New Rules are up

#1

Looks like the '09 rules are posted.

[quote]9.3.11.6
If a limited slip differential is fitted, it must breakaway at 65lb/ft. or less. The lockup will be checked at Impound and within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the race. It will be tested at the center hub nut, using a 30mm socket and commercially available ½” torque wrench. The car will be placed on solid pavement, the right side of the car will be jacked up until the right rear tire is free from the pavement, the transmission will be placed in neutral, and the parking brake, if present, will be released. The torque wrench will be placed at the nine o’clock position with the socket on the center nut. The torque wrench will be set at 65lb/ft. and pushed down. If the differential does not breakaway, a second and impartial similar style torque wrench shall be used in a second test, immediately following the first test. If the differential does not breakaway using the second torque wrench, the car will be disqualified from the preceding race and the DQ will be noted in the car’s logbook.[/quote]

Oh boy, I can just SEE my DQ coming here. This is a ridiculously un-scientific method. This is a LOT like the dyno-testing, except you’re just looking at the diffs. I don’t see how you can justify a DQ based upon this McGuyver-mechanic’s test.

My diff, coming off the track, with all the right conditions, can hold more than 65 ft-lbs. And it’s legal. And it cost me $80 to rebuild on my own.

I just don’t see how you account for diff temp (this is HUGE), angle the car is jacked, whether the sway bar is attached (you’ll have to go higher without it). Also, these cars came with protective plates for the axle-nuts which aren’t easily re-used. Will you replace those?

#2

65 cold,yes.
65 hot,ahhh…that is a new wrinkle and a good question.

I can’t recall doing a test on my diff when it was hot. Can lube oils effect the lock-up. Where is Dan at “Diffs-online” when you need him?

With differential lubes being “free” (9.3.11.5) this is a slippery (or not so slippery) slope.

But, I’ve no data to back this up. Just a go-kart type eposode at Mid Ohio one time where the rear end was locked-up after a race. Driving through the paddock, I hit a bump and went back normal operaton. We changed the diff oil and I am still running around with the same clutch pack/differential today.I wish I could remember the oil in the diff before the change…Some super special Red Lines “NS” stuff?

It currently has parts store variety Mobil 1 and it breaks away at 57. Time to test the ole car when it is hot.

Regards, Robert Patton

The balance looks really great. Thanks guys for your due consideration of the racers(octane 93,heater core,airbox,no fuel pressure regulator, any fuel tank,etc.)

#3

[quote]9.3.1.1.2. The stock unmodified intake airbox assembly shall be retained, and in it’s original
mounting. The stock airbox front rubber hose shall be removed.[/quote]

Argh, I just bought this piece to be legal next year!

#4

Not that it’s too big of a deal, but I just bought one too. What’s the point of not having it? It’s a very cheap/simple OE piece. Why not make it “may” be removed instead of “shall”?

#5

Patton wrote:

[quote]
The balance looks really great. Thanks guys for your due consideration of the racers(octane 93,heater core,airbox,no fuel pressure regulator, any fuel tank,etc.)[/quote]

+1.

I think the idea behind the airbox-parts deletion is to make it closer to “spec” -put everyone on the same playing field, cheaply and easily. I’ll have to swap out my sweet cone filter - but I still like that part of the new rule.

-Vic

#6

I see a minor problem, ethanol is considered a fuel additive. Try buying gasoline that isn’t ethanol enhanced these days.

Also, isn’t the driver side plastic headlight panel part of the stock airbox induction system? If so, wouldn’t removing that decrease performance?

#7

Gasman wrote:

That’s what I was referring to… the rubber piece at the front of the airbox attaches between the airbox and the plastic headlight backing. Seems like we’re dumbing down the system??? I can understand not adding performance, but why are we taking it away when it’s a stock piece?

OK, I feel like I’ve already spent more time that I should on this issue! For the record, I think everything looks good (lots of good clarifications).

