Anyone ever done so at their local track? Just wondering if you got any grief.

NHRA states that convertibles between 11.0 and 13.99 must run a roll bar and fire proof jacket...Does the stock roll bar in the Dakota count?

Not going to be a regular duty drag truck, but would like to safely measure performance at the track after dropping in a 360 Magnum.

 

I've done Test and Tune at my local tracks. I doubt you're going to crack 13's on you first run so I wouldn't worry about it. If you do, the worst they're going to say is "you're done" until you get the required equipment. I got grief for my "power adder" a turbo, on my '88 Caravan so I had to get a fire jacket.

The track is different that the street. What feels fast on the street doesn't translate to a fast vehicle at the track. If you don't have slicks or drag radials you're going to have a hard time getting traction. That's just the way it is. Street tires SUCK at the track.

 

A quick power to weight ratio of your truck, using the weight for an '89 Shelby Dak - which should be close to your truck with the crate motor - 3626/380 = 9.5 lbs per every 1 HP.

A '04 SRT4 is capable of running in the 13's, and at 2900 lbs and 230 HP its PW is about 12.5 lbs per every 1 HP.

Your truck will have a pretty healthy PW ratio if I figured right, so you could run in the 13's, but only if you manage to get enough traction like AZ said. I'd certainly try it first, then see where you are and what they say if you do go that quick.

 

You might consider doing your test/tune sessions at a 1/8 mile track. I've run a 1/8 mile track in NC and it gives me most of the data I'm looking for.

Because the speed is lower thru the traps they may be a little easier on the roll-bar requirement. I'm only guessing though, as I've never had the opportunity to run a fast convertible. When my convertible is finally put together it's not gonna see 13's -maybe 14's if things work out.

 

Yeah I take my grand national and marauder out on occasion to Benson dunn drag way...they're pretty lax on tech...I've seen plenty of cutoff shorts and tank top runs with no helmet... I swear last time I saw a Cadillac window down smoking a cigarette...I just never paid attention to convertibles and if there were any special rules and how the stock roll bar would pass tech.