FIRE SUPPRESSION
Summit Racing once again proves itself a valuable resource for safety equipment, by selling several different fire suppression systems from Safecraft and H3R. If you are road racing, H3R Performance's MaxOut or HalGuard Extinguisher may suffice if mounted within arm's reach of the driver (prices vary from $43.95-$154.95, depending on size and agent). Serious drag racers would be better off setting their sights on Safecraft's LT or RS series fire suppression systems. The LT series (P/N SAF-LT5AAB-SFI, LT10AAB, LT5ABB, etc) is available in push- and pull-type activation in 5- and 10-pound bottle varieties. All systems use Halon 1301, which is dispensed via two discharge ports (for engine and driver compartments), and three spray nozzles. The discharge head is also machined from billet aluminum, and is anodized for aesthetic appeal. The LT series has a smaller overall size for greater installation flexibility than other models, and prices start at $329.95.
FUEL CELLS
ATL Fuel Cells has been in the game more than 35 years, working hard to develop the safest and most reliable fuel cells on the market. What separates ATL from other manufacturers is its proprietary impact-resistant rubberized "bladder," filled with explosion-suppressant foam. The Safety Foam Baffling also reduces fuel slosh, which, in conjunction with "Duck-Foot" Fuel Traps, prevents starvation by retaining fuel around the [fuel pump] pickup filter for a constant feed. Check Valves are also an integral part of ATL's safety features, as they close off the flow of fuel in the event of a rollover. Each cell is finished off with a handsome powder-coated steel or aluminum container (carbon fiber is also available), as well as aircraft-type nut-ring flanges with steel and aluminum fill-valve plates.
Jaz Products is another top manufacturer, better known in the drag racing community for products like its 16 Gallon Drag Race Horizontal fuel cell (P/N 250-116-01). With a 16-gallon capacity, your NHRA dragster can also see plenty of street time. The container is made from seamless rotomolded cross-linked polyurethane, and is available with or without aviation safety foam. There is a flush mount aircraft-style cap assembly, and 360-degree mounting strap recesses. A two-inch deep sump insures better fuel pickup with two military spec anodized -8AN outlet fittings, and there is also one military spec anodized -6AN vent fitting. Its 18.5x18.5x12-inch dimensions should fit most trunks or truck beds, but F-body owners may need to go with a smaller unit or the Vertical fuel cell.
HARNESS & RESTRAINTS
In addition to creating one of the sexiest safety equipment ads ever, Safequip also puts out a pretty good line of safety gear. The Blackbelt-V made famous by "Suzie-Q" is available for around $100-$250, in five- and six-point, Latch & Link, Kamlock, and Eurolock. The Hanz shoulder harness is also available, which is made for use with--you guessed it--the leading head and neck restraint device (pricing depends on options). The H-Pattern and popular Twin Individual Pattern belts (in addition to the Hanz) are SCCA-legal. All belts are crafted from forged steel and sturdy 3-inch webbing, pattern sewn for uniform stitch length and strength, and regularly SFI Certified. Mounting hardware is included, and custom sizing and design is optional. Special colors are also offered, in addition to the standard red, blue, and black. Convertible owners may also want to pick up Safequip's arm restraints, which at $20-$30 are certainly affordable. Safequip fulfills just about any other need you have for safety equipment: from Nomex underwear to helmets, fire suits, shoes, and neck braces.
The HANS Device is far and away the best head restraint system on the market, and if you plan to do any competitive road racing (or approach 200 mph in the 1/4-mile), I wouldn't think about using any other product. Recent SFI 38.1 recertification testing in 2006 revealed that the HANS Device provides the least amount of neck tension, making it the safest restraint available--which is why it is the only one allowed (and required) by NASCAR, Formula 1, A1GP, World Rally, ALMS, GP2, Champ Car, IROC, and many others. UPR sells the HANS Device for $800-$1,800, and though this may seem expensive, it really is hard to put a price on safety. Different sizes and neck angles from 0 to 40 degrees are available depending on racing applications. Most likely, Model 20 will be the best fit for your F-body, 'Vette, Turbo Buick, and more; however, the pricier Professional version is also available, constructed of lightweight carbon fiber.
HARMONIC BALANCER
An SFI-approved balancer is not something most people think of when it comes to safety, but if you are pushing considerable horsepower or high rpm using the stock balancer, you really are looking for trouble. The ATI Super Damper is one of the most well known balancers on the market, designed specifically to dampen crankshaft harmonics. Supercharged engines could definitely benefit from one of ATI's Dampers, as they put added stress on the crankshaft. Additionally, the ATI Damper allows 8-rib upgrades on certain kits. ATI makes the Serpentine Series Dampers for LT1, LT4, LS1, and LS7 applications in standard diameter or 10% underdrive; race and Supercharger specific lines also cover the majority of these engines. Most hubs are made of steel, though aluminum is available in some applications.
If you are looking for more of a stock-style LS1/LS6/LS2 balancer, which meets SFI requirements and still provides 25% underdrive for the most reduction in accessory drive loss, SLP Performance Parts has you covered. Extra-tall retention walls help reduce belt slippage common to other balancers (without the need for an aftermarket tensioner), and the heavy-duty steel construction manages to be lighter than stock. A new high-strength balancer bolt increases reliability, and integral timing marks and puller mounting threads add to this feature-filled product. SLP says this balancer is keyed for high rpm and supercharged applications, and will not cause false knock retard or erratic power curve dips sometimes seen with other pulleys. F-body owners choose P/N 100221, Corvettes P/N 100225, and GTOs P/N 100226.
TCI is relatively new to the harmonic balancer game, but its reputation remains unsullied by the Rattler Torsional Vibration Absorber for C5 Corvettes (P/N 870030). This SFI-approved balancer is bulletproof to even high horsepower motors, and is still lighter than most conventional units. TCI's proprietary pendulum absorber technology absorbs vibration throughout the engine's operating rpm range, and the accessory load is reduced by a 10% underdrive for increased horsepower. The Rattler is CNC-machined to tight tolerances, and laser-etched timing marks do not shift relative to the crankshaft centerline, for improved accuracy in ignition timing over OEM-style balancers.
HELMETS
Bell Racing offers a number of helmets for both pros and Average Joes. The Sport 3 is on the affordable end of the spectrum, as part of the Racer Series, for $369. It features the E-Max liner and superior forehead and chin bar ventilation, and shares the same great styling as Bell's leading models for unmatched value. The M4 Pro has the same extra-large eye port and Carbon X interior, but also includes the E-Max Plus liner for added protection. The exterior is constructed of a Lightweave composite--Kevlar, Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass--with full ventilation, including aggressive chin bar vents. Retail on this bad boy is $559, and it is available in white, black, and flat black. Bell also makes a full line of fire suits, gloves, and racing shoes.
G-Force comes highly recommended by Spraker Racing--one of G-Force's distributors--for being the best valued helmets on the market. The Pro Force 1 is G-Force's top-of-the-line helmet at a mere $280, but don't mistake the low price for low quality. The Pro Force 1 uses the Z38 shell, constructed of a Kevlar/Fiberglass composite for strength and weight savings. The G-Flow ventilation system provides a snoot-ful of fresh air while siphoning out the used heated air from the helmet, and the CoolTec fire-retardant liner is built for comfort, particularly for those who wear glasses. Also included is a ProFit shield. The Pro Force 1 complies with SA2005 standards, as well as SFI 31.1A/2005. In addition to being one of the finest circle-track chassis shops on the East Coast, Spraker Racing carries plenty of other safety equipment. Its specialists are quite knowledgeable, and even offer safety seminars at various trade shows.