More Class/Prep Points Questions.

[sjd]

I've looked throught the draft of the new classifications. I have a stock suspension 2002 Mazda Protege5, so if I read this right I would run in Stock Class H under Mazda Protege NOC.
Under allowable modifications I see that my Hawk brake pads are allowed as is my Mazdaspeed exhaust. If I read it right it looks like I have 2 prep points to play with

I have 3 questions,

"Removal of or use of any alternate air filter element is permitted. No other part of the air cleaner may be modified to allow for this. The filter element must fit within the confines of the air cleaner assembly and not raise the top cover so as to provide additional air intake capacity."

I have an AEM Intake which according to the above is not allowed, it also makes no mention of this anywhere. Will this alone move me up a class?

"The make of shock absorber may be substituted providing that the number,
type (e.g., tube, lever, etc.), system of attachment and attachment points are not altered. Substituted shock absorbers may provide no more than two external damping adjustments."

I'm looking at a set of adjustable Tokico Illuminas. But they are 5-way adjustable. Once again will this move me up a class?

My final question is in regards to brake rotors. I still have my stock rotors but will have to replace them soon. Are slotted/drilled rotors allowed?

Thanks.

[AlienDNA]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sjd
I have an AEM Intake which according to the above is not allowed, it also makes no mention of this anywhere. Will this alone move me up a class?

Yes.

I'm looking at a set of adjustable Tokico Illuminas. But they are 5-way adjustable. Once again will this move me up a class?

No, unless they're height adjustable coil-overs.

My final question is in regards to brake rotors. I still have my stock rotors but will have to replace them soon. Are slotted/drilled rotors allowed?

Not in Stock. They are allowed in SS.

[Logan]

go Protegés!

Come on over to toprotege.com if you haven't already...

The intake is only allowed in SS or higher, so by default you will be placed in FSS (I think it's F, I could be wrong here).
The illuminas are allowed in stock, so they wont move you.

My "suggestion" is to remove the AEM, buy the illuminas, and some wheels (one prep point) and tires (R compound's would be another prep point if you want R's). I don't think fancy rotors would be of any help to you, so I would put OE spec ones on.
This is probably the best way to be competitive in HStock. You'll rip it up.

[StewPiddass]

Is this Steven? hey man, nice to see you on the solo boards... My car is in FSS (so far) so if you keep the intake you'll be with me (I should be in SP soon though) Doug is right, all you need to do is remove the intake and you're good for H Stock even if you add the shocks. Now if you want to stay in FSS you have tons of room for mods.

[Logan]

Originally posted by StewPiddass
shocks
Too much Honda on the brain there Toddy!
"struts"

[StewPiddass]

yeah yeah... lol

[sjd]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. Hi Tod, It's me. I'm running every TLMC event this year and am joining TLMC before May 2nd. I looking to try a regional event or 2 this year if possible and want to mod my car with that as a future goal. I know that I want to stay in H stock. I'll stay with the OEM Mazda rotors they work well and do last a while, my originals have 75,000km on them. I can swap intakes before a race day. Logan, I'm already on the toprotege board as sjdmp5. :)
I am on a budget so I have to choose between the Illuminas and a set of lightweight rims. I can't afford R compounds just yet. Since the stock P5 rims weigh about 16 pounds, I would need a lightweight rim. 10 pounds or so to really make a difference. I think the Illuminas are the best place to spend my money.
As for tires, I choose the Yokohama ES100's. Not ideal, but I have to think about wear on the street as well.
What's everyone's opinion on using a point on a stiffer/bigger rear sway bar to increase oversteer which should combat some of the P5's understeer?

[roooo]

But they are 5-way adjustable


No they're not .. they are 1-way adjustable .. they just have 5 levels ;)

I would say .. ditch the intake and get a bigger rear swaybar instead. That should count as 1 point and you can stay in stock class.



Are slotted/drilled rotors allowed?

Not in Stock. They are allowed in SS.


They're not? I thought even SCCA allowed any rotors as long as it was OEM size.

[StewPiddass]

Yeah definetely choose the STRUTS over wheels, our stock Mazda wheels are fairly light.

If you're prepared so swap intakes before regional events then I'd say to do that, and definetely get the swaybar.

[Logan]

My opinion is different!
Wheels and sticky tires over struts!!!!
You can't go fast if you don't have grip.
Buy some 15's, some Azenis, and a larger rear bar, and you are set for stock. Then buy the struts when the budget allows.
The stock wheels may be light, but they are narrow.

[sjd]

Lots to think about. In regards to a sway bar, I'll be keeping my stock front bar so I know that the AWR 19mm bar is better suited to my application. My question is do I need the fully adjustable 19mm AWR rear bar or can I get away with the 2 position adjustible?

[tanney]

Wheels and sticky tires over struts!!!!

Lose the intake, put the stock intake back in with a K&N filter, do stock rims, r compound tires, adjustable shocks and a rear sway bar. For a total of 2 points and remain stock (one point for r's and one point for the rear sway bar).

[Greg F]

Originally posted by tanney
Lose the intake, put the stock intake back in with a K&N filter, do stock rims, r compound tires, adjustable shocks and a rear sway bar. For a total of 2 points and remain stock (one point for r's and one point for the rear sway bar).

So 5-way adjustable shocks are legal in stock? Final answer? Hmm, I gotta see those new rules before I finalise my strategy.

[tanney]

Rule book quote on adjustable shocks in stock classes.....

i) The make of shock absorber may be substituted providing that the number, type (e.g., tube, lever, etc.), system of attachment and attachment points are not altered. Substituted shock absorbers may provide no more than two external damping adjustments

[rpr]

They aren't '5 way' adjustable, they are 1 way adjustable with 5 different levels of adjustment to that one particular variable. The most I have ever seen on a shock is 4 way adjustable: high and low speed compression, and high and low speed rebound. I can't think of anything else to adjust, unless it was to add a 'medium' to those. Not to say that they don't exist, I've just never seen them.,

[Greg F]

OK, I like that interpretation better than mine!

[Marsh]

Oh BTW, shocks or struts like the Koni Yellows with adjustable perch heights are illegal.

[Doug P]

What is wrong with the Koni SA shocks if you put the springs on the stock perch position?

[Marsh]

It must be welded in that position.

[Doug P]

Why welded if it is the stock position? Its not like you can move them during a run.

Doug

[tanney]

Why welded if it is the stock position? Because you can adjust them between runs....

[miataboi]

FYI... some Koni shocks are .5 - .75" shorter than the OE version!!!!

:eek:

[tanney]

The rule book covers that as well.....

[Doug P]

Strange rule I think. This is really only protecting against guys that intend on cheating. You can also change shocks between runs. I have seen guys swapping swaybars and other parts.

Restrictions to allowed parts should only be to even out performance, not to protect against cheating.

Doug

[tanney]

No it allows you to use any type of shock and still allow them in stock classes, since shocks are a freebie.

People who intend on cheating are going to cheat, regardless.

[Doug P]

Originally posted by tanney
People who intend on cheating are going to cheat, regardless.

That the point I was trying to make.

I am confused now Wes (not unusual).

It seems like your last message is saying they are allowed.

[miataboi]

Originally posted by tanney
The rule book covers that as well.....

I'm aware...

It's just that an uber-competitive US National competitor looked at the rules... determined how much he could shorten the shocks... bought some Koni yellow's and shortened them...

He won... hands down.... but lost because the Koni replacement was shorter then the OE version and as a result.... DQ'd.

An honest, innocent mistake... but he didn't do his homework.
He won't make that mistake twice!
:D

[tanney]

The following is the section on shocks in the stock classes.....;

D. Shock Absorbers
i) The make of shock absorber may be substituted providing that the number, type (e.g., tube, lever, etc.), system of attachment and attachment points are not altered. Substituted shock absorbers may provide no more than two external damping adjustments.
ii) The mounting hardware shall be the original type. To facilitate the installation of commonly available aftermarket shock absorbers, struts, or strut inserts whose shaft is larger than the center hole of an upper mount assembly, that hole may be enlarged by the minimum amount necessary to accommodate the shock shaft size, provided the following restrictions are met:
a) The enlarged hole must remain concentric with that of the original configuration.
b) The enlargement of the hole does not require modification of a bearing (as opposed to a washer, plate, or sleeve).
c) Neither the hole enlargement nor the location of the shock shaft changes any alignment parameter.
d) Bump stops installed externally and concentric with the shaft of a shock absorber may be drilled out to fit larger-diameter shock shafts. Bump Stops with similar characteristics to those of the original may be substituted for the purpose of installing aftermarket shock absorbers.
e) The use of any shock absorber bushing material, including metal, is permitted. This does not permit the use of an offset shock absorber bushing.
f) The interchange of gas and hydraulic shock absorbers is permitted. Electronically controlled shocks may not be used on vehicles not originally equipped with such units. Vehicles originally equipped with electronically controlled shocks may use non-electronically controlled alternatives.
g) Shock absorbers with adjustable spring perches which have been welded in the stock position on the shock absorber are permitted.
h) The dimensional characteristics of the shock and relative placement of the spring must remain as stock. If the spring perch on an aftermarket shock/strut is a small amount (e.g. 1/4") lower than the standard part, but the shock/strut otherwise complies with the requirements of this Section, a shim may be added to the spring perch to raise the spring base to the correct height. This shim must be permanently attached to the perch.