome with all the added weight of the 'if/then" items

[BR3W CITY]

I had some older guys put it an interesting way:

There is a fine line between a street car that can run like a raped-ape at the track, and a track car you can manage to drive on the street. If you ever watch/read the Drag Week events, you can see the lines blur, but they still hold true.

When it comes to things like weight reduction, major chassis mods, and altering anything like firewall or wheelbase, sometimes is just easier to start clean. A clean chassis and a copy of the rulebook means you can build UP instead of stripping DOWN.

Me personally, I just prefer to make as much power as I can, build the truck the way I like it with the occasional nod to safety and/or the rules. I find something rather rewarding about being kicked off a track for going too fast.