Creating Guides for AutoX classes, need your help

[Ludachris]

I'm going to be putting together guides to help DSMers see what classes they can compete in for autocross, specifically SCCA. I'd like to break it up by class and create lists of what mods can be done to the car for each class to stay within the rules of that class. If you guys can help me out I'd appreciate it. I'm looking for people who have competed in each class and are familiar with the class rules to post a list of mods that will make a DSM competitive in that class and still stay within the class rules - some insight from fellow DSMers that you can't get just by reading the class rules themselves. I'd like to separate it by 1G Turbo FWD, 1G Turbo AWD, 2G Turbo FWD and 2G Turbo AWD since the parts lists will be different for the 1G and 2G. Once we get those done I can touch on 1G and 2G N/T cars and GVR-4s.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[absolute_DSM]

Just for quick reference, heres some SCCA documents.

Heres the cars seperated by class in a STOCK form. Helps show what competition you may be looking at:
http://www.scca.org/documents/Solo Rules/stockcategoryclassificationsbymake.pdf

The up to date 2008 Solo (AutoX) rules - Modifications allowed per class start at chapter 13 :
http://www.scca.org/documents/Solo Rules/2008_Solo_Rules_2.pdf

May not be much specific help but I think its important as a basis.

 

[Ludachris]

Just for quick reference, heres some SCCA documents.

Heres the cars seperated by class in a STOCK form. Helps show what competition you may be looking at:
http://www.scca.org/documents/Solo Rules/stockcategoryclassificationsbymake.pdf

The up to date 2008 Solo (AutoX) rules - Modifications allowed per class start at chapter 13 :
http://www.scca.org/documents/Solo Rules/2008_Solo_Rules_2.pdf

May not be much specific help but I think its important as a basis.

Yeah I read through those. But I'm hoping I can get people who are participating in certain classes and are familiar with the rules of that class to list all the mods you can do to a DSM to make it competitive and still stay within the rules of that class.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

I am a board member with the FVSCC so I am fairly familiar with the classifications. I'll start with the stock classes and work my way to Street Prepared and SM.

Stock Class:
Non-Turbo...........HS
Turbo FWD..........GS
Turbo AWD..........DS

Engine Mods Allowed:
-Cat-Back Exhaust
-OEM-Style Air Filter
-Spark plugs & wires

Suspension & Brake Mods Allowed:
-Shock Absorbers (OEM Style, no more than 2-way adjustable)
-Aftermarket wheels, must be same width & diameter with offset within +/- .25inch
-SS Brake lines are allowed for cars 89-92 DSM's only
-OEM fitment Brake pads

Other Mods Allowed:
-Gauges are allowed
-Roll bars/cages are allowed

Please ad/correct me if I am wrong. I have not fully read the new 2008 SCCA rules yet.

Next, Street Prepared

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Street Prepared Classifications:
Non-Turbo FWD.......DSP
Turbo FWD..............DSP
Turbo AWD.............ESP

Quick Note: Since 1g's and 2g's are listed in the same class, it is legal to interchange parts from one to the other. (Example: 1g BOV on a 2g)

In Street Prepared, boost levels are not to be changed with the exception of an authorized mod. (Example: An aftermarket exhaust system will increase boost slightly) Basically no Boost controller can be used.

Street Prepared allows everything the STOCK class does plus:

Engine Mods:
-Oil pans, Oil Coolers are allowed
-Emissions may be removed
-Water Injection (MUST only be water)
-OE Fitment style Fuel Pump
-Aftermarket Exhaust manifold to muffler (must exit behind driver)
-Aftermarket Clutch/Flywheel (metal type, OE fitment)
-LSD's
-Underdrive/lightweight pully kits

Suspension & Brake Mods:
-Camber kits are allowed
-Strut Bars
-Rims of any size may be used (Tires must meet requirements of stock category)
-Any Sturts may be used (Must use OE attachment points)
-Cross-drilled and/or slotted brake rotors (OE dimensions)
-SS Brake lines
-Polyurethane bushings

Other Mods:
-A/C may be fully removed
-Aftermarket Seats are allowed (must weigh at least 20lbs, and attach at OE mounting points)
-Aftermarket Steering wheel
-Radio and speakers may be removed
-Battery Relocation

Please ad and/or correct any information.

