The Neon battery is a whopper. 35lbs.

Stock rules make no mention of the battery (unless I'm missing it).
Does anybody know of any issues with running a smaller battery in stock? Does it need to be a direct replacement for OEM?
Anyone know of any protests?

 

Nevermind.
Found this under STS rules...

The make, model number, and size of the battery may be changed but not its voltage.

Since this isn't noted it the stock rules, I'm assuming the battery must be direct OEM replacement.

Yes, we have the Neon running again and are trying to decide whether to continue developing it to STS or go back to GS.

 

I would suspect it's the usual. If it doesn't say you can, you can't. OEM or OEM spec required.

 

How about IT?
The 12 lb battery out of the Miata is calling my name. The 28lb lead slug in the right front corner behind the headlight wants to go.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by madhatter &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How about IT?
The 12 lb battery out of the Miata is calling my name. The 28lb lead slug in the right front corner behind the headlight wants to go.</TD></TR></TABLE>

From the 2003 SCCA GCR - 17.1.4.D.1.e, Pg. ITCS-9

"Any battery of the same type, size and voltage as the original may be used, provided it is fitted in the standard location."

 

It looks grey to me. "Size and type" does not exclude variations in weight!

Rat - looking for a carbon fiber battery!

 

IT rules state that the battery must remain the same type and size.

STS rules state that size may be changed.

Sounds to me like you can use a lighter one in IT as long as it has the same external dimensions. So a tractor battery is out unless your car had a really small battery in the first place.
The Neon has a huge friggin chunk of a battery. It weighs about 35lbs while the OEM replacement battery for the Civic weighs in at 28lbs.
I found an Interstate lawn tractor battery at Home Depot with 340 CCA for $39. Weighs about 20lbs. I'm all over that if we decide to go STS. Current battery is quite dead.

 

For IT, "Type" has already been interpreted (locally at least) to mean the Group Size that was originally installed in the car. Do battery weight's very within a group size? Yes.

 

Do battery weight's very within a group size? Yes.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like a solid weight reduction opportunity to me.

Rat - anyone make a 350cca goose down battery?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm all over that if we decide to go STS.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

stay in STS, stock sucks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Track rat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do battery weight's very within a group size? Yes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds like a solid weight reduction opportunity to me.

Rat - anyone make a 350cca goose down battery?[/QUOTE]

Dunno about goose down, but I do know the 1st gen RX-7 batteries can vary by &gt;5lbs. And these are sold from the same dealer (different brands, both Mazda replacements, from the Mazda parts counter).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ryan12321 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

stay in STS, stock sucks
</TD></TR></TABLE>

We like STS, but its all a matter of $$$ and competitiveness.

If we go STS we need a rear sway bar, header, shock rebuild, better wheels (current are 15x6 and weigh 17lbs each), and coilovers/springs. All this to likely still get whipped by 88-91 Civics.

If we go GS all we need is to put the stock springs back on the car, rebuild the shocks and grab a set of Kumhos.

Again, its up to Renee and she hasn't made up her mind yet. We're in limbo right now .

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I found an Interstate lawn tractor battery at Home Depot with 340 CCA for $39. Weighs about 20lbs. I'm all over that if we decide to go STS. Current battery is quite dead.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Meijer sells tractor batteries that are 380 CCA's and are $24 (they were on sale for $19 when I bought mine). The interstates may be better, but for that price I couldn't argue.

STS = Civics

GS = Celica GT

Pick your poison. IMO STS would be more fun because you can play with the car and street tires last all year and no tire changing at the event site. Saved money can go into parts

 

Tires last OK on the Neon because its fairly balanced, rotates well, and you can actually get some front negative camber in stock form.

We both like STS, but to be nationally competitive there will take alot more cash than being nationally competitive in stock class. Remember, you can choose to run on junk 2nd hand tires locally and bolt on the good stuff for Nationals and Divisionals. Set-up wont change, just grip and times.

STS is great, especially in Atlanta where we see anywhere from 7 to 8 cars at every event that have a legit shot at winning. We just need to do alot to the car for it to have a chance at Topeka. About $2000 worth.
All we need for GS is a shock rebuild and some DOT tires.

Damned money. Always getting in the way.