2007 Safety Equipment Buyer's Guide

If you've got big plans for your GM EFI hot rod, then you'd better start investing in some quality safety components--to keep you and your car healthy, and to comply with track and organization rules. The requirements will vary depending on the organization and racing class, and will be updated quite frequently. Be sure to do your homework before you start making any purchases. Meanwhile, here are a few ideas to get you started.

AXLES

Chances are, if you want to go fast in your F-body you've already upgraded your rear end housing to either a 12-bolt or a 9-inch. But if you want to do things the hard way and keep the stock 7.625-inch rear, look into Moser Engineering's hardened 28-spline C-clip axles. These axles are made of 1541H alloy, and are drilled for press-in wheel studs with optional screw-in 0.5-inch studs. (Expect to pay a little under $300 at most retail stores.) Though keeping the stock C-clip setup is traditionally more trouble-free for street-going applications, C-clip eliminators are safer and highly recommended (sold separately by Moser), as they prevent the axle from leaving the housing in case it breaks. Moser also offers complete 9-inch and 12-bolt housings, along with parts for each and 28- and 30-spline axles for 8.5-inch 10-bolts.

Strange Engineering's specially designed C-clip eliminator kit (P/N A1100) offers the best of both worlds for 8.5-inch 10-bolt and 12-bolt owners with Pro Race axles that have been redesigned for street/strip, as well as circle track. This kit employs giant Timken unit bearings, to survive severe side-loads and constant use (ball bearings are for drag race only). The axle shaft is tapered to resist bending loads, and the axle flange is machined to a generous radius for maximum side-load strength. F-body owners should take note of the new S60 rear end for Third and Fourth Gens. The Dana 60 ring gear dwarfs even the 12-bolt's, and is sure to produce unparalleled strength while still managing decent efficiency. The S60 comes standard with 35-spline S/T axles, a Power-Lok or Tru-Trac differential, .5-inch or metric studs, and accepts both the three- and four-channel ABS sensor. Its heavy-duty design consists of a one-piece nodular iron case, seamless torque arm mount, 3.150-inch housing ends, and a 1350 series yoke. The 12-bolt is still available for all F-bodies featuring 33-spline axles, an Eaton posi, a 1350 series yoke, and C-clip eliminators.

BATTERY CUTOFF

If you've relocated your battery to the trunk and plan to hit the dragstrip, you better call Moroso. The Battery Disconnect Switch (P/N 74100) will keep you out of hot water with the track officials, while enhancing the safety of your GM EFI. A quick twist on the slip-resistant handle kills the power to all electric operations, from the fuel pump to the ignition, and any instruments. For easy access, mount on the rear panel; however, it can easily be hidden on street cars. Road racers will also appreciate this product, and can mount it inside the cockpit within arm's reach in case of emergency.

Summit Racing is another excellent resource for picking up all sorts of safety equipment, including battery disconnect switches (P/N SUM-G1432). This rotary-activated switch has a 20-amp continuous rating and a 125-amp surge rate. In the event of a short or accident, this $16.95 item could save your ride--not to mention yourself--from a potentially fiery situation.

BELLHOUSING & TRANSMISSION SHIELD

B&M and its new acquisition McLeod have both the manual and automatic crowd covered when it comes to transmission safety. The McLeod Modular Bellhousing for T56 transmissions is one of the only products on the market for this application, which carries SFI approval, and will prevent damage to your Fourth Gen in the event your clutch goes KABOOM! The McLeod Modular Bellhousing can be adjusted using spacer rings and mounting plates, to accommodate different types of transmissions as well. And if you've gone all-out and dropped a Turbo 400 or Powerglide in your hot rod, take a look at B&M's SFI certified transmission shields; the high-strength, lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum construction provides protection from drum explosion. An adjustable belly strap can be used with a deep pan or standard pan, while a precision-fit saves time on installation and removal.

To prevent your stock cast aluminum bellhousing from becoming potentially deadly shrapnel, Lakewood makes a number of different heavy-duty units for late-model GM EFIs, including T5-equipped Third Gens (P/N 15020). The 1500-series bellhousing features high-quality hydroformed steel plating, to ensure uniform thickness and superior strength. Other key features include MIG-welded threaded inserts for transmission mounting bolts, clutch pivot ball, and clutch linkage brackets. This bellhousing meets SFI 6.1 specifications, and comes complete with safety block plate and Grade 8 hardware. LS1 owners can also benefit from Lakewood's expertise with the 15005 Bellhousing.