 

[everbruin]

For stx 2g awd:
1. 245/40/17 dunlop z1 star spec
2. light 8" rims, around +35 mm offset (eg kosei 16 lb)
3. sway bars
4. coilovers (eg koni sport/yellow, ground control kit incl 600 lb front 7", 400 lb rear 7" springs)
5. eccentric or offset front upper urethane bushings for neg camber (eg ingalls 35750)
6. custom shortened front upper arms for neg camber
7. wider exhaust w/ hi flow cat and larger downpipe (eg rre/road race engineering 2.5->3")
8. upper strut tower bars/braces
9. sunroof cars also benefit from a lower front strut bar/brace from road race engineering
10. fuel/timing tuning (via dsmlink)
11. urethane bushings and engine mounts (eg energy suspension)

Front alignment: -3 or more neg, 1/8" toe out
Rear toe: 0

 

[everbruin]

in SP, boost controllers ARE allowed these days. someone else had to remind me too =)

 

[talonTSIDriver]

in SP, boost controllers ARE allowed these days. someone else had to remind me too =)

Did that recently change?

Now I am kinda confused, so what mods truely throw a DSM in SM, a bigger turbo?

 

[Ludachris]

Last time I autox-ed I got tossed in SM for a boost controller and cams. That was 2 seasons ago.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Last time I autox-ed I got tossed in SM for a boost controller and cams. That was 2 seasons ago.

Cams yes, that puts you in SM.

I read through the rules and did not find anything stating that you are allowed to raise boost levels in STX or SP (Other than mods allowed that in turn raise boost, ex: exhaust system)

Some sanctions don’t follow SCCA rules 100%.

 

[everbruin]

boost change in SP was in 2006. rules under SP Engine:

"Boost regulation systems, either electronic or mechanical,
and electronic fuel cuts referencing boost pressure may be
altered or modified except as prohibited herein. Boost
pressure changes resulting from authorized changes are
permitted."

 

[talonTSIDriver]

except as prohibited herein

Mmm...

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Reading into it a little more:

No hardware changes or alterations to turbocharger(s) or
supercharger(s), in size or number, are permitted. Turbochargers
or superchargers may be updated/backdated
only in conjunction with the accompanying complete
engine unit.

So me for example, running a T28, would be put in SM.

and correct me if I am wrong, but if I had a 14b, that is fine as it came off a previous year DSM that is in the same class.

As for altering boost, i think i understand now. altering boost is allows as long as its not altered by changing/altering the wastegate or (on superchaged cars) changing the pully.

again, please someone correct me if I am off.

 

[everbruin]

something like that; i'd ask the sp guys at dsm-autox : Mailing List for discussing DSM autocross and roadracing .

 

[talonTSIDriver]

MBC are allowed in SP, However the turbo and wastegate must remain un-modified.

 

[Pro3racer]

Damn, i need to go back to a 14b! I could be in SP then, haha.

 

[mavisky]

This is one of the best starters guides for those showing up to their first event.

http://scca-milwaukee.org/Solo/carmodandclassification.pdf

 

[Zero Bar]

A couple things I noticed:

The non-turbo cars are classed in "FSP" not "DSP", the rest are "ESP" as far as I know.

Boost is allowed in "SP" if it's done so electronically, this was the clarification from my local SCCA tech guru, again I'll have to find out for sure as the rule seemed vague to me.

In "ST" and up I believe the balance shaft removal is now allowed, I will find out for sure. Also "ST" you must now have a working cat(maybe even a stock one) and "cel" lights automatically bump you out if you have one or you defeat one. The emissions compliance rule is easy to get around though if you are challenged: Simply claim that you are emissions compliant in some other state(example: New Mexico, I live in Ohio) and they have to prove that otherwise they can't win the challenge!!

Stock, ST, and SP are covered above so I'll add these:
N/T 1G: E Prepared - Gutted cars with only weight restriction and wheel width restriction and few limits.
FWD/AWD Turbo 1G: F Prepared or X Prepared - ^ Same as above almost.
All fall into E Modified(I believe) - As long as it's "safe" it's pretty much legal!!

