Thanks to the new NHRA rules and IRP, all cars 13.99 or quicker must run a DS loop (and a helmet, but that's another story). So, I visit jegs.com and buy their universal kit. First of all, this is a very nice kit, with good instructions and all the hardware you'll need. Now for the fun part. My subframe connectors do not allow the DS loop to sit flush against the floor without some creative modification. Second the factory torque arm interferes somewhat and has to be inside the loop for it to clear the DS. Third, since the intermediate exhaust pipe runs right through this area it also much go through the DS loop. So, now I have enclosed the torque arm, exhaust, and drive shaft inside of the same .250" steel loop. Not the worst thing, but you need to pay close attention to clearance. The fun isn't over yet! The loop constrains the intermediate pipe such that it will not bolt up to the y-pipe anymore. So, it's off to Midas this weekend for some cutting and bending since I don't have my oxy-acetylene torch here in Indy. I guess the moral of my story is that you can save some money with the generic loop, but it may be worth your time and effort to invest in something a little more installation friendly.

 

the loop rule is not new by any means, been that way for a long time. I am guessing you didn't get the one that Jegs makes for third gen cars. that unit is designed to clear your mentioned problems.

 

Yes, hindsight being 20/20 the extra $10 for the custom piece would have been well worth it. Chalk another one up to arrogance.

Question: Would that custom piece clear 3" exhaust?

The ends would still need to be shortened to clear my subframe connectors. A fairly easy mod to make.

EDIT:

I thought the helmet/DSL rule was 12.99 and they changed it last year. I don't know, memory starts to fail with age.

 

mine fit with 3" pipe, no trouble. my frame connectors run along the outer edge of the floor, so there wasn't any problem there either.

if nothing else, others may learn from your experience!

 

helmet on 13.99 sounds funny...thats really not that fast. 12.99 I understand. What is next, a full roll cage under 14.99?

 

The helmet rule has been 13.99 for as long as I can remember. I thought you only needed a DS loop on a slick though. *shrug*

 

13.99 is trapping close to or over 100.

want to know what happens to your head when you hit a wall at 100mph?

 

double post

 

I agree. It's just that not everyone really enforces it! lol

 

when jegs says "universal fit" they don't mean it fits thirdgen f bodys by any means. it's a joke. i cut, bent, and welded mine to make it fit. all the kit was good for was a source of material.

 

I worked NHRA tech for years, so I can help to clarify. Helmet is 13.99 and quicker. Loop is required at 13.99 or quicker, unless you are using a street tire, in which case you run to 13.00 without the loop. Once you hit 12's it's needed regardless of the rubber out back.

from my experience, the loop is one of the most often overlooked things on street vehicles, meaning many tech guys won't take the time to get down and verify that it's there. but you don't want to see the aftermath of a busted driveshaft going through a floor or pole vaulting a car.

 

Understandably so, but if people were so worried then they should require motorcyclists to wear them on the streats and people who have driven over 100 on the streat (that most likely includes almost everyone here) don't seem too worried about it.

 

Well, i won't ride a motorcycle without a helmet (and yes I used to own a Gixxer) I also won't go over 100 on public roads. (ok, yes i have, and actualy i caught myself doing it failrly recently, but i am not going to condone it, and it was a very stupid move on my part.) and if it was up to me, everyone at the track would be required to wear a helmet.

I don't want to start a fight about this. that is not what i intended to do. i was pointing out there is a reason for a helmet rule. they had to pick a number, and 13.99 was what they picked.

 

well the way i see it is..... you want to go drag racing well follow the rules. they are there for a reason. and how long do you actually have wear it maybe 20 sec. as for motorcycles their is some states that do have helment laws. so if you dont want to wear the helment dont race or slow your car down.....

just my .02 cents dont me to flame anyone

 

My frame connectors are tubular and kind of follow the tunnel. It's hard to describe, and I don't think anyone makes them anymore. Not my choice of connector, but they came with the car. They do a good job of adding torsional rigidity since I've had it tedering on the corners before.

Yes, I have learned my lesson. No more universal parts!

I am pro safety, which is why I'm installing all this stuff. The car made its first sub 14 second pass last year and I parked it right after that. I saw my buddies late model dirt car do it's impression of an olympic gymnist after spitting out a drive shaft. Don't want to go through that in a street car.