I hate being in the EP class. i am at a .870 factor, I just can’t stand it and can’t justify spending thousands more on very expensive modification to try to bump me up an events index, so I decided I am putting back some things closer to stock so my car to be bumped into SMF which has a more appealing .852 factor. I am trying to follow all the rules 2012 solo rules to the t because I don’t want anyone to protests on me or anything especially when I start doing some national events. With that being said I am very long winded so I will ask only one question at a time and I will start with my cage/interior.

Right now my car is gutted with an 8 point main cage with two little bars coming down the main hoop to the middle exhaust hump. side bars that are close to the door panels. I do have a dash and a driver’s seat. So we go to the rules in street prepared for use in SMF which is located at 16.1.b on page 107 and according to the cage rules specifically 15.5.j.2.e on page 95-96 in street prepared.

" Installation of roll cages in Street Prepared cars must follow the same standards for interior modifications to accommodate the cage installation as those which are applicable to Showroom Stock or Touring cars in Club Racing."

So then we jump to the GCR rules gcr rules link stay with me now we go to solo rule book pages-115 9.4.d , and GCR rule book page 602-9.1.7.d.1, and page 626-9.1.7.e.34

GCR CAGE rules page-115 9.4.d

"Two side tubes connecting the front and main hoops across both door openings are mandatory. Tubes that are welded to any part of the same mounting plate are considered to be connected to one another (see 9.4.E.3 below). NASCAR-style side protection or one bar bisecting another to form an “X” is permitted. Door side tubes may extend into the front door. In Improved Touring, Showroom Stock, Spec Miata, and Touring the door window glass, window operating mechanism, inner door trim panel, armrest, map pockets, wiring harnesses for door locks, windows, power mirrors, seat wiring, etc., and inside door latch/lock operating mechanism may be removed and the inner door structural panel may be modified, but not removed only if the door bars extend into the door cavity. The stock outside door latch/lock operating mechanism shall not be removed or modified unless specifically authorized in the category rules. All categories except Production and GT shall not remove or modify stock side impact beams unless specifically authorized."

GCR SHOWROOM STOCK RULES page 602-9.1.7.d.1

"Roll cages shall be contained entirely within the driver/passenger compartment. Carpet/padding may be cut for roll cage installation. Front and rear braces may pass through interior trim panels. The front or side hoops may extend through the dash pad. This includes the forward part of the door if it is an extension of the dash pad."

GCR SHOWROOM STOCK RULES page 626-9.1.7.e.34

"34. Interiors may be removed including seats, seat brackets, carpet, carpet padding, OEM seat belts, interior trim, and headliners. Original radio/stereo audio equipment and air conditioner refrigerant systems may be removed. Heater cores, hoses, and all duct work must remain except duct work under seats."

Now the way I look at it is I don’t need to install anymore interior pieces as I am abiding by the rules therein. What are your guys thought and concerns granted this is just the tip of the iceberg when converting my car over too smf?

 

I hate the fact I have to put my heater crap back in my SMF car im building.

Also from what I understand with the interior is you have to have rear plastics.
No carpet rear seats and apparently headliner.

 

yep me too, sounds like we are going threw the same thing. i have to put my heater core back in and the control head as well. i heard back from the scca rep about the interior and i do have to have to put back my rear panels, front windows and regulators, front passenger seat and harness, and all the trim that doesnt interfere with the cage in order to qualify for smf.

my next question is what about my full race traction bars these are the pro ones with the engine brace. are these legal in a unrestricted suspension type class. here is my worries; i have hasport mounts and it says i cant use a torque rod with them. i am also worried about the bar stretching across the front rails, as well as the bar that goes to the lower control arms.


rule on page 110

E. Suspension components are unrestricted as long as they use the
original attachment points. For the purposes of this rule, “suspension”
is defined as any item that is designed to move when a wheel
is deflected vertically. This includes shocks and struts, control arms,
steering knuckles, uprights, etc., but not tie rods, steering racks, and
subframes. In addition, shock absorber/strut upper mounts are to be
considered suspension components


and this on page 103

J. Engine mounts may be replaced, but must attach in the factory
location(s) without additional modification or changes. Engine position
may not be changed. Hydraulic shock type rear engine locators,
or bobble struts, may be replaced by manufacturer’s performance
part or aftermarket replacement part. This part must retain factory
dimensions and attachment points, including factory design. (Example:
If factory locator/bobble strut is gas or hydraulic piston type,
replacement part must be gas or hydraulic piston type.) If one or
more non-OE engine mounts are used, 15.10.K does not apply and
a torque suppression device may not be used.

K. One bolt-on torque suppression device may be used. A torque suppression
device attaches from the engine to the body, frame, or subframe in one location, and controls engine movement.

 

The way I read it, and I autocross an SMF EF, is that original attachment points can be used or ignored, you just can't drill new holes and use those. Case in point is the ASR rear sway bar. lots of people run those in SMF, and they ignore the fact that the brace replaces the mount point for the sway bar on the EF completly. It attaches to the lower control arm as stock, so it is legal.. I actually run mine without the trunk bracing so as to better conform to the rules, but a few people i know are running around with ASR braces that have the holes drilled through the trunk.

So the traction bar, i am not sure what makes it a pro bar vs the normal Full Race bar, but that would be legal, as it uses all the oem attachment points. The ?engine brace? (never heard of this) that attaches to the traction bar (are we talking this bar has a front trans mount?) seems to me to be legal as it counts for the "One bolt-on torque suppression device may be used".