Auto-X Rules: Read This First

[GochYou]

This is my first year running in auto x and like alot of first timers I am unsure of which class I qualify to be in. I have read the rules book a few times but that thing is more confusing than anything especially for a first timer. I think I might be in the Street Prepaired ESP class, but I am unsure.
If someone could take the time to read over my mod list and give me there input I would appreciate it.

Engine:
Hybrid engine build:
1. EJ25 Short Block
2. Cometic Headgaskets
3. All new Engine Gaskets
4. Resurfaced Heads "EJ20"
5. ARP Head Studs
MRT Tmic
Borla Header/ Heat wrapped
Slowboy TD05 18G Turbo
DW 750 cc injectors
Performance Kevlar Timing belt
K&N Typhoon CAI
Perrin Radiator shroud
Perrin turbo inlet hose
Perrin Lightweight Crank pulley
Custom 2.25" up-pipe
TBE Catless Stainless Steel, Silverline Exhaust
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
Prosport Oil press. /temp. adaptor
Amsoil fluids

Drivetrain:
STi Version 6 RA gears 1-5
Exedy Stage II clutch
Polyurethane shifter bushings

Engine Management:
Pro-Tune Speed Industry Troy, MI
Innovate LC-1 Wideband Controller

Suspension:
Cusco Rear Strut Brace
Cusco Front Strut Brace
Cusco Front Sway Bar 3-way adjustable 22mm
Perrin Front and Rear Endlinks
Tein Type Flex Coilovers

Wheels/Brakes:
Rota Torque G-force 18" X 8.5" w/carbon look center caps & Muteki lugs (summer)
Nitto Neo Gen Rubber 235-40-18 (summer)
Custom Drilled and Slotted Rotors
HP Ceramic Brake Pads

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[09rexwagon]

Originally Posted by GochYou

This is my first year running in auto x and like alot of first timers I am unsure of which class I qualify to be in. I have read the rules book a few times but that thing is more confusing than anything especially for a first timer. I think I might be in the Street Prepaired ESP class, but I am unsure.
If someone could take the time to read over my mod list and give me there input I would appreciate it.

Engine:
Hybrid engine build:
1. EJ25 Short Block
2. Cometic Headgaskets
3. All new Engine Gaskets
4. Resurfaced Heads “EJ20”
5. ARP Head Studs
MRT Tmic
Borla Header/ Heat wrapped
Slowboy TD05 18G Turbo
DW 750 cc injectors
Performance Kevlar Timing belt
K&N Typhoon CAI
Perrin Radiator shroud
Perrin turbo inlet hose
Perrin Lightweight Crank pulley
Custom 2.25” up-pipe
TBE Catless Stainless Steel, Silverline Exhaust
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
Prosport Oil press. /temp. adaptor
Amsoil fluids

Drivetrain:
STi Version 6 RA gears 1-5
Exedy Stage II clutch
Polyurethane shifter bushings

Engine Management:
Pro-Tune Speed Industry Troy, MI
Innovate LC-1 Wideband Controller

Suspension:
Cusco Rear Strut Brace
Cusco Front Strut Brace
Cusco Front Sway Bar 3-way adjustable 22mm
Perrin Front and Rear Endlinks
Tein Type Flex Coilovers

Wheels/Brakes:
Rota Torque G-force 18” X 8.5” w/carbon look center caps & Muteki lugs (summer)
Nitto Neo Gen Rubber 235-40-18 (summer)
Custom Drilled and Slotted Rotors
HP Ceramic Brake Pads

The head swap screams SM to me.....someone else chime in please, but I think that is right.

[BAN SUVS]

If you thought your engine was in any way SP legal, you didn't read the rules very closely. The turbo, the block, and the other things that fall between the intake and exhaust manifolds are all illegal. Everything else would be okay I think. You're in SM.

[waktasz]

The gears aren't ESP legal either.

[BAN SUVS]

Whoops, I looked right at that and didn't catch it.

[GochYou]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

If you thought your engine was in any way SP legal, you didn't read the rules very closely. The turbo, the block, and the other things that fall between the intake and exhaust manifolds are all illegal. Everything else would be okay I think. You're in SM.

So am I able to run in SM with the gearset or no? Thanks for the input by the way, like I said I read through the rule book but it was very daunting.

[BAN SUVS]

Yes, you can do a whole lot in SM. In fact, the only rule for the entire powertrain is that the engine block must be from the same company a the car, and same type i.e. rotary, piston IC, etc.

