Balance Shafts - Technically part of reciprocating assembly?

[ssjrrupp]

Hello,

I have been lurking these forums for a long time, doing searches, etc.

I am currently building a 1995 Eclipse GSX for road racing within an amatuer level sanctioning body. I am using a gen 1 6 bolt for the application.

As many of you know, the definitions and terminology used within the rule books for given modifications can tend to be pretty vague. It is generally thought that if the rule book doesn't specifically state that you can do something, you cannot do it. Therefore, a fair portion of your build is left up to interpretation and will at some point be scrutinized, and accepted or rejected, by someone who is using their own interpretation based on years of interpreting rules. Make sense? I hope so. Anyways...

My specific question is as related to this rule:

2. The crankshaft shall be a stock OEM part or an aftermarket part
as long as it is of identical dimensions and material as the OEM
part for the specific engine. The crankshaft may be balanced. The
maximum weight reduction allowance for balancing of the crankshaft
is 0.5 lbs. The maximum weight reduction allowance for the
balancing of the reciprocating assembly is 15 grams. Alternate
connecting rods are permitted, but must be ferrous unless OEM
supplied.

I have read on the Buscher Racing website that the removal of the balance shafts takes about 10lbs off of the rotating mass.

I am concerned that if I remove the balance shafts and take advantage of the 10lb savings, I may wind up in the tech shed (after a very, very successful day of course) and be DQ'd for lack of having the balance shafts as part of the reciprocating assembly.

My guess is that you argue the complete rotating assembly isn't the same as the reciprocating assembly, and therefore deleting the shafts as part of the rotating assembly is legal as it hasn't effected the actual weight, on a scale, of the reciprocating assembly (crank, rods, pistons, pins, bolts..etc).

Thoughts?

Any and all input is appreciated! I put this in the newbie section because this is my first post and I am a newbie.

Thanks,
Justin.

 

[BogusSVO]

With the rules written they way they are, seems no clear yes or no.

Now, you could do a "poor man" BSE

Leave the front BS in place, just do not install the belt.
for the rear BS, you could have the factory shaft cut down, or install the AMS/GSC BSE kit.

Honestly, I do not see how the BS can be viewed as part of the rotating assembly.

Hopefully one of the Class AutoX racers will speak up.

 

[BoostedBeaver]

When reading that rule, it sounds as though they are referring to the rods, pistons, crank, ect. I do not get the hint that they are referring to all rotating parts.

The rule also mentions balancing the assembly. This requires the crank, pistons, rods, bolts, flywheel, clutch, and harmonic balancer which leaves the balance shafts out.

My interpretation is that this mod would be "Legal" but maybe someone with actual experience can chime in.

Robert

 

[ssjrrupp]

Guys,

Thank you for the input.

I do think it is legal to take the balance shafts out as they are not part of the reciprocating assembly, but I'd just like to make sure that there isn't some nuance in the language that makes it illegal.

I much appreciate that answers.

Thanks,
Justin