I was wondering what is the optimum placement of ttops for the dragstrip?
I thought of a few things but which would be the fastest?

Ttops on normally:
Pros: Possibly will hold the frame stiffer, no air drag, little protection
Cons: Weight

TTops in trunk:
Pros: Traction,
Cons: Weight, nothing over head, nothing holding frame, Possible slow down drag/ could cause instabilitity at high speeds

Ttops removed from car:
Pros: Less weight
Cons: No protection, Possible slow down drag/ could cause instabilitity at high speeds, possibly the frame could flex more.

I did a ttop conversion and the tops added minimal weight to the hardtop and the frame bars that i cut out were very weak so i dont think that hardtops have much less weight or much less frame rigidity. But i think that having the tops, could hold the frame straighter just as good as a hardtop.

 

either way it really isnt going to change a thing. The t-tops at min dont weigh that much to change a thing. Best to just keep them on and locked so they dont fly off or creat drag. if you really worried about weight then you could construct some out of corbin fiber or some other lighweight material. But the couple pounds that you shed wouldnt be worth it IMHO.

If you are worried about the frame get some Sub frame connectors.

 

Unless you're at a non sanctioned track, T-tops must be in to go down the track. The same as windows must be all up. Mine stay in all the time. I usually take them off when I'm working in the car. It just makes it easier to get over the roll cage.

 

I suspect if you left them off they would subject you to the open car rules, including a roll bar at 13.49, and arm restraints at 11.99

I've got the roof someone gave me off a t-top conversion. I'm trying to find frames from damaged t-tops to put the cut-down roof panels in. Should save about 5# per side.

 

I'm sure that's how the rules would be interpreted also. There's a few more restrictions for open body cars but you'd get the idea. Cheaper to just leave the T-tops in.

I managed to find a set of Lexan T-tops from a 90 Formula. I switched over the locks so our keys would still work. Switching from glass to Lexan tops saved about 10 pounds. I didn't really care what kind of condition the Lexan was in. Normally it's all star cracked but these were in good condition. I painted the underside of mine to keep the sun off me while I'm sitting in the staging lanes.

 

I wouldn't sweat it...

in my opinion, the amount that was cut out vs. the weight of the tops, is negligible. I am not even sure I am willing to believe numbers of 5#'s a side. I guess for the "hardcore racer" it might work, but the average weekend strip guy, its like pulling your radio for the trip ot the track.



I also doubt they add any structural strength, the receiver clips can be bent up pretty easily, and I see those taking the brunt of the force.


by the way I noticed no differnece in structural integrity at autocrosses, I have run with them on and off(don't have to have them on at an autocross)

I usually run them off, just because you hear more outside noise and can predict the tires better imo...