[GochYou]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Yes, you can do a whole lot in SM. In fact, the only rule for the entire powertrain is that the engine block must be from the same company a the car, and same type i.e. rotary, piston IC, etc.

oh great.... first time running and I will be up there with the big dogs huh?

[09rexwagon]

Originally Posted by GochYou

oh great.... first time running and I will be up there with the big dogs huh?

Nah, you are better off than a lot of 'unintended' SM cars I've seen at our events.

Example: 06 WRX with VF39 & TBE & tune....all suspension is stock. He runs TIR class and the PAX kills! him.

Example: EVO IX with 4 point chassis brace and a stage1 tune....all else stock. Even if he removed the brace, he'd still be BSP.

Does your club have a street tire category? Without rcomps, you have no chance in open SM, so that might be a good mediation, but PAX is going to be hard on you.

[GochYou]

Originally Posted by 09rexwagon

Nah, you are better off than a lot of 'unintended' SM cars I've seen at our events.

Example: 06 WRX with VF39 & TBE & tune....all suspension is stock. He runs TIR class and the PAX kills! him.

Example: EVO IX with 4 point chassis brace and a stage1 tune....all else stock. Even if he removed the brace, he'd still be BSP.

Does your club have a street tire category? Without rcomps, you have no chance in open SM, so that might be a good mediation, but PAX is going to be hard on you.

ok, good to know, yeah the detroit region does have a street tire category i am pretty sure. So I will look to run in that category. Thanks for the input though I appreciate it.

[Betty-ru]

BIG thanks to "TheWRX" for posting this thread!! I'm learning SO much! The racing bug has bite me hard, and I'm wanting to do everything that I can to do this right!

[btothefnrock]

can you add intercooler spayers in ESP on an 02 bugeye?

Right now I have a JDM scoop/splitter (illegal in ESP) but if I put the stock scoop/splitter back in and drilled holes, is that legal? (I dont think it is, but you can always just pop the hood and spay it by hand between runs....)

[sti.map.help]

Anyone thinking about running FP or XP? Thoughts?

[Chader]

Originally Posted by 09rexwagon

This is where things are vague and interesting:

12.4 STANDARD PART
An item of standard or optional equipment that could have been ordered
with the car, installed on the factory production line, and delivered
through a dealer in the United States. Port-installed options provided
by the factory are considered to be the same as those installed on the
factory production line. Dealer-installed options or deletions (except as
required by factory directives), no matter how common or what their
origin, are not included in this definition. This definition does not allow
the updating or backdating of parts.

This says that dealer installed options are no go. But what about dealer installed options that are 'port installed options'?

Also, based on the first two sentences...if you break a shifter or feel it is worn out out, then can you not replace a 'standard part' with a 'standard part' (which is obviously post sale)? It's a bit convoluted.

I was just wondering what the argument would be about someone who bought a car and installed an SPT SS themselves given it is available as a port installed option.

The port installed option clause for 2010 is interesting too because what truely is a port? The Impreza is made in Japan so it does come through a port. A Legacy is made in the US so there is no port? You can get a supercharger for a Scion TC but the TC is made in the US so there is no port (a 200 hp HS car would be interesting). Doesn't it screw domestics other than those made in Mexico/Canada (which is a lot of them )? Just food for thought.

I am wondering the same thing. I read the Fastrack that clarified the acceptance of the port installed short shifter, but I want to know if a dealer installed short shifter is also legal.

Based on the first two sentences in 12.4, the shifter is considered a "standard part" since it is an available port installed option that could have been ordered with the car.

It seems like a dealer installed shifter would also be acceptable since it "could have been ordered with the car".

I take the "dealer installed" to mean items that aren't available through the factory or port and are only installed at the dealer facilities.

I don't know how the same parts (a factory option) are considered legal in one case and not the other, all depending on where it is installed?

[tuskenraider]

If it is a factory/port installed option, it is legal to add it to the car if yours didn't come with it. Dealer installed options, not available factory or port installed are not legal. So say I wanted the GroupN engine and tranny mounts from the SPT catalog and I ordered the car with them, they'd be installed at the dealer and therefore, not legal.

[Web Foot STi]

Originally Posted by Chader

I am wondering the same thing. I read the Fastrack that clarified the acceptance of the port installed short shifter, but I want to know if a dealer installed short shifter is also legal.

Based on the first two sentences in 12.4, the shifter is considered a "standard part" since it is an available port installed option that could have been ordered with the car.