I can't speak for the 2g's.

 

[talonTSIDriver]

Boost is allowed in "SP" if it's done so electronically, this was the clarification from my local SCCA tech guru, again I'll have to find out for sure as the rule seemed vague to me.

Boost can be modifed in any way in SP, BUT any modification to the turbo (wastegate included) will bump you to SM.

 

[ACM]

Boost control is completely free in SP, as are the wastegate actuators - the wastegate itslef connot be modified.

14b can only be used on a 2G if the entire motor is swapped for a 1G - engine mount rules do allow this. Same in reverse for a 1G.

Typical camber kits are not allowed for 2Gs - yet. 1Gs can use adjustable strut plates in the front, but only offset bushings in the rear. 2Gs are limited to offset bushings at all four corners. 2009 may allow upper or lower arms (not both) to be replaced i nSP, for parity with ST*.

Cams must be stock, but adjustable cam gears are allowed.

Fuel/spark/ecu is free, no (non-OEM) traction control allowed.

Shocks/springs are free, along with their mounts/bushings.

Strut bars can only tie laterally, and cannot triagulate to the firewall unless OEM.

 

[TechBenchTony]

A couple things I noticed:

The non-turbo cars are classed in "FSP" not "DSP", the rest are "ESP" as far as I know.

Boost is allowed in "SP" if it's done so electronically, this was the clarification from my local SCCA tech guru, again I'll have to find out for sure as the rule seemed vague to me.

In "ST" and up I believe the balance shaft removal is now allowed, I will find out for sure. Also "ST" you must now have a working cat(maybe even a stock one) and "cel" lights automatically bump you out if you have one or you defeat one. The emissions compliance rule is easy to get around though if you are challenged: Simply claim that you are emissions compliant in some other state(example: New Mexico, I live in Ohio) and they have to prove that otherwise they can't win the challenge!!

Stock, ST, and SP are covered above so I'll add these:
N/T 1G: E Prepared - Gutted cars with only weight restriction and wheel width restriction and few limits.
FWD/AWD Turbo 1G: F Prepared or X Prepared - ^ Same as above almost.
All fall into E Modified(I believe) - As long as it's "safe" it's pretty much legal!!

I can't speak for the 2g's.

Same is true for 2g's

14b can only be used on a 2G if the entire motor is swapped for a 1G - engine mount rules do allow this. Same in reverse for a 1G.

This would qualify as an engine swap AND a turbo mod. This would almost certainly place you in Mod. Even taking a car with a 420a and swapping in a 4G63 would make the car Mod cuase the car did no come originally assembled with the 4G. I had a discussion with our classing guy one day about this, back when I had my Jetta with a 1.8T, the motor was giving me trouble, and was unsure if it was blown,and was contimplating swapping in a VR6 and wonder what that would to do my class, becuase my year of Jetta had a 1.8T(1.8 Liter Turbo), VR6(2.8 Liter N/A), 2.0(2.0 Liter N/A), and TDI(1.9 Liter Turbo Disael) options.

 

[ACM]

No, the turbo is considered an engine component - like a cam, rod, or piston. 1G and 2G AWDs are on the same classification line for SP, therefore any assemblies can be interchanged. FWD DSMs are in a different class, therfore by definition parts are not interchangeable. The 1G-2G engine swap is legal because the engine mount restrictions have been eased (and about to be removed completely)

Your Jetta swap is a different matter, as it depends whether those versions of the car are on the same line or not. That's why WRXs cannot use STi parts in SP, because even though the cars are extremely closely related, they were not on the same line, even when they were both in ESP. Now of course the STi is in Bsp so that's moot. But just because you share the same basic car, that doesn't mean parts are interchangeable, only cars on the same classification line can exchange parts in SP.

