Post by Saki Steve on Mar 3, 2008 10:25:12 GMT -6
In doing tech, I've noticed a few things that need attention. Whether it be your first drift day or your 13th, please help us out, it'll just speed up the whole process.
1. Everyone needs to have the positive terminal on the battery covered. We don't need anything coming into contact and starting some crazy electrical fire. Obviously battery boxes are exempt (provided they are covered). Anything non-conductive will do; electrical tape, piece of cloth, cardboard, doesn't matter. As long as it's well secured and covers the terminal FULLY.
2. The battery must be secured firmly to the vehicle. Loose batteries will not be allowed on track. I've seen use of bungie cords that works quite well, just make sure they are strapped on tight. Zipties are not acceptable battery tie-downs.
3. Wrap something absorbant around the power steering reservoir. The power steering system is put through tons of abuse when drifting, especially you guys with bigger wheels/tires. The fluid starts to boil and overflow from the reservoir. Catch it with a rag zip tied around the reservoir or wristbands work really well (jdm Honda ricers got something right). Again, make sure whatever you use is well secured, don't want some p/s fluid soaked rag flyin off onto the exhaust manifold.
4. Remove EVERYTHING from your interior (not panels, loose objects). I don't care what it is, take it out. Loose change, washers, nuts, bolts, paper, everything. No matter how well you think your jdm cupholder holds your coke, things get easily dislodged when you're on the track.
5. Make sure all of your fluids are topped off. All fluids. Engine oil, trans oil, coolant, brake fluid, p/s fluid (low p/s fluid is a good way to accelerate the boil-over), diff oil, etc... I guess you could leave the washer fluid low/empty though. Oh, and make sure you have plenty of gas. When you combine the lateral forces of drifting with a low gas level you run the risk of vapor lock or worst case scenario, the lack of fuel in the pump causes a lean condition and a blowed-up motor.
6. Those of you running spacers:
A. Bolt-on spacers: Make sure they are properly torqued. Double check if you have to.
B. Plate spacers: You'd better have extended studs. If you are running plate spacers, remove a lug nut so staff can check for an ample amount of thread contact. If you have plate spacers front and rear, remove a lug front and rear. I will have a torque wrench on hand in these cases. If there isn't enough thread, the spacer will be removed. If the wheel doesn't fit without it.... iunno, borrow some wheels.
7. Your helmet MUST be Snell approved, SA95 or newer. Any helmets not Snell approved or older than SA95 will not be allowed. I notice some of you disobeying this rule. From now on, helmets not in compliance with this regulation will be held until the end of the event. Remember, this also goes for passengers. There are no loaner helmets at drift days. I guess you could try to borrow someone else's.
8. Make sure your intake is well secured. Those of you that have your intake just flopping around in the engine bay, mount it to something.
9. Seatbelts and/or harnesses must be fastened and tightened. All helmets will be strapped on, no dangling chin straps. These will be checked by the starter. Please take it seriously, we don't need anyone's helmet flying off in the event of an accident.
[glow=red,2,300]There has been some leniency in the past with these issues, no more. Any vehicles in violation of any of the rules/regulations will not be allowed on track. Any problems must be fixed and re-inspected or the vehicle will not partake in the event.[/glow]
CONSIDER THIS FAIR WARNING
Here is the Checklist. DD Tech In list.
ITEM:
Hub Spacer/Adapter -- properly torqued
Engine -- modifications cannot interfere with brakes, steering, or result in fluid leaks
Suspension -- properly torqued/secured
Tires and Wheels -- cannot rub against fenders
Brakes Lines -- properly bled, and in complete working order
Brake Pads -- must have more than 25% life remaining
Brake Pedals and Calipers -- Pedal pressure firm, calipers within specifications
Brakes and Brake lines -- free of fluid leaks
Brake lamps -- in working order
Tires and Wheels -- minimum tread, 100 or higher wear rating only, no signs of failure, and must have 2 extra mounted tires
Lug Nuts -- torqued to 80 ft/lbs, present on every stud, and have minimum of 4 turns of thread
Steering Linkages -- in good working order
Suspension -- bolts torqued to specification, mounts must not be damaged
Windows -- cannot have cracks over 1 inch long or 1/2 inch in width
Body Panels -- present and properly secured
Aero Parts -- must not protrude more than 2 inches past overall length of the body
Battery -- properly secured, with one or both terminals covered with insulation
Air Intake system -- Properly secured to the vehicle frame
Fluids -- all fluids must be at proper levels and not leak from respective system
Throttle -- action smooth / return spring to specifications
Wiring Harness -- must not present a fire hazard
Exhaust System -- properly secured to the frame of the vehicle
Helmet -- Snell rated SA95 or newer (NO LOANERS AVAILABLE)
Seatbelts / Harnesses -- must be secured to vehicle chassis according to specifications
Roll Bar -- convertables / soft top / etc. must have roll bar secured to vehicle in a minimum of 4 points in proper manner
Tow Hooks -- must be present on at least one location on vehicle
Loose Items -- Remove floor mat, loose items (audio systems)