It seems like a dealer installed shifter would also be acceptable since it "could have been ordered with the car".

I take the "dealer installed" to mean items that aren't available through the factory or port and are only installed at the dealer facilities.

I don't know how the same parts (a factory option) are considered legal in one case and not the other, all depending on where it is installed?

Here is a bigger question. Now that some of our cars are older and perhaps on their second, or third owner how can anyone prove that a SPT short shifter for example was a port installed, dealer installed, or owner installed? The window sticker in most cases is long gone.

It is a bit of a conundrum for the scrutinizers.

This would not be cart blanch to install a Kart Boy, Perrin short shifter though.

[tuskenraider]

Originally Posted by Web Foot STi

Here is a bigger question. Now that some of our cars are older and perhaps on their second, or third owner how can anyone prove that a SPT short shifter for example was a port installed, dealer installed, or owner installed? The window sticker in most cases is long gone.

It is a bit of a conundrum for the scrutinizers.

This would not be cart blanch to install a Kart Boy, Perrin short shifter though.

You'd(a protester to disprove actually) just have to prove it's a factory or port installed option, it doesn't matter who installed it if it is/was. You could call Subaru and likely have a hard time finding the right person to answer your question or check a forum like this for posts back in the day verifying a part's legality.

[Web Foot STi]

Originally Posted by tuskenraider

You'd(a protester to disprove actually) just have to prove it's a factory or port installed option, it doesn't matter who installed it if it is/was. You could call Subaru and likely have a hard time finding the right person to answer your question or check a forum like this for posts back in the day verifying a part's legality.

Copied from the SCCA web site:

"APPENDIX F - CLARIFICATIONS

STOCK CATEGORY CLARIFICATIONS

SUBARU WRX OPTIONS
The following items are port-installed options on the Subaru WRX,
are listed when installed on the vehicle’s window sticker, and pending
evidence to the contrary are considered legal: carbon fi ber trim,
turbo boost gauge, titanium shift knob, short throw shifter, rear diff
protector, spoilers, arm rest extension."

[AlxSti]

good info here. thanks for the writeup!

[bcblues]

You cannot spray when running (or in grid, I believe) anyway, so you are actually better off just using a pump-up hand sprayer between runs. You can use it on your tires too.

Originally Posted by btothefnrock

can you add intercooler spayers in ESP on an 02 bugeye?

Right now I have a JDM scoop/splitter (illegal in ESP) but if I put the stock scoop/splitter back in and drilled holes, is that legal? (I dont think it is, but you can always just pop the hood and spay it by hand between runs....)

[theforumwars]

We are looking for a driver & car in Houston Texas to go head to head against an Evo 8, 9 or 10 from EvolutionM in The Forum Wars Season 2 1/4 Mile, Autocross and 0-100-0. A detailed post will be forthcoming.

[BAN SUVS]

Originally Posted by theforumwars

We are looking for a driver & car in Houston Texas to go head to head against an Evo 8, 9 or 10 from EvolutionM in The Forum Wars Season 2 1/4 Mile, Autocross and 0-100-0. A detailed post will be forthcoming.

You should put this in its own thread in this forum and maybe also in the blanket Motorsports forum. Unless of course there's already a Forum Wars thread around here somewhere...

[chitownwrx]

Originally Posted by speedyHAM

Correct. '02-'05 WRX is in STX, '06 and later are in STU due to the 2.5L.

I've petitioned SCCA about this, and they're discussing it. An 06-07 WRX has little chance against Evo's and STi's, even with a far better driver than myself. Power isn't everything, but turbo lag and terminal understeer make a huge difference. Unless someone has figured this out . . .

[UWMechEngr]

Originally Posted by chitownwrx

I've petitioned SCCA about this, and they're discussing it. An 06-07 WRX has little chance against Evo's and STi's, even with a far better driver than myself. Power isn't everything, but turbo lag and terminal understeer make a huge difference. Unless someone has figured this out . . .

I just wrote a letter to the SEB about this as well, since the first bits of the re-org got published. I widened it to include some other cars in STU that really don't belong (namely mazdaspeed3 and SRT-4 neither of which can really be competative at all in STU). I also expanded the WRX to 06-08. I left the 09+ alone because I'm not too sure how equal or better it would be than the 2.0L with ST level mods.

[09rexwagon]

I personally think that all 2.5l wrx should go to stx. All 2.5l wrx can get sti like power but on only 245mm street tires NO wrx has a chance against an STi or evo without real LSDs.