I have stumbled into some roadblocks with my HC H1 Civic hatchback project. My sponsors/contacts have lost some interest so the cost, time, and trouble are escalating. So I would like some advice about what direction to take.

I am an experienced racer entering the WCHC from another series here on the West Coast. Because I feel I can be competitive in H1 (driver and car) I chose to build a car to challenge for the H1 championship in 2004. But like I said the original budget is quickly inflating. This is not bad. But with the uncertainty of the 2004 rules and the chance the costs will escalate even more, I have decided to look into other options.

My car is a 1992 Civic SI. I could easily just leave it as is and enter H4. It would be a good car with a competitive suspension package, but I do not think it will be competitive against the gaggle of CRXs which are only 1-3 seconds off H1 times. This would be the easiest solution, and a future engine swap could get me back to H1 if I so desired.

But I also thought about going H5. The car as it is not legal, but I believe the only difference between the SI and the other Civic models are the rear disc brakes and the engine. It would appear the modifications would be easy and inexpensive to do. The car would be an awesome H5 car (would be only car now) even when others join the class in the future.

Am I right about the differences in the SI and other hatchback models? If not what other differences are there that matter in terms of class specification? Any opinions?

 

Non Si/EX 92-95 Civics also have a smaller front rotor. Making the switch will require new knuckles (uprights) with the proper mounting holes for the VX/DX/etc caliper. You will also need a different proportioning valve when switching out the rear disc to drums.

Not sure if anything else is different.

If I were going to the trouble of swapping, I would move up, not down.

 

The fuel tank is also different between Si and Dx models. I believe the steering rack is as well.

 

I thought the discs might be smaller. Seems like a lot of work to make a step down. Do you know the alpahnumeric engine designation for the 1.5 DX engine?

I appreciate the input!
Rick

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The fuel tank is also different between Si and Dx models. I believe the steering rack is as well.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Even more work! I don't think anyone cares about the rules out here though..j/k I will only build a legal car. So looks like the best bet is to go H4 and give em hell.

 

h1 has the highest visibility just because of the overall performance. did you already acquired majority of the parts or were you hoping to construct the whole car based on sponsorship?

are there talks of major rule changes for HC?! for 2003 are the rules identicle between EC and WC? are we expecting some "competition adjustments" in H1 in year end?! no body has build a running nsx or s2k in h1 yet correct?

 

The car is already prepped to HC rules, which I prefer. And I like the Honda Challenge concept. H1 is still a possibility, but at this point in the build I still have some options:

1. Race H1 spend a lot more money than I originally budgeted and be competitive for overall wins and championship. (wife would not like)
2. Race H4 for alot less money, but be at a disadvantage due to weight and chassis limitations.
3. Race H5 for alot less than H1

1 and 3 require the same amount of work from this point on. Just a matter of money. 2 is easiest and cheapest but feel will be the least competitive solution.

I like the mixed fields of the ECHC. I think the west will work but there has to be more than H1 and a bunch of ITA CRXs for long term prosperity.

 

You edited your post after I already responded../

The majority of sponsorship was in the engine/tuning department. The rest of the car is done, or the parts are in my hands.

No NSX or S2k...don't know how that will work. There are some rules adjustments for 2004 in the body constructin area...allow c/f, lexan,fiberglass with an across the board minimum weight.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GhettoRacer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

are there talks of major rule changes for HC?! for 2003 are the rules identicle between EC and WC? are we expecting some "competition adjustments" in H1 in year end?!
</TD></TR></TABLE>

The talks are currently being held. The EC and WC officials are working on ALL the details. Give them some time to iron out the small bumps & (big bumps).

EC guys- Next time you see Karl.....Thank him.

 

i say keep the car in H4. i dont think with the extra min weight a well built EG Si shouldnt be competitive to a CRX. with the way things are currently and where it seems its headed in H1, its going to take a lot of money and attract some higher competition.

 

i say H4 as well. some people are trying to get the 92-95 vtec cars moved from the current SCCA classing of ITS to ITA, right with the CRX's (knestis, i beleive is one of the more highly active people in this regard, iirc). with some chassis development time and motor development time, i think the 92-95's will kick *** in H4 and ITA. tyler's car is in grassroots. pick up a copy and read. it seems like he's not having much trouble with the rex's.

nate

 

H4 it is!

 

engine in the DX = D15

you do know that H4 weight for the 92-95 Civic EX/Si has been lowered to 2305, right? this puts it in line with the SCCA ITS weight.

 

I knew there would be a change in the min. weight, but did not know what it would be until now. Thanks for the info.

 

The '96+ EX is in ITA with effectively the same driveline as the previous generation cars - but they are (still) stuck in ITS, pending resolution of the "performance compensation adjustment" issue by the SCCA comp board. I would bet against there being ANY chance of a reclassification consideration for the '92-95 models until 2005 and at that, who knows how things will fall?

Having said that, this situation doesn't make H4 a bad idea. Do make sure that you get registered at http://www.it2.evaluand.com to lend one more voice to the cause of these orphaned cars.

Kirk