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Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: Mister_Fitz on July 20, 2018, 12:13:10 AM

Title: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: Mister_Fitz on July 20, 2018, 12:13:10 AM
I need some inspiration of where to place the chute lever in my FED.
Do you have any pictures of how the installation looks in your cars? :)
Where is the lever placed, how is the cable fastens in the frame,what type of cable do you use?
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: glofria on July 20, 2018, 10:19:56 AM
Put it where it is easily accessible; don't have to think about reaching for it, it should be instinctive. We prefer our drivers keep one hand (the left hand) on the wheel at all times and make all actions with the other like launch control, shifting gears and the shut-off lever. I understand that there is not much room for too many things in one area, but switching hands on the wheel during a run creates an unnecessary action and is not optimal.

The cable can be fasten with cable ties, but better to use Adel Clamps to ensure no slippage.

Use and push/pull transmission cable with an open end and ball link in the other. It is better to push than pull the lever as you can slap at it rather than grab and pull.

Get a cable from these guys: http://www.power-trans.net/
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: gregm784 on July 20, 2018, 12:04:59 PM
I'll look for some pics of mine.  I run bare cable, works great.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: Roger on July 20, 2018, 12:15:08 PM
Here is a cable clamp from Neil & Parks that works really well. The mounting screw also protrudes into the cable-end hole of the clamp and locks the retaining grove in the cable to the bracket. Aluminum are $8 each, $13 for magnesium. Frame tabs are a couple of bucks. Frank & Scott also have everything else you might need, give them a call.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: rooman on July 23, 2018, 04:49:08 AM
I disagree with Gino's cable recommendation. A small single wire cable is all you need (like a choke cable if you are old enough to know what that is). The Morse style cables are stiff and bulky and require larger hardware at the mounting point. I usually mount the lever/s just ahead of the front cage hoop in a push configuration. That way if things ever get really ugly on a run you can slap the back of your hand against the hoop, slide it down and the lever is right there. As Greg notes the bare cable deal also works provided that you have the cable routed so that the lever will pull it far enough to open the chute pack--the jacketed installation controls that a little better.

Roo
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: gregm784 on July 23, 2018, 10:11:03 AM
another thing to think about is in case of fire the bare choke cable chute cables are far superior in that there is no plastic to melt/bind.

I discussed with Scotty Parks way back and decided the bare cable way was how i wanted to go. 
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: JrFuel Hayden on July 23, 2018, 11:45:52 AM
We have run a single bare cable for the chute release since 1997, on the left side so that our drive just crosses over with right hand to push the lever forward , no problems.
Included photo you can see part of it on the lower left corner of photo.
Jon
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: gregm784 on July 23, 2018, 12:02:48 PM
I found an old picture.  My chute lever is now on the right side so my left hand never has to come off the wheel.  You can see my cables pass thru my cage uprights.  In the cage, steel brake tubing is welded in.  This way they aren't on the inside getting hung up on my suit, and they aren't outside, subject to interference. 

Both of my chutes are on one lever, both come out every pass.  Overkill big time (180mph car) but a) it makes great pics, b) i like it c) i have a backup chute. :) 


Some people claim this isn't NHRA legal, it's been tagged, many times, by the best and they have no issues with it.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: Draw 3D on July 23, 2018, 08:40:06 PM
I use the 18 ft chute cable, part# CC-PCTG-216, from GoodVibesRacing.com: http://www.goodvibesracing.com/cc_chute_cables.htm (http://www.goodvibesracing.com/cc_chute_cables.htm) and it's mounted by my handbrake, I push chute lever forward then yank the handbrake.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: wideopen231 on July 24, 2018, 05:31:41 AM
Heck finding spot to mount anything in FED can be tough.You just have to try cpl places and see what seems to work best for you(driver) and go with it. I don't know how many things I have moved in car because first thought didn't work out to suit me.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: PSweeney on July 27, 2018, 06:16:55 AM
I like mine on the cage upright on the left (as my left thumb is slower on the transbrake).  I use a solid stainless 1.5mm wire jacketed cable, works great for me.  I make my levers from 6mm plate and ergonomically shape them, not a fan of 3mm flat plate controls.
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: wideopen231 on July 27, 2018, 09:13:28 AM
Wouldn't like mines its .090 not sure how many mm's that is. I know .284 is 7mm or thats bullet diameter for 7mm. LOL
Title: Re: Chute lever installation in FED
Post by: Paul New on July 27, 2018, 09:21:14 AM
Wouldn't like mines its .090 not sure how many mm's that is. I know .284 is 7mm or thats bullet diameter for 7mm. LOL

.090 is 2.286mm

I have had the mm to inches conversion memorized for ever 7mm x .03937 = .275 and change