Auto-X rule summary thread coming soon, need some clarification from experts!

[TheWRX]

I'm almost done preparing a post that I hope will become the new sticky for Auto-X rule questions. It will contain a summary of the most important rules for classes up to SP, with a special emphasis on Subarus and their popular mods, and links to helpful web sites. I hope that the experts out there will look through it, and help with suggestions to make it better. Before I post it the first time, I hope to clarify a few things that I'm unsure about (and the search function here is currently down, so that doesn't help):[list=1][*]I can't find camber bolts mentioned anywhere in the rules. I assume they would be ok anywhere but in Stock, but which rule covers them? The section about suspension bushings?[*]Upgraded (silicone) intercooler hoses are SP, right? I don't see them mentioned explicitly, but since a different intercooler is allowed there, that probably includes changing the hoses?[*]Ground wire mod? A recent message from Howard Duncan that somebody quoted here suggests that it might be ok in STS under rule 17.9 (relocation of battery) or even in Stock under 13.2.a (convenience and comfort mods, like gauges and turbo timers). Can we count on that?[*]Is a shift knob a convenience mod under 13.2.a and allowed in Stock?[*]The STX rules seem to allow STi engine mounts. What about the STi transmission mounts?[*]Is it correct that debadging is only allowed in STS/STX, but not in SP? I can only find "removal of factory emblems" in STS, but not in SP.[*]Where would a larger hood scoop go? SM, because it's not mentioned anywhere in STS/STX/SP? Or could it be considered part of modifying the intercooler, which would be legal in SP?[/list=1]
Thanks for any help, and I'm looking forward to your feedback once I post the first version, which will happen very soon. I hope it will help to reduce some of the traffic about Auto-X rule questions.

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[WRXhauls]

http://www.sff.net/people/dburkhead/prepcompare.htm

[TheWRX]

That table looks like a great idea, but it doesn't really answer most of my questions. And it has some obvious mistakes, so I'd rather not use it as a reference.

Specific answers, anybody?

[adhowe70]

If it doesn't say you can.... you can't.

Specifically, as relating to the Stock rules:

Camber bolts are not allowed in stock, unless the manufacturer issues a TSB authorizing their use.

Shift nob is NOT a comfort and convenience item, IMO. You might ask for clarification from Howard Duncan, though.

Andrew Howe
Oregon Region SCCA - GS #70

[KC]

I can't find camber bolts mentioned anywhere in the rules. I assume they would be ok anywhere but in Stock, but which rule covers them? The section about suspension bushings?
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Here try this:
http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Rules/index.html

tock 13.8 last paragraph: If authorized by the manufacturer, the use of shims, special bolts, removal of material to enlarge mounting holes, and similar methods are allowed and the resulting alignment settings are permitted even if outside the normal specification or range of specifications recommended by the manufacturer. If enlarging mounting holes is specifically authorized but no material removal limits are specified, material removal is restricted to the amount necessary to achieve the maximum factory alignment specification.

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Upgraded (silicone) intercooler hoses are SP, right? I don't see them mentioned explicitly, but since a different intercooler is allowed there, that probably includes changing the hoses?
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Never assume. If it's not in the rules, it can be challenged. The best answer for this is: maybe.


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Ground wire mod? A recent message from Howard Duncan that somebody quoted here suggests that it might be ok in STS under rule 17.9 (relocation of battery) or even in Stock under 13.2.a (convenience and comfort mods, like gauges and turbo timers). Can we count on that?
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No again. Not in the rules, no go. There's talk of this ont eh STS list. UNTIL it's in Fastrac it's been said that it will be challeneged at national events.
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Is a shift knob a convenience mod under 13.2.a and allowed in Stock?
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Yes.
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The STX rules seem to allow STi engine mounts. What about the STi transmission mounts?
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Tranny mounts in the front can be replaced. The rear differential mount is NOT considered a tranny mount and cannot be replaced.
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Is it correct that debadging is only allowed in STS/STX, but not in SP? I can only find "removal of factory emblems" in STS, but not in SP.
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Not in the rules? See above. However this would be a 'weenie' protest... but still has validity.
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Where would a larger hood scoop go? SM, because it's not mentioned anywhere in STS/STX/SP? Or could it be considered part of modifying the intercooler, which would be legal in SP?
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SM is correct. Not 'Part' of the intercooler.

[TheWRX]

Thanks, KC. I did check the moutons.org web site, and mainly used the rule book plus the recent Fastrack issues. I'll be posting what I have in a day or two, I hope that you'll have a good look at it and tell me if it all makes sense. Even though the information is around from various sources, I tried to summarize the most important parts in a relatively simple to read format.

Maybe I'll just add a section for "uncertain mods", like the intercooler hoses and the ground wires.

(debadging in SP) Not in the rules? See above. However this would be a 'weenie' protest... but still has validity.

I can hardly believe that you couldn't debadge a car in SP, but the only rule I found that seems related is 14.2.B: "Removal of factory trim is only permitted if the resultant configuration is an allowed update or backdate."