NEW RULES

#1

I notice that new rules are posted as of yesterday. Everything looks about the same except for the new exhaust system required for 2008. I am pretty sure my new system as of this season meet these rules with maybe a few exceptions. I don’t have “A” muffler but have two mufflers in the stock location (duel cherry bombs/glass packs). Also, I think my fabricator installed a short piece of pipe (maybe 12” to 18”) on the original down pipes and then increased the size. Not sure what he increased to but hope it meets the spec or it is another $250 for me. I guess we need to figure out if two mufflers are allowed. Then I need to measure my system ID. Then I need to cut out the reducer and move it back to where the down pipes are cut. Not sure why the location of the reducer matters much but I guess if someone had the time to dyno test it it’s location may affect torque somehow.

The devil is in the details.

Michael O.

#2

As I am in the middle of a build right now, I sure would like to have the exhaust rule nailed down before I remove the stock system. Do we have a time frame as to when this will be decided? Thanks, Wes

#3

if 2 glass packs are in violation with the new rules… then a lot of cars are going to be spending extra money this winter :angry:

#4

Attached is a comparison document like I did last year (the new rules have actually been up for a few days but were updated again yesterday). Not as many deletions this year but this does show how several sections were just moved around.

Also note the change of philosophy to continuous update when necessary vs. yearly update. The CCR also does this so you have to periodically refer to the latest version.

The dual muffler issue has been raised
cheers,
bruce [file name=SpecE30V51RegulationsComparedTo2006.pdf size=122987]http://spece30.com/media/kunena/attachments/legacy/files/SpecE30V51RegulationsComparedTo2006.pdf[/file]

#5

scottmc wrote:

Carter has already told us they are working with a vendor on a spec exhaust for 2008, so everyone is going to have to purchase that exhaust. It will probably be phased in I bet and required in 2009 or something like that but I’m just speculating.

#6

The new rule is out now Simon. Surly they are not going to say a muffler for '08 and then spec a specific one for '09. The rules say the new exhaust is for '08. If they are going to require a specific muffler then they should say it now. I plan to modify my exhaust as soon as possible to meet the rules as I have time.

If this is the rule I will comply and yes lots will be changing mufflers this winter to meet the rule if it is not changed.

#7

I was thinking they were going to have a spec exhaust in 2008 but only require it to be run by 2009 or something like that. So am I to assume the spec exhaust thing is out of the window? I have to think most cars have pipes bigger than 1.75" for a dual setup.

Here is the thread Carter replied to

http://spece30.com/component/option,com_mamboboard/Itemid,