Question:

I have increased the horsepower of my Pro ET 1978 Gremlin and it will run around 6.70 in the 1/8-mile.  I purchased a SFI 4.1 transmission shield and it came with a 3/4" wide steel strap that the instructions say should run under the transmission pan and bolt to the sides of the aluminum shield.  I don’t think this narrow strap will catch many parts if I break the transmission.  Do I need to put it on?

Answer:

In the 2019 NHRA Rulebook section 21, page 16, 2:14 Transmission it states “All non-blanket-type shields must incorporate two (or one, per manufacturer’s instructions) 3/4 X1/8-inch straps that bolt to the shield on each side and pass under the transmission pan.”  The straps keep the shield from flying upwards in a planetary explosion.