Rules in S classes
Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:31 pm
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
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