speedyjr

I don't have a rule book handy and am tyring to get an idea of what all is needed. I know this much, but what am I missing?

Sfi flex plate
Sfi harmonic ballancer
10 point certifed cage
Drive shaft saftey loop
Fire jacket, but I don't know what spec
Helmet, But i don't know what spec
Harness, But i don't know what spec
Do You need a trans scatter shield?

Stephen 87 IROC

Buy a rule book. Once you hit the 9's it starts getting expensive.

Full cage not just a roll bar and it will need to be certified by an NHRA tech inspector not just your local tech inspection at the track.
2 layer jacket and pants
Single layer gloves
Neck coller
Window net, 5 point harness (good for 2 years) etc.
SFI flexplate and balancer.
SFI flexplate shield and tranny shield for automatic transmisions
SFI bellhousing for manual transmission as well as an SFI clutch and flywheel.
Driveshaft loop, positive axle retention (c-clip eliminator, Ford 9", rear disk brakes etc), tubeless tires need metal screw in valve stems, aftermarket axles are manditory.
A Snell rated helmet, current rating M2000, can be worn by Prostock drivers in the 6 second range. You only need an SA rated helmet in a few specific classes.
Competition license
Parachute if you go over 150 mph (usually mid to low 9's gets close)
Master cutoff switch even if the battery is in the stock location.

http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/ETQuickRef.html

Stephen 87 IROC

Many of the SFI required stuff is date coded. The worst is the 5 point harness that needs to be replaced every 2 years. The chassis certification, which you have to pay to have done, is good for 3 years. Flexplates are only good for 3 years. The tranny and flexplate shields are good for 5 years. The window net is rated for 2 years but many tech inspectors will only fail it if you have a mesh type of window net. The ribbon type although it's date coded, doesn't really expire.

So within every 5 years you need to replace or have recertified many of the safety equipement.

Raptor1

I believe the harness can be sent back to the mfg. and recertified (provided it's in good shape) instead of having to replace it every two years. Other than that, everything else you mentioned seems to be on target. Going fast costs a lot of money, and not just for "go-fast" goodies like cams, heads, etc. A lot of hidden cost that you don't see.

Injuneer

Simpson will no longer recertify. They will usually give you a discount on a new harness if you return the date tags from an expired harness.

Stephen 87 IROC

Only the Platinum series will be recertified only once making the belts good for 4 years but you still need to send them back and pay to have them recertified. Nobody else will recertify belts any more.

As long as they're in good condition, you can usually resell the expired belts on Ebay for roughly half the cost of new belts.

When you start running quicker than 7.50 in the 1/4 mile, it gets even more expensive. Even the high cost of a multi layer fire suit needs to be added in because it's also date coded and must be replaced every 5 years. At least in the slower classes we don't need a 3, 4, or 5 layer fire suit.

In some cases IHRA rules are better. Running into the 9's I still don't need a chassis certification until 9.00. I don't need an extra competition license (IHRA had different licensing rules). I only need a single layer jacket (no fire pants, gloves or neck coller) until 9.00. There are a few other things I do need such as I must have a fire extinguisher in the car where NHRA doesn't make that manditory.

To be able to run at either sanctioned tracks, build the car to have the minimum standard for each track and you'll never be questioned or refused tech. Technically if I went to an NHRA track, I wouldn't be allowed to run into the 9's because my IHRA legal car isn't good enough for NHRA rules.

Raptor1

Thanks for the update guys!

Injuneer

Good to know they will recertify the Platinum series.... since that's what I picked up last year.

Birdie2000

I was always told that RJS recertifies their belts. Many people around here use them cause they're local, and seem to be very good quality.

sseeya

Stroud will recertify their belts. I clipped this directly from their website:

SFI mandates that belts be recertified every two years. Stroud does recertify their own belts....Part #225.