The SCCA rules are available online for download :
SCCA - Sports Car Club of America

Same is true for 2g's

This would qualify as an engine swap AND a turbo mod. This would almost certainly place you in Mod. Even taking a car with a 420a and swapping in a 4G63 would make the car Mod cuase the car did no come originally assembled with the 4G. I had a discussion with our classing guy one day about this, back when I had my Jetta with a 1.8T, the motor was giving me trouble, and was unsure if it was blown,and was contimplating swapping in a VR6 and wonder what that would to do my class, becuase my year of Jetta had a 1.8T(1.8 Liter Turbo), VR6(2.8 Liter N/A), 2.0(2.0 Liter N/A), and TDI(1.9 Liter Turbo Disael) options.

 

[kwheeler]

This would qualify as an engine swap AND a turbo mod. This would almost certainly place you in Mod. Even taking a car with a 420a and swapping in a 4G63 would make the car Mod cuase the car did no come originally assembled with the 4G. I had a discussion with our classing guy one day about this, back when I had my Jetta with a 1.8T, the motor was giving me trouble, and was unsure if it was blown,and was contimplating swapping in a VR6 and wonder what that would to do my class, becuase my year of Jetta had a 1.8T(1.8 Liter Turbo), VR6(2.8 Liter N/A), 2.0(2.0 Liter N/A), and TDI(1.9 Liter Turbo Disael) options.

When you say "place you in Mod" are you refering to SM (Street Mod) or Modified?
An engine swap does not automatically place you in the Modified class. If the engine block is produced by the same company as the car or an affiliated company then you end up in SM. If the engine block is from a different manufacturer then you end up in the Modified class.

Example: I swapped an LT1 (Chevy V8) into my Datsun 240Z. This placed me in Modified. If I had swapped an Infiniti Q45 V8 into the Z car instead I'd be in SM as Infiniti is a sub-division of Nissan.

Swapping a 420A into a 1G DSM would place you in SM not Modified, Mitsubishi and Chrysler are affiliated and the 420A is a production motor in a 2G Eclipse.

So a 6 bolt swap into a 2G places you in SM just the same as swapping the T25 for a 14B or T28.

kwheeler

 

[ACM]

You are correct on the 420a, but not on the 6-bolt into a 2G, least not as a blanket statement.

DSM Turbos, 89-99 are all on the same line in SP, therefore anything can be swapped between the various vehicles, provided none of the other rules are contravened in the process.

A 1G motor - 6 or 7 bolt - is perfectly legal in a 2G as of the new engine mount rule introduced in 2005/6, provided that the 14b comes with it. And vice versa, should you want a T25 in your 1G. Were you to swap the turbo alone, that would indeed move you to SM, due to a rule clarification passed back in 2001 or so, which reclassified the turbo from a distinct, independent assembly, to being an integral engine component.


Charles

When you say "place you in Mod" are you refering to SM (Street Mod) or Modified?
An engine swap does not automatically place you in the Modified class. If the engine block is produced by the same company as the car or an affiliated company then you end up in SM. If the engine block is from a different manufacturer then you end up in the Modified class.

Example: I swapped an LT1 (Chevy V8) into my Datsun 240Z. This placed me in Modified. If I had swapped an Infiniti Q45 V8 into the Z car instead I'd be in SM as Infiniti is a sub-division of Nissan.

Swapping a 420A into a 1G DSM would place you in SM not Modified, Mitsubishi and Chrysler are affiliated and the 420A is a production motor in a 2G Eclipse.

So a 6 bolt swap into a 2G places you in SM just the same as swapping the T25 for a 14B or T28.

kwheeler

 

[kwheeler]

DSM Turbos, 89-99 are all on the same line in SP, therefore anything can be swapped between the various vehicles, provided none of the other rules are contravened in the process.
Charles

Charles,
Thanks for clarification on this, I honestly didn't look at the rules before posting.
This is one of those topics where it gets confusing due to all of the possible permutations.

I also was a bit uncertain of what you were refering to with the term "mod", thats why I posted about the difference between SM and Modified. I unfortunately learned about it the hard way when I showed up with my 240Z and was running against custom built race cars.

It pays to read and understand the rules before starting to mod your car if you plan to be competitive. Hopefully this thread will prove to be a valuable resource for those of us auto-xing and road racing our DSMs.

kwheeler