Learn How To Install A Rollbar

Another safety requirement is a driveshaft loop located within 6 inches of the front U-joint. All cars using slicks require one, but we prefer to run a loop on any car that we run on the dragstrip. It's cheap insurance. Eddie Kartek in Los Angeles moved the exhaust and added the crossover tube.

Besides having too many holes in our firewall, we've been turned away at tracks for not having all five lug nuts. Instead of cobbling together a bunch of used stuff, we used a set of shank-style lugs from McGard on the 15x4-inch Wheel Vintiques 02 Gasser Alloys.

We tossed the stock six-cylinder fuel tank years ago because it leaked and hit the V-8 differential. Diagne welded this cool brace on the bottom side of the Rambler to keep the cell from bending the flimsy trunk floor.

Diagne also welded us a new crossmember for the Richmond five-speed. Originally we'd used a modified version from a Matador that was functional and ugly.

If you are running a fuel cell like this one from Summit Racing, you'll need a firewall between the trunk and the passenger compartment. To save weight, we've seen them made from aluminum and the rules allow it. The fuel lines must be metallic, steel braided, or NHRA-approved woven to get through inspection. And a maximum of 12 inches of rubber are allowed for connection anywhere in the system.

If you leave the battery in the stock location using stock hold-downs, you're good. If you move it to the trunk like we did, it needs to either be in an NHRA-approved sealed box (like this one from Moroso) or the firewall between the trunk and the interior must be made of 0.24-inch steel or 0.32-inch aluminum and include a piece sealing the package tray. You'll also need a master electrical cutoff (or kill switch) that can be reached from outside the car.

For days when we are serious, we use a Simpson Bandit. It is Snell SA 2005 approved, so it is good until the year 2017. We prefer these helmets because they are lighter and cooler than standard motorcycle helmets.

The final piece to passing the safety inspection is clothing. You'll need a helmet for any car faster than 13.99, and if you are running nitrous, the tech inspector may ask to see a flame retardant jacket and gloves. We just like the boots, so we wear them too.