NASA HPDE Tech Inspection or Similar

[ndsti]

Ok, guys here's whats up. I have been preping my car all winter so that I can do an HPDE event in the spring (May 31st Pocano).

I would like to know from the ones that have competed in an HPDE event or similar. How much do they tech your car? I have looked over the site and through there forums but i would like to hear what anyone else has to say? I have been trying to stop some of the leaks that have occured. I wanted to know how severe a leak has to be for one to fail tech?

The tech inspection isn't something that is discussed on the forums here much so any input would be great.

 

[Flash]

Ok, guys here's whats up. I have been preping my car all winter so that I can do an HPDE event in the spring (May 31st Pocano).

I would like to know from the ones that have competed in an HPDE event or similar. How much do they tech your car? I have looked over the site and through there forums but i would like to hear what anyone else has to say? I have been trying to stop some of the leaks that have occured. I wanted to know how severe a leak has to be for one to fail tech?

I wouldn't even take a car out on the track if it had a leak.

The tech inspection isn't something that is discussed on the forums here much so any input would be great.

I agree.

 

[snowborder714]

Here's the tech form for HPDE:
http://www.nasaproracing.com/images/rules-forms/form_hpde_tech.pdf

And here's the tech form for race cars:
http://www.nasaproracing.com/images/rules-forms/form_race_tech.pdf

There's a line for leaks of any kind. I would not recommend going to an even with any form of leak.

My guess is HPDE would be more strict than autox or drag. The drag strip I went to had a joke tech inspection. The autox was a bit more in depth, but still pretty generic.

 

[ndsti]

Thank you snowboarder but I have read through those already.

The leaks I'm seeing are oil seeping through gaskets, mainly the oil return, oil pan and valve cover gaskets. The leaks are not a constant drip just seepage, I have been trying to address these problems but it seems like a never ending battle. I already have spent countless hours and money to try and stop the leaks but it seams that the leaks are very persistent.

If you recommend me not going to the track with any kind of leak anywhere. Then I need to know how you have fixed your leaks so that I may address mine.

 

[snowborder714]

I would assume you have tried new gaskets on all of those places (and some form of gasket maker on the oil pan)?

 

[awdfun]

HDPE guys were just like SCCA autocross guys for me. I was suprized how fast I ran through tech. Of course it will vary based on the experience of the guy doing tech, and what mood he is in.

FYI, I had an oil drain line leak as well. It would leave a quarter sized spot on my garage floor after a week (though I still ran two track days). But that was enough for me to buy a new drain line and gaskets. Basically anything that leaves a drip on your garage floor should be fixed.

As for the valve cover seepage I usually rub a thin layer of silicone over the gasket before I install it. And make sure the gasket surfaces are very clean on the head and valve cover.
(As for troubleshooting - do you have high crank case pressure? PCV and valve cover breather still hooked up?)

 

[ndsti]

I would assume you have tried new gaskets on all of those places (and some form of gasket maker on the oil pan)?

Yes, this is what I did all winter.

As for the valve cover seepage I usually rub a thin layer of silicone over the gasket before I install it. And make sure the gasket surfaces are very clean on the head and valve cover.
(As for troubleshooting - do you have high crank case pressure? PCV and valve cover breather still hooked up?)

I don't know if I have a high crank pressure or not? Yes, both are hooked up and the PCV is less than a year old maybe has 5000 miles on it but my boost is set at 22psi, will that have any affect? I also can replace the PCV if needed. I have a few new ones laying around the garage, if you think that will help.

 

[tsiboosted]

Yeah, I have to agree with everyone that is saying do not go out on to the track with any form of leak. It may look like a small leak or even seepage right now. But when you are on the track, the engine is under some much more strain and pressure than anything on the street, it could turn into something much worse. For you and others on the track. Especially anything to do with oil getting dropped on track.

Try and get it sorted before you go. Good advice so far on it. Hopefully you get it fixed up and get on track. Good Luck