Cluster? Again?

#1

I took a new car to the track and someone did not like the fact I took the cluster out (because it was bad) and replaced it with a aluminum piece with gauges in it. It sure cleaned things up, and the gauges are easier to read. Patton told me that no one would protest that, but I do not like to have cars that are not completely to the rules. Would we consider the wording that 944 Spec uses??

16.2.2 Dashboards may be modified or replaced with panels that will conceal the instrument
cluster and remaining dashboard wiring. Dash areas must maintain a clean and neat appearance.
Additional gauges may be added. Stock gauges may be removed or replaced.
16.2.3 Turn signal and wiper stalks may be removed.
16.2.4 Steering wheels may be replaced. Quick disconnects and steering wheel spacers are
allowed.
16.2.5 The air conditioning system may be removed. The heater core and blower fan assembly
may be modified or removed.
16.2.6 All interior trim including radio, speaker, headliner, stock seat belts, sunvisors center
console, carpet, soundproofing and coatings may be removed.
16.2.7 Unused wiring, brackets, nuts bolts and studs may be removed.
16.2.8 Ducting may be added to provide fresh air to the driver/passenger compartment, providing
that no modifications of the body structure are made to accommodate this addition.
16.2.9 Spare tire and emergency jack may be removed.
16.2.10 Doors may be gutted on driver and passengers sides. This includes removal of the
window glass, glass operating mechanism and door structure. It is recommended that factory side
impact bars be retained in the doors. Both doors must be capable of opening and closing and the
stock latch must remain intact. Interior door handles may be replaced or relocated. Door
windows must be open during operation.

It sure simplifies things and can clean up an interior, plus there is less plastic to burn in a fire (Ex. Z06 in Atlanta). No performance advantage, and can be cheaper than trying to fix 20+ old stuff.

#2

greydog wrote:

[quote]
16.2.3 Turn signal and wiper stalks may be removed.[/quote]

Amen to that!

#3

Joel, be careful with those “Patton sez” it’ll get you to the back of the pack real fast.

I’ve learned the hard way that this board is for the amusement and entertainment of the racers. Any serious rules discussion should be directed to those that make those decisions.

So, type it up,send it in…I’m just not certain of the correct process.

Series Directors, can you tell us what the correct process is?

Regards, Robert Patton

PS, we didn’t get a chance to talk, how was the Road Atlanta race for you customer?

#4

I’m with Robert, we are not exactly a democracy. The setup sounds cool - do you have pix?

#5

It was John’s first SpecE30 race and first NASA event. He had a blast. The guy he was racing with came by afterwards to chat and swap stories, showing how friendly people are in NASA. John is a accomplished SCCA racer in the Spe Racer Ford class, but thoughly enjoyed himself in Spece30. We are planning on Lowes. I will find out how to submitt things to SpecE30 board.

#6

just musing here …
I am in one of if not the largest 944 Spec regions. They used to require the dash be in place and some competitors pushed the rules so they relaxed them… Since SpecE30 still has a number of people who want to drive to the track (think developing regions, you east coasters), this creates a distinctly non-streetable mod. However, I can see pros and cons.
bruce

#7

Bruce, what is the correct procedure for Joel to have the dashboard dilemma reviewed and resolved?

Regards, Robert Patton

#8

good question. I’d be in favor of removing the cluster too.

#9

write an email to either Carter Hunt or the local regional series director (see SpecE30 Contacts link on left), stating the specific rules change request, and how the change would benefit the series overall.
thanks,
bruce

Patton wrote:

[quote]Bruce, what is the correct procedure for Joel to have the dashboard dilemma reviewed and resolved?

Regards, Robert Patton[/quote]

#10

zip tie the broken cluster to the roll cage somewhere and then do what you want. B)

#11

Thanks, Bruce. As the series continues to grow youse guys may want to consider a link-to or a procedure that tells the racer what can be expected from his/her governing body.

Or, do I need to read the Spec e30 rule book closer? Seriously,is a procedeure in place?

Good luck.

Regards, Robert Patton

#12

87isMan wrote:

No doubt Joel could do it that way, but provisions to keep such nonsense from happening need to be in place.

Or, maybe they are? “If the rules don’t say that you can, then you can’t…” or something to that effect.

Just don’t do it 'cause Robert or Greg sez…

Regards, RP

#13

we did talk a while ago about needing a rules change request and annual rules change procedure
bruce

Patton wrote:

[quote]Thanks, Bruce. As the series continues to grow youse guys may want to consider a link-to or a procedure that tells the racer what can be expected from his/her governing body.

Or, do I need to read the Spec e30 rule book closer? Seriously,is a procedeure in place?

Good luck.

Regards, Robert Patton[/quote]

#14

leggwork wrote:

[quote]we did talk a while ago about needing a rules change request and annual rules change procedure
bruce

Patton wrote:

[quote]Thanks, Bruce. As the series continues to grow youse guys may want to consider a link-to or a procedure that tells the racer what can be expected from his/her governing body.

Or, do I need to read the Spec e30 rule book closer? Seriously,is a procedeure in place?

Good luck.

Regards, Robert Patton[/quote][/quote]

Bruce, thanks. Sooner the better for a formal procedeure.

RP