#8

Bummer about the sway bar wording. I requested a clarification that one or both bars could be disconnected as a suspension tuning aid (e.g. rain race setup). Now it is crystal clear that we can disconnect the rear. Implying that you cannot disconnect the front. Understeer, anyone?:blink:

The diff rule is better than nothing (I think). Too bad we got no futher info on the hp/tq limits.:frowning:

Racer X questions:
Has anyone priced titanium rocker arms yet? :wink:

Are injectors part of the “fuel delivery system?” I guess with the stock FPR the gains there would be minimal.

Steve D.

#9

Hope this isn’t a stupid question, is it safe to assume this should go above our name in the lower left corner of the window? Or should it go along the base towards the middle of the windshield? It might be more clear to put this in the upper corner on passenger side, but I’m fine either way.

For sale: Brand new Ruff adjustable FPR still in box.

#10

Does anyone have trouble recognizing a BMW in their rear view mirror?

#11

I don’t mind stuff on the side windows, or even banners at the top of the windshield, but stuff at the bottom is an impediment to good vision. I’ve been sorely tempted to remove the windshield wipers because if not fully parked as low as they go they are in my line of sight (my seat is that low and I’m short). In my opinion this isn’t good idea at all. I may have to raise my seat to accommodate this requirement.

#12

Gasman wrote:

[quote]I see a minor problem, ethanol is considered a fuel additive. Try buying gasoline that isn’t ethanol enhanced these days.
[/quote]

I think that is covered under “Permitted fuel is unleaded pump gasoline”. The intent is pretty obvious no need to make it more complicated than it is.

Gasman wrote:[quote]
Also, isn’t the driver side plastic headlight panel part of the stock airbox induction system? If so, wouldn’t removing that decrease performance?[/quote]

Regarding the airbox, the intent is to make every car equal not have the greatest performance. Since some cars often have the panels missing and some are missing the donut and some can’t even keep the rubber hose in place. We decided to remove that stuff so that everyone was equal.

#13

think about SE30, GTS and PT running together in the growing regions. Other series have had success with this idea.
thanks,
bruce

Gasman wrote:

#14

I’ve never heard of someone wanting to disconnect the front sway bar. The rear bar is often disconnected in slippery conditions.

hp/tq is coming

changing fuel injectors without changing the ECU programming (which is not legal) wouldn’t get you anywhere
thanks,
bruce

Steve D wrote:

[quote]Bummer about the sway bar wording. I requested a clarification that one or both bars could be disconnected as a suspension tuning aid (e.g. rain race setup). Now it is crystal clear that we can disconnect the rear. Implying that you cannot disconnect the front. Understeer, anyone?:blink:

The diff rule is better than nothing (I think). Too bad we got no futher info on the hp/tq limits.:frowning:

Racer X questions:
Has anyone priced titanium rocker arms yet? :wink:

Are injectors part of the “fuel delivery system?” I guess with the stock FPR the gains there would be minimal.

Steve D.[/quote]

#15

suggest an edit
bruce

victorhall wrote:

[quote]Looks like the '09 rules are posted.

[quote]9.3.11.6
If a limited slip differential is fitted, it must breakaway at 65lb/ft. or less. The lockup will be checked at Impound and within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the race. It will be tested at the center hub nut, using a 30mm socket and commercially available ½” torque wrench. The car will be placed on solid pavement, the right side of the car will be jacked up until the right rear tire is free from the pavement, the transmission will be placed in neutral, and the parking brake, if present, will be released. The torque wrench will be placed at the nine o’clock position with the socket on the center nut. The torque wrench will be set at 65lb/ft. and pushed down. If the differential does not breakaway, a second and impartial similar style torque wrench shall be used in a second test, immediately following the first test. If the differential does not breakaway using the second torque wrench, the car will be disqualified from the preceding race and the DQ will be noted in the car’s logbook.[/quote]

Oh boy, I can just SEE my DQ coming here. This is a ridiculously un-scientific method. This is a LOT like the dyno-testing, except you’re just looking at the diffs. I don’t see how you can justify a DQ based upon this McGuyver-mechanic’s test.

My diff, coming off the track, with all the right conditions, can hold more than 65 ft-lbs. And it’s legal. And it cost me $80 to rebuild on my own.

I just don’t see how you account for diff temp (this is HUGE), angle the car is jacked, whether the sway bar is attached (you’ll have to go higher without it). Also, these cars came with protective plates for the axle-nuts which aren’t easily re-used. Will you replace those?[/quote]

#16

Bruce, We all know who our competitors are after seeing them at the track once a month. A GTS car is going to close the gap on a spec e30 pretty darn quick and seeing the backward initials on the front of the car isn’t going to change my mind about getting out of the way. The classification decals just seem a little silly to me.

#17

Elephant4 wrote:

[quote]Gasman wrote:

[quote]I see a minor problem, ethanol is considered a fuel additive. Try buying gasoline that isn’t ethanol enhanced these days.
[/quote]

I think that is covered under “Permitted fuel is unleaded pump gasoline”. The intent is pretty obvious no need to make it more complicated than it is.

Gasman wrote:
Also, isn’t the driver side plastic headlight panel part of the stock airbox induction system? If so, wouldn’t removing that decrease performance?[/quote]

Regarding the airbox, the intent is to make every car equal not have the greatest performance. Since some cars often have the panels missing and some are missing the donut and some can’t even keep the rubber hose in place. We decided to remove that stuff so that everyone was equal.[/quote]

The rules say additive isn’t allowed. If we are trying to create a clear rule set, why create a grey area at the same time?

#18

Gasman wrote:

Perhaps your job makes you more sensitized to this, but most people don’t consider something added at the refinery (or wherever it is mixed in) to be an additive.
thanks,
bruce

#19

[quote]leggwork wrote:
suggest an edit
bruce[/quote]

I suggest making it truly SPEC:

9.3.11.1. The final drive ratio for each eligible car is specified in Appendix A.

9.3.11.2. Factory limited slip differentials are permitted.

9.3.11.3. Red Line 75W90 (LIMITED SLIP) Differential Lube GL-5 must be used. Diffs should be filled to OEM spec.

9.3.11.4. Diffs may be rebuilt using only OEM parts, and to OEM specs. Clutch packs (p/n xxx, available from Bimmerworld etc…) may be used.
These are equivalent replacement OEM parts.

Strike all of this:
9.3.11.3. Welding to create a “locked” differential is permitted.
Why even allow it? Racer X will show up with 2 diffs
9.3.11.4. Finned, larger capacity differential covers may be used.
Just costs money.
9.3.11.5. Differential lubricant may be substituted.
Opens the doors…trust me.
9.3.11.6 If a limited slip differential is fitted, it must breakaway at 65lb/ft. or less. The lockup will be checked at Impound and within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the race. It will be tested at the center hub nut, using a 30mm socket and commercially available ½” torque wrench. The car will be placed on solid pavement, the right side of the car will be jacked up until the right rear tire is free from the pavement, the transmission will be placed in neutral, and the parking brake, if present, will be released. The torque wrench will be placed at the nine o’clock position with the socket on the center nut. The torque wrench will be set at 65lb/ft. and pushed down. If the differential does not breakaway, a second and impartial similar style torque wrench shall be used in a second test, immediately following the first test. If the differential does not breakaway using the second torque wrench, the car will be disqualified from the preceding race and the DQ will be noted in the car’s logbook.
Patton and I can legally beat your numbers. easily. Forget the hokey testing unless you can be scientific and realistic about it. I tested Diffs at CMP as the acting director in Carter’s absence a couple years back and it was a joke.
9.3.11.7 One hose may be attached to the factory differential vent pipe/fitting and must be connected to a catch tank.
Why even allow it? Has this been a problem? Why open the door to a creative diff cooler?

#20

pretty clean suggestions vic. Standardizing the fluid would help. Seems we need some kind of a test for tech.

My diff leaks from the vent, so I’m good with the catch can. With only one hose I can’t return cool fluid but maybe just add the “cannot serve any other purpose” clause.