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Rules in S classes

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:31 pm
by Chief Geek
Hello. I'll be joining the ranks of NEHA drivers this year and, in planning my toy car, I have a few theoretical questions about the limits of S class rules. I'm not planning on exploring every possible technicality, I just don't want to accidentally force myself into P classes.

Clearly a dashboard and heater are required in S classes, but I can't find any reference to original equipment (OE) being required. Can I assume that it is legal to heavily modify the OE parts or make DIY versions? I'm not worried about the "excessive lightening" penalty, just being kicked into P.

I know there are cars in S classes that have OE ECUs with non-factory firmware and others with "black-box" add-ons to the OE ECU. Would a totally new ECU (like Walter's project) push a car out of S?

In S classes, does it matter how the horn or turn indicators/hazard lights are triggered? Is the rule simply that they exist and that the driver can operate them while belted?

Headlights, brake lights, and turn/hazard indicators are clearly required in S classes. Can they be in non-stock locations with non-stock bulbs/LEDS and non-stock reflectors? Is the only requirement that they exist and could plausibly pass state inspection?

I'd heard people talking about the general requirement that S class cars must have a passenger seat, but I can't find it in the text. Independent of the "excessive lightening" penalty, is a 2nd seat required in S classes?

Because of the "tread may not be seen from above" line, it looks as if there is more tire/wheel latitude in the U classes than the P classes. Is this true?

Thanks.

Paul

Re: Rules in S classes

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:41 am
by sachilles
Passenger seat is not required, but invokes excessive lightening if absent. My opinion is that the excessive lightening penalty is worth taking, weight is the killer, especially with newer cars. Remove as much weight as you can.

How you trigger lights, wipers and so forth is up to you, it does not need to be oem.

The ecu is open, and you could have a car without an ecu still conceivably be in SP. In U there are some ecu restrictions.

Make sure you have door coverings of some type. I seem to see Walter and Don, having that discussion with someone new to the hills every event. Resulting in the new comers scrounging up cardboard to duct tape to the their bare doors in a mad dash to pass tech. I'm guilty of having to have done that myself.
This category is based on stock production vehicles that are easily
recognized as such, and must have operational lights, horn, glass, wipers,
mirrors, door handles, bumpers, heater and dashboard. The following items
may be removed: emissions equipment, sound deadening, sound system,
head liner, floor covering, trunk area covering, rear seating (provided that
proper separation remains or is installed between driver and fuel area).
Removal in excess of the above invokes the excessive lightening penalty.
That being said, don't get too bogged down in how you class. Just get yourself on the hill(as safely as possible).

Re: Rules in S classes

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 12:47 pm
by Chief Geek
Thanks Seth

No doubt, I'll be on the hill with a car that is very similar to the way I buy it. I'm mostly asking about stuff in case I get a spare weekend and start "de-massing" the car, so I don't pull the wrong thing out. Both my Dad and I have an affinity for Miatas so de-massing is easier and cheaper than en-powering. Even if I wind up with a big Miata engine (1.8L), I don't have to worry about the excessive lightening penalty pushing me too high in the class structure.

I've ridden several fam-runs brushing against cardboard interior door finishes. I don't see it in the rules, but I totally understand the advantage in avoiding raw-edged-sheetmetal cuts on everyones arms.

Another safey item I've heard talked about, but didn't notice a writen rule for is metal-only fuel lines passing through the interior. I understand the intent, but my question is about the location of the Miata fuel tank (underneith the parcel-shelf with rubber hoses visible). Without carpets, there is a passage that muddies the water between what is "inside" vs "outside". Can I assume a DIY sheetmetal panel or two will get me past Don & Walter?

The questions about the ECU were driven by my electronic hobby. The Mazda induction systems aren't special and, on 1.8L cars, the factory injectors are just about big enough to allow a massive 100 rear-wheel-hp.

Having been inspired by Walter C's winter project, a gen1 Miata must have 50 lbs of "excess" wire. Hmmm... I'll bet one 12ga 12V bus wire and a 22 ga twisted pair to carry a home-brew RS485 car-area-network signal could operate everything, including instruments.

The rest of my "big plan" is to start with modest tires, maintain and align the suspension, but not upgrade it, and just learn how to drive. I'll be sharing the car with my Dad, Rich, so we'll need it to be reliable to maximize seat time and fun. The only real goal I have for the year is for the two of us to set times in every run-group every day.

Thanks again.

Paul

Re: Rules in S classes

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 1:03 pm
by sachilles
I'm sure Walter or John will chime in about the fuel line.

I think Dave Estey is selling his miata at a pretty reasonable price, worth checking with him too.
I think the ecu is fine, its more an issue in the unprepared category. Tuning is open in SP from what I understand.

Can't wait to see you guys on the hill(in a car this time).

Re: Rules in S classes

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:37 pm
by Rabbit Farmer
My suggestion at this point is to not do anything until after the 2013 season rules meeting... you never know what might come out of that.