CamarosRUS

ok what does sfi stand for for like dampners and flexplates etc and is it wise to get anything other than sfi approved for high performance engines?????

Apeiron

Originally "SEMA Foundation, Inc.", but now it doesn't stand for anything.

screaminformula

Sequential Fuel Injection?

Josh

Motor City Mike

Apeiron is correct. Apparently SEMA was originally involved with organization of this safety standards group, but is now no longer affiliated, but they kept the SFI name anyway.

SFI foundation

Stekman

Yup. SEMA started it all. Now, "SFI" operates indivually from SEMA. Now, it more or less just means "SFI Foundation, Inc."

When you see the "Meets SFI Spec 18.1" (in the case of a damper), all that means is that the product meets certain requirements and is ok for use in that particular sanction.

CamarosRUS

oh ok...i thought it was something like that but i wasnt sure at all. well my next question, is it a good idea to purchase anything non SFI approved???? im building my first engine and its costing quite a bit, dont wanna break it.

hey stekman.....

MrDude_1

depends on the part and your application.

for example, my convertible wont be racing much, its a hot street car, but im not going to be turning extreme RPM... so i got a standard factory replacement dampener.. its not SFI approved, but its fine for what im doing.

if i was running a fast car at the track, id have to have a SFI approved dampener for saftey reasons.

Motor City Mike

About the only SFI rated parts on on an engine are the harmonic balancer and the flywheel - most everything alse is either restraints or containment devices. The main purpose of SFI rated parts/equipment is to prevent injury (or death) in case of a mishap, and won't necessarily keep your engine from breaking. No factory parts are SFI approved, because this organization was established for rating aftermarket components only - factory components have already been tested/proven and are already considered "safe" for their intended/original application (but not by SFI standards). Therefore, it is always a good idea to get an SFI approved damper and flywheel for any performance engine build, especially if you're going to be turning some high R's.

CamarosRUS

ok so SFI it is....ill be turning say 6200 rpms occasionally and am building a pretty hot (450+ hp n/a) street car with nitrous. thanks for the help guys

Tremo

In that case you'll definitely want an SFI flywheel or flexplate. If your flywheel comes apart at high RPM, it may take your feet off. It's like a bomb going off.