Exhaust Requirements for True Street

[Topfun99]

I know the rules say exhaust system with mufflers required but I was curious, do they require tail pipes or at least extentions from the muffler that have the exhaust exiting outside of the vehicle. I believe that most state's require the exhaust to exit one of these two ways.

[swc]

I know the rules say exhaust system with mufflers required but I was curious, do they require tail pipes or at least extentions from the muffler that have the exhaust exiting outside of the vehicle. I believe that most state's require the exhaust to exit one of these two ways.

Unless rules changed, tailpipes are not required but exhaust must exit behind the driver.

Later,

[1Bullitt]

what he said.

[t tops]

does a dynamax race bullet count as a muffler? :)

[NMRAJeff]

Yes the bullet is legal for the class.

[Topfun99]

Unless rules changed, tailpipes are not required but exhaust must exit behind the driver.

Later,

I may be wrong, but isn't it a requirements in all states to have an exhaust system that exits outside the vehicle body, that is, you can't dump your exhaust underneath the car because the fumes are dangerous? Actually, I'm a little surprised and disappointed that NMRA does not require an exhaust system that meets this safety requirement. Aren't these supposed to be true street cars? I'm sure that the cars would still be awesome fast even if the exhaust had to routed safely. Myself, I built my car with full exhaust system including tailpipes primarily so it would be safe driving and reasonably quiet. I expect to compete this year with the car exactly this way. I guess that means I will have to line up next to race cars with with "bullet mufflers" that bought a tag and insurance.

[swc]

I may be wrong, but isn't it a requirements in all states to have an exhaust system that exits outside the vehicle body, that is, you can't dump your exhaust underneath the car because the fumes are dangerous? Actually, I'm a little surprised and disappointed that NMRA does not require an exhaust system that meets this safety requirement. Aren't these supposed to be true street cars? I'm sure that the cars would still be awesome fast even if the exhaust had to routed safely. Myself, I built my car with full exhaust system including tailpipes primarily so it would be safe driving and reasonably quiet. I expect to compete this year with the car exactly this way. I guess that means I will have to line up next to race cars with with "bullet mufflers" that bought a tag and insurance.

That's a good question.....one that I don't have the answer to. Possibly the rule makers had to stop at the obvious requirements, IE. tags,insurance,lights,horn,ect. I guess if you start with the smaller details then you open up a can of worms like emmision equipment,inner bumper and door reinforcements ect. There are probably even some states that prohibit roll cages (not sure but likely). Heck, a 5 point harness isn't DOT legal even though it is vastly safer than a stock belt. My point is that at some point the rules had to be made relatively simple. Not saying it is right or wrong though. And yes, you will be lining up with race cars with tags and insurance--it's always been that way. Not sure of your cars potential but as you know, there are awards and $$ for cars all the way down to the 15 sec. average so you have a good chance of winning something even if you aren't in the 7 or 8 sec. range.

Later,

[t tops]

What if my car has bullets and runs 14's ??? Not everyone likes their car quiet. My point is that its an index class and so no matter what muffler you run, fast is fast. I have 1 race bullet and I'll bet my car is quieter then one with a o/r h pipe and flowmasters

[swc]

What if my car has bullets and runs 14's ??? Not everyone likes their car quiet. My point is that its an index class and so no matter what muffler you run, fast is fast. I have 1 race bullet and I'll bet my car is quieter then one with a o/r h pipe and flowmasters

Well, I gues that if you are the closest to 14.00 (and not under), then you win the 14 sec index and get $100. And yes, you probably are quieter than most of the other cars.

Later,

[t tops]

Lol I'll say a 2.3t isn't too loud, and 14.0 not even close maybe 14.8's a bit closer ;)

[swc]

Lol I'll say a 2.3t isn't too loud, and 14.0 not even close maybe 14.8's a bit closer ;)

Well..........there is a 15.00 average so, if you slow it down a bit you'll take that index.

Later,

[Topfun99]

That's a good question.....one that I don't have the answer to. Possibly the rule makers had to stop at the obvious requirements, IE. tags,insurance,lights,horn,ect. I guess if you start with the smaller details then you open up a can of worms like emmision equipment,inner bumper and door reinforcements ect. There are probably even some states that prohibit roll cages (not sure but likely). Heck, a 5 point harness isn't DOT legal even though it is vastly safer than a stock belt. My point is that at some point the rules had to be made relatively simple. Not saying it is right or wrong though. And yes, you will be lining up with race cars with tags and insurance--it's always been that way. Not sure of your cars potential but as you know, there are awards and $$ for cars all the way down to the 15 sec. average so you have a good chance of winning something even if you aren't in the 7 or 8 sec. range.

Later,

I was just trying to put myself in both the racers and the spectators seat. I would guess that the majority of true street racers have the type of exhaust system I was referring to - exiting outside of the car body. If I were a spectator I would like to see the cars that line up for true street look like street cars and not sound like racecars. I really don't know how loud the bullet mufflers are, I just think that the cars could be awesome fast with a full exhaust system and it would only slow down some of the insane cars that would probably still be the fastest cars out there anyway.

[NMRAJeff]

From looking at all of the vehicles during the tech in process the "Bullet" style muffler and the Flowmaster muffler are the most popular.

[BRICKMACH1]

Also lets not forget the 30 mile cruise usually does not favor a full out race car even if it has tags and insurance for a day. Think this is a great opening platform for alot of folkes to start racing and appreciate the NMRA having this opportunity. It is also gives guys like my self who want to build their cars to be as fast as they want and competitive with out worrying about combo restrictions.

[swc]

Also lets not forget the 30 mile cruise usually does not favor a full out race car even if it has tags and insurance for a day. Think this is a great opening platform for alot of folkes to start racing and appreciate the NMRA having this opportunity. It is also gives guys like my self who want to build their cars to be as fast as they want and competitive with out worrying about combo restrictions.

All true but don't forget that we now have 7 second cars making the cruise and the 3 passes(at least in NMCA--I'm sure that if they aren't there yet, ther will be an NMRA legal car do it in '09). We have been in True Street for over 12 yrs now and the biggest thing that we like about the class is the way the rules basically stay the same from year to year--we cn'at afford to make radical changes fro each season so that keeps us in a very open class like TS.

Later,

[NMRAJeff]

http://www.nmcadigital.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10445

Jeff Knox not only went in the sevens he set a new TRUE STREET record average of 7.994:eek:. Great Job Jeff and all of the Sanford & Son team.

[t tops]

7's wow that's nutz ! That's cool!

[superprojoe]

I may be wrong, but isn't it a requirements in all states to have an exhaust system that exits outside the vehicle body, that is, you can't dump your exhaust underneath the car because the fumes are dangerous? Actually, I'm a little surprised and disappointed that NMRA does not require an exhaust system that meets this safety requirement. Aren't these supposed to be true street cars? I'm sure that the cars would still be awesome fast even if the exhaust had to routed safely. Myself, I built my car with full exhaust system including tailpipes primarily so it would be safe driving and reasonably quiet. I expect to compete this year with the car exactly this way. I guess that means I will have to line up next to race cars with with "bullet mufflers" that bought a tag and insurance.Easy there.....street cars can run Bullet mufflers if thats what the owner wants to live with,it dont mean its a race car! Remember that true street is a class for street LEGAL and STREET DRIVABLE cars to prove how fast they are!

[superprojoe]

http://www.nmcadigital.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10445

Jeff Knox not only went in the sevens he set a new TRUE STREET record average of 7.994:eek:. Great Job Jeff and all of the Sanford & Son team.Remember the Monza before all the T/S rule changes?;)

[Topfun99]

Easy there.....street cars can run Bullet mufflers if thats what the owner wants to live with,it dont mean its a race car! Remember that true street is a class for street LEGAL and STREET DRIVABLE cars to prove how fast they are!

I'm not challenging what muffler to run. My original premise was that just having a muffler dumping exhaust beneath the car with no tail pipes to route them clear of the car is not really "street" in my opinion. Not only is it somewhat unsafe it clearly is a ticketable offense in all states.

[killerkx327]

would this exhaust system be legal ok true street? it does have mufflers?

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/404649194081cc804.jpg

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/40464919408daa557.jpg

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/40464919409847b14.jpg

[KenB]

I was just trying to put myself in both the racers and the spectators seat. I would guess that the majority of true street racers have the type of exhaust system I was referring to - exiting outside of the car body. If I were a spectator I would like to see the cars that line up for true street look like street cars and not sound like racecars. I really don't know how loud the bullet mufflers are, I just think that the cars could be awesome fast with a full exhaust system and it would only slow down some of the insane cars that would probably still be the fastest cars out there anyway.

You've got to be kidding. Not sure where you are from but dumps are pretty popular around here. I had bullets dumped when my 2000 GT made a whopping 255 rwhp. I bet 30% of the street cars I dyno everyday have a dumped exhaust. If you're worried about lining up against a race car because of the exhaust, you're pretty far off IMO.


Ken

[NMRAJeff]

would this exhaust system be legal ok true street? it does have mufflers?

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/404649194081cc804.jpg

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/40464919408daa557.jpg

http://www.chitownracing.com/forums/imagehosting/40464919409847b14.jpg

Your exhaust is fine but the front frame rails are not.

[Topfun99]

You've got to be kidding. Not sure where you are from but dumps are pretty popular around here. I had bullets dumped when my 2000 GT made a whopping 255 rwhp. I bet 30% of the street cars I dyno everyday have a dumped exhaust. If you're worried about lining up against a race car because of the exhaust, you're pretty far off IMO.


Ken

No, I'm not kidding. In the last 37 years, I've had my share of fast street/strip cars and every one had a full exhaust system because that is what is legal in all states. 35 years ago, you couldn't have a daily driver with dumps and not get a citation on a regular basis. These days it's not such a big deal I guess. The point I was alluding to is that it's a reasonable argument to say that a car with dumps is not a legal street car. At any time in any state you can be pulled over and cited for not have a legal exhaust system. With that said, I know lots of guys run their street cars with dumps and I don't really care. I just think that one of the requirements for True Street is that the car has a street legal exhaust system, just like we have to use DOT tires. And I'm not really worried about lining up against a true street car with dumps. My car runs just fine, even with tailpipes.

[ttmustang]

No, I'm not kidding. In the last 37 years, I've had my share of fast street/strip cars and every one had a full exhaust system because that is what is legal in all states. 35 years ago, you couldn't have a daily driver with dumps and not get a citation on a regular basis. These days it's not such a big deal I guess. The point I was alluding to is that it's a reasonable argument to say that a car with dumps is not a legal street car. At any time in any state you can be pulled over and cited for not have a legal exhaust system. With that said, I know lots of guys run their street cars with dumps and I don't really care. I just think that one of the requirements for True Street is that the car has a street legal exhaust system, just like we have to use DOT tires. And I'm not really worried about lining up against a true street car with dumps. My car runs just fine, even with tailpipes.

I can see your point. But every State is different when it comes to exhaust requirements. Not to switch topics, but I have been watching this class for a little while and I have noticed that some of the cars don't have functioning wipers. I am curious to know how that is legal.

[swc]

I can see your point. But every State is different when it comes to exhaust requirements. Not to switch topics, but I have been watching this class for a little while and I have noticed that some of the cars don't have functioning wipers. I am curious to know how that is legal.


As per the 2008 rules:

STREET EQUIPMENT

During the tech-in process, vehicle must have operational street equipment, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and horn.

I recall a time when wipers were required but it apears that is not the case anymore.


Later,

[NMRAJeff]

Wipers are not an issue to me at all if it's raining we are not going on a cruise and with the MPH these cars are going they could be a hazzard on the track end of discussion.

[swc]

Wipers are not an issue to me at all if it's raining we are not going on a cruise and with the MPH these cars are going they could be a hazzard on the track end of discussion.

Good call Jeff--I can only speak for myself but I would never purposely go out on the wet road with ET Streets--be like driving on ice.

Later,

[ttmustang]

Good call Jeff--I can only speak for myself but I would never purposely go out on the wet road with ET Streets--be like driving on ice.

Later,
I am not that stupid. I don't know of any State motor vehicle department that would allow a car to be registered legally without functioning wipers. If I am wrong I will no longer post.

[Topfun99]

I am not that stupid. I don't know of any State motor vehicle department that would allow a car to be registered legally without functioning wipers. If I am wrong I will no longer post.

Actually, I believe you are correct. 30+ years ago the state of Florida they had yearly safety inspections and wipers were part of it. I can't speak for all other states but I know several others did so too. States seem to have gotten away from the safety inspections for some reason.

As far as the windshield wipers, I have the same opinion about them - they should be required as I believe they are required. However, I have seen the windshield wipers discussed in another thread previously so I didn't bring those up when I was discussing the exhaust system. As yes, I have drag radials and only drive in the rain under duress - and then very slowly and carefully. But at least my wipers do work when I need them.

[swc]

But at least my wipers do work when I need them.

Ours also. I never seen the advantage of the 5 lb weight savings of removing the motor and blades.. Now that we are hitting the 150+mph mark I will take notice to see if they are starting to flap around and then likely remove them after the cruise if that is the case. Just my .02

Later,

[paxtonpwr]

I agree and think wipers SHOULD be a requirement like they are in other true street races (ie muscle mustangs real street cruise) now how much a hazard they are is beyond me but i've only been 151mph -maybe this year at 161 they will fly off. The minor weight savings wouldn't have me risk not having them in the rain (which my car and most street cars DO see). And I would also require checking the lights,signals,horn in tech to make sure they work and enforce the no open hoods, no pulling over rule during the cruise. Other than that I think the class is perfect and still the best class NMRA/NMCA has to offer for the fans and racers.

Bullet mufflers- I tried them this yr and lost 3mph, put my 3" ultraflow ovals back on and got it right back. If ya like the extra noise do what floats ya boat :) - vanilla + chocolate ya know-

Tailpipes - antiroll bars make em a real pain and sometimes impossible to use, thats why most us use dumps or only run pipe to right before the axle tubes. I would want them out the side of mine due to ground clearance.


All ideas in this post are SOLELY MY OPINION and EXPERIENCES ONLY

I luv all ya T/S guys :)

[t tops]

I think that the exhaust is just that if its got a muffler race bullet of not its got one. In tenn where I live there is no vehicle inspection so if u have no wipers then I guess its got no wipers....x2 on the swc quotes

[superprojoe]

Bullet mufflers or tail pipes........as long as it dont puke on the cruise.......LETS ROLL T/S STYLE!!!!!;)

[Topfun99]

Wipers are not an issue to me at all if it's raining we are not going on a cruise and with the MPH these cars are going they could be a hazzard on the track end of discussion.

I just realized how the views on the wipers could be so different. I have lived in south/central Florida for most of my life. During the rainy months (June to October) it may rain or threaten to rain any hour of every day. It's not unusual to find yourself driving your "True Street" Mustang around town or to the track through the rain. On the flip side, I just returned from Iowa after 4 months (summer/fall) and sometimes didn't see rain for a week or more. That's why if you live in Florida (or other areas with similar weather pattern) you have a hard time understanding why wipers aren't required. For us if you take the wipers off of your car, you are conceding that it's not a car that you plan to drive regularly on the street.

As far as being a hazzard on the track, I did extensive research on the aerodynamic forces the wipers are subjected to and then carefully studied the Ford Service Manual. Then I went up to the local discount auto parts store and consulted with the 19 year old expert at the counter on the availability of SFI rated, high performance, high speed windshield wipers. I was amazed when this highly trained expert showed me how to pull the wiper blade up and engage the secret locking tab. This allowed the wiper blade arm to slip right off allowing temporary storage in a variety of protected locations inside the vehicle. After many hours of dedicated practice, I was able to remove both blades from the vehicle and safely store them away in 18.8 seconds. I was real proud of this time until I discovered that the Nascar pit crew record is 3.3 seconds.

Bottom line is that in some areas the rules that mother nature dictates for wipers on True Street cars are tougher then NMRA. I think that the cars without wipers should be penalized a .001 second handicap.

[t tops]

Haha lol this is getting good, where is the popcorn?? I think that the class iis doing good they havea ton of turn out. Keep the rules simple and they will come.

[paxtonpwr]

Yeah but the wipers should be mandatory ive been caught in sun showers numerous times, like you said it just shows the cars not really interested in the street (unless weathers mint)

[wazslow]

Ours also. I never seen the advantage of the 5 lb weight savings of removing the motor and blades.. Now that we are hitting the 150+mph mark I will take notice to see if they are starting to flap around and then likely remove them after the cruise if that is the case. Just my .02

Later,

My wipers never come off and the work even with the intercooler piping running through the cowl. Car has been 170mph and never had an issue with them.

[BRICKMACH1]

I dont get it, maybe I am reading it wrong but no one is saying no, to having wipers. You have a choice. The guys saying they want wipers are saying there is no real advantage to not having them so why argue it. For the record I do have wiper blades. But I might do some testing and tuning with them on and off.

[paxtonpwr]

noone is saying no, but we are saying it should be mandatory for a "true street car" >> ;)