Is Back seat delete True Street Legal?

[Fox Body]

Can those who run True Street Class have the rear seat deleted from the car? I think there should be no problem with this b/c when I read the rules on the FFW site, I didn't see anything prohibiting this. The NHRA rule book doesn't say anything about True Street Class at all. So I will be fine if I make my own rear seat delete kit, correct? Thanks for your time.

Oh, and Jeff Chambers, don't know if you remember me asking you, but I went ahead and welded the 6x6x1/8" steel plates to the car (only on top of floor--- see photo attached). The ones behind the seats are welded and bolted. Just to be sure, I noticed you welded your plates to the floor. I assume that is legal and that I don't have to have a plate on the top and bottom of floor like the 2002 NHRA rulebook states (for unibody cars)? Please clear up this question for me. Thanks.

[Fox Body]

BTW, here is a photo of the whole roll bar assembly (painted and )welded in.

[Eric4Nitrous]

as far as i know..the rear seat delete is legal. How's the car coming along man? It's looking better, and better everytime i see it

[Fox Body]

Hey Eric, thanks. The car is coming along slowly, but surely. I am making my own rear seat delete setup with thin aluminum, gonna carpet it. Anyway, I still gotta work out some minor details with my engine combo that I just can't seem to get around-- frustrating, but still trying. I'd LOVE to be running 10s b4 January 2003. Later...

[Jeff Chambers]

I would think that it willl be fine. With the baseplate welded, the bolt is just extra measure so I don't think tech will complain at all.

You'll need to pad the little length of your main hoop running from the cross bar up to the top of the hoop. You have to have the bar padded anywhere that your helmet may contact the bar if you have an accident and get bumped around.

[Fox Body]

Okay, Got it Jeff. Thanks. I'll pad that area also.

BTW, Jeff, I keep seeing your car in MM&FF.

[Eric4Nitrous]

You think jeff is paying them to put his car in there every issue? lol if so..Dan must be paying you REAL good.lmao j/k Maybe we'll see your car in there one day Foxbody

[Fox Body]

Originally posted by Eric4Nitrous
You think jeff is paying them to put his car in there every issue?

Ha! Naaaawwww.

My car'll be in there one day, can't tell ya when though. Maybe I'll (by some far stretch of the imagination) have it ready by FFW of 2003 in Commerce and make some headlines . Hopefully.

[Eric4Nitrous]

Good luck How's the motor coming along??

[Fox Body]

Progress (planning/purchasing parts) with the motor is a little stagnant. I can't seem to get a clear answer to my question. SCAT Crankshafts has kinda confused my measly mind by telling me they had me a forged steel crank (stock) for my 351W, but when I talk to them again, they tell me I gotta get special Chevy rods to go with it, and some other stuff, yadda yadda yadda, and I just need to be sure about some things b4 I purchase. What's so hard about getting a stock forged crank (with a 3" main journal, NOT 2.749", and stock stroke) for a 351W? I'm going for low stock compression around 8.5-8.8:1, some good heads to match (possibly TFS Track Heats), and medium to high boost (~15 lbs) with a D1-SC Procharger blower+intercooler. If there were a Mustang performance shop around here I would've probably already had it together, but I can't seem to get good/clear advice/guidance. There are just some things I need to work out b/c I am not an engine builder and I need some questions answered.

I'm thinking of posting another "need help with engine build" thread on Windsor Power Forum, but sometimes threads seem to get lost in the depths of that forum . Yeah, I think I'll do that tomorrow evening.

[Eric4Nitrous]

That sucks that those people are giving you a run around. Your not gonna need a scat crankshaft and all that other crap. What other questions do you need answered?? I might could help.

[Fox Body]

*B4 I start, I must say that I am fully aware that there are other ways to build a 10 sec car, but this is the way I'm going for. I feel also that this is a very streetable combo (if I ever get it together) However, I am just BARELY open to anothe idea, but I'm headstrong in using a 351W. Thanks for bearing with my stubborness.*

Well, this is what they quoted me for the internals for a 8.5 - 8.8:1 compression 351W:

forged steel crank-- $690
forged Rods (some special Chevy rods???)-- $320
~24cc forged dish pistons -- $500
rings -- $90
bearings -- $150
harmonic balancer and flywheel balanced to match motor -- $150
shipping & handling (I have to send it there, to CA, of course) -- Don't know, but sure it's over $150
SubTotal1 -- $2050 (minimum)

NOT TO MENTION the money to put it all together by my engine builder down here in GA = $800 - $850

Net Total = $2900 for the motor alone.

This is a bit of a problem since it is about $700 over what I originally planned to spend. Let's add some good free flowing heads, maybe TFS track heats -- $2000+ turning block into a roller with good roller cam, lifters, pushrods -- $300 (my guess, not sure on price, but it's probably more). Then let's add the Procharger D1SC blower+intercooler system -- $4000

Grand TOTAL = $9200!

Even though it may seem so, my problem is NOT primarily on the cost (although, of course, it is a great concern). I do understand that this is an expensive hobby. What I need to know is:

------Why these special Chevy rods?
------Is this a crank with a stock 3" main journal and stock 3.5" stroke (I suppose not since I need to use Chevy rods)?
------What are the quality of these products I'm getting from SCAT? Do they have a good reputation with rods, pistons, bearings, etc. I have heard a pretty good rep about them concerning cranks, but that's just about it (of course, this may be only b/c I can be a bit ignorant when it comes to performance products).

I basically need someone I can sit down and discuss this with, but I don't see that happening. Still though, I press on. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks for offering to help. Sorry to just unload on you. Don't feel pressured to answer all my questions, just whatever you can, is appreciated.

[Eric4Nitrous]

I don't mind helping at all. I don't know why they would recommend Chevy Rods for your motor As far as their reputation their second to none. SCAT makes very high quality durable stuff. I know lots of racers who have products made from SCAT. You should have no problem their.