balancer question, what is 'sfi approved'

[dderek]

i see alot of balancers that arent sfi approved, and alot (expensive) that claim they exceed sfi specificiations..
the one i bought isnt sfi app.

this is just one of those things id like to know, anybody care to fill me in?
thanks

 

[Tomato]

SFI is this silly foundation that supposedly tests race equipment, and makes sure they meet their standards.

When you race at a sanctioned track, certain equipment at certain speeds must be SFI certified. Stuff like balancers, tranny shields, seat belts etc.

To find out what you need and when, pick up a rule book.

Personally, it's a big money grab if you ask me since some of the stuff "expires", then you have to buy a new one, or get it recertified....

 

[dderek]

wow im glad i didnt throw that extra $100 or whatever it was to get the one step up balancer

 

[TIMMY2734]

What kind of balancer do you have? Some of the stock replacement pieces are only recomended to be revved in the neighborhood of 4500rpm. My SFI balancer cost me 220. Not very expensive at all if you ask me.

And that whole deal about stuff expiring is hardly a scam. For something liek a 5 point harness, it is strictly about safety. Stuff does wear out and is not as strong as it should be/was. Pretty much defeats the purpose of having one at all.

The #1 deal is safety, from scattershields to 5 pt harnesses....

 

[88stangmangt]

What kind of balancer do you have? Some of the stock replacement pieces are only recomended to be revved in the neighborhood of 4500rpm. My SFI balancer cost me 220. Not very expensive at all if you ask me.

And that whole deal about stuff expiring is hardly a scam. For something liek a 5 point harness, it is strictly about safety. Stuff does wear out and is not as strong as it should be/was. Pretty much defeats the purpose of having one at all.

The #1 deal is safety, from scattershields to 5 pt harnesses....

yup............ you cant just slap parts together and be safe about it you have to have the rights parts approved for the hp/torque/speed you plan on puting down.

 

[HISSIN50]

i see alot of balancers that arent sfi approved, and alot (expensive) that claim they exceed sfi specificiations..
the one i bought isnt sfi app.

this is just one of those things id like to know, anybody care to fill me in?
thanks

i think that the SFI units have interlocked inner and outer rings, so that if it were to come apart, the outer ring cant shoot out like a frisbee on gear.

 

[90mustangGT]

What kind of balancer do you have? Some of the stock replacement pieces are only recomended to be revved in the neighborhood of 4500rpm. My SFI balancer cost me 220. Not very expensive at all if you ask me.

And that whole deal about stuff expiring is hardly a scam. For something liek a 5 point harness, it is strictly about safety. Stuff does wear out and is not as strong as it should be/was. Pretty much defeats the purpose of having one at all.

The #1 deal is safety, from scattershields to 5 pt harnesses....

I agree with Timmy. When my factory unit started wobbling a bit I got a Romac which I got off a company from ebay. The quality is far better than the iron and rubber sandwich which are from the factory. If you race you should have one. It's just a benchmark in quality. If I'm paying money, I want something proven.

I don't know about it expiring. Maby milk and bread but not car parts.