I sent this email to Doug, who is the Solo tech chair on the SCCA board:

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

There seems to be some confusion on several websites I visit regarding the legality of replacing the OEM steering rack with a different rack in SM. Some say that it is legal to swap out steering racks for a closer-ratio rack, and some say it is not. So, I am emailing you for an official ruling (I hope you're the right person to ask…if not, please pass this along to the appropriate person).

My question is 2-part. I own and race a '98 Honda Civic CX with an Acura Integra GSR engine in SM. My OEM steering rack is a full 4 turns from lock to lock, so I would love to replace it with a closer-ratio rack.

May I:

- swap the steering rack out in place of an OEM Honda Civic Si steering rack (3 turns lock to lock)
- modify my OEM steering rack by taking it apart and replacing the gear set

Please let me know if either of these (or both) are allowed in SM.

Thanks in advance!

Ben Zimmerman </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll let you know what I hear back.

 

sweeet! i got a quick reply!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hi, Ben,

This is new for 2004 -

16.1.F.1 (page 123) - Steering components, including the steering rack and/or box, tie rods, idler arms, power assist devices, and related components, may be replaced, added, or removed. The steering column is specifically excluded from this allowance.

You can replace the rack with any other rack, including one from an Si or one of your own creation (like modifying your original rack). The answers to your questions are:
- Yes.
- Yes.

They are both allowed in my opinion.

Hope this helps.
- Doug

Doug Gill
SCCA Solo Technical Manager
1-800-770-2055
785-232-7215 fax
dgill@scca.com
solotech@scca.com
</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

thought that went into effect in '05. rodney?

nate

 

Damn. Doug Gill used to be our Solo Chair here in Memphis for a while, until he went to work in Topeka. Cool seeing him up to stuff.

Sorry Off Topic.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by solo-x &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">thought that went into effect in '05. rodney?

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

Its in this year's book (2004). --Andy

 

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

Its in this year's book (2004). --Andy</TD></TR></TABLE>

correct. they made a mistake in the fastrack you are referring to nate. i was supposed to be a rulechange, not a rule change proposal.

Rodney (who's rack is in the mail... )

 

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

correct. they made a mistake in the fastrack you are referring to nate. i was supposed to be a rulechange, not a rule change proposal.

Rodney (who's rack is in the mail... )</TD></TR></TABLE>

makes sense now.

nate

 

&gt;&gt;Rodney (who's rack is in the mail... )&lt;&lt;

If it's not top secret...

Can I ask what combo you decided on?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fsp31 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
If it's not top secret...

Can I ask what combo you decided on?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

sure, i'll tell you what i decided on. i am getting a faster rack....

 

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

sure, i'll tell you what i decided on. i am getting a faster rack.... </TD></TR></TABLE>

please, do tell!

i've been searching for a close-ratio rack for my EK For a couple of years...