Rule 3.0

[ggl205]

This has likely been beaten to death but I can find no current reference to automatic transmission specifically. Rule 3.0 sounds like it deals solely with non automatic transmissions. So, do automatic transmissions with or without torque converters, require steel or ballistic shielding?

John

[jacksoni]

I think 3.H applies to the trans. I see your confusion about 3.O. Not so clear but I believe they are talking about flywheels only, not converter/flexplate. JMO

[ggl205]

Now how in the heck did I miss that, Jack? 3.H probably should be moved next to 3.O but it was still in the book. Thank you for pointing this out, Jack.

John

[ggl205]

OK, now that my head is on straight (well, sort of), here is another question related to 3.H. If an SFI rated ballistic blanket is used, can I use the stock aluminum bell housing? 3.H states that either a blanket or shield be used but not necessarily both.

Additionally, does the entire transmission have to be covered or just the bell?

John

[jacksoni]

As most (ok I am not familiar with all of them) have integrated bellhousings and if you look at the design of the blankets such as these:  stroudsafety.com/ballistic-blankets/  they are not designed to cover the bellhousing. And these are high HP drag cars and such. As you aren't getting a lot of input here, you may need to ask a SCTA tech person. But there clearly are a lot of guys running some sort of automatic out there, speak up guys, what are you using around the converter if anything?

[Happy Pappy]

We run a C-4 with an SFI trans shroud, stock bell housing no T converter.
Never had a problem in tech or impound. We are however due to space going to a blanket around the transmission. Still shouldn't be a problem.

Chris

[ggl205]

So, Chris, no cover over the stock aluminum bell, just an SFI blanket around the transmission? I plan on using a torque converter, however.

John

[kiwi belly tank]

To me John, it's one of those places where you can't have too much protection but rule 3.O only states "flywheel", there's nothing in there about flex plates or torque converter's.
  Sid.

[ggl205]

Sid, section 3.H covers automatics specifically but talks about shields and blankets only. No mention of how much of the transmission need to be covered. In practical terms, I could purchase a Quick Time steel bell and a Kevlar blanket that would contain any catastrophic transmission failure. But that kind of protection will set me back around $1600. If just an SFI certified blanket is enough, that reduces cost by more than $1K.

John

[kiwi belly tank]

I don't see any where in the rule book that says torque converter containment is required!
  Sid.

[ggl205]

Just now received word from USFRA tech that NO ballistic covering is required for the 6L or any other automatic bell, just the planetaries. This is very good news and now I can proceed.

It appears that I am worrying about nothing but I have learned the hard way with rules. Most of the time, if they don?t say you specifically can, then, you cannot. Rule 3.H does not say I can do without bell protection for my automatic transmission so unless tech specifically says I can do without it, I had to assume it would be required. Just my paranoia showing through.

John