NHRA legal battery mounting..

[Evan Purple240zt]

Alright guys, another annoying question as I set everything up "legal" in my trunk.

 

NHRA rules say the battery box or whatever needs to be bolted to a frame structure. I have a unibody car, so no real frame structure. There IS a subframe type rail near the mounting area, but its location is far from ideal.

 

Any suggestions? I would use huge washers to reinforce the mounting etc..

 

Thanks! - Evan

[Warren]

Below is the entire section on batteries from the 2008 NHRA rule book (General Regulations Section).

 

8:1 BATTERIES

 

All batteries must be securely mounted; must be of sufficient capacity to start vehicle at any time. Batteries may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments. Rear firewall of .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is relocated in trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be relocated in a sealed .024-inch steel, .032-inch aluminum, or NHRA-acceppted poly box. If sealed box is used in lieu of rear firewall, box may not be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body. Relocated battery(s) must be fastened to frame or frame structure with a minumum of two 3/8-inch-diameter bolts. OEM located batteries without complete OEM hold-down hardware must be secured to OEM battery box/tray using the same 3/8-inch-diameter bolt hold-down method described in previous sentence. ("J" hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut.) Metal battery hold-down straps mandatory. Strapping tape prohibited. A maximum of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds combined maximum weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements), is permitted. Maximums may vary according to Class Requirements.

 

I think it's all gonna come down to "their (the tech inspector's) determination" as to it's safety and how securely the battery itself is mounted. From what I've seen, which admittedly isn't much, for the "Sportsman" classes, most track officials don't go by the rules as stricly as they're written, although they probably should in most cases.

 

Unless you're competing in a "series" race, with contingency sponsorship or purse money on the line, or on a professional level, I don't think they'd complain too much as long as it's not bungee corded in or held in with plastic straps.

 

That's only "my" opinion, and your mileage may vary.

 

edit: Oh and Evan, join the NHRA to get a rulebook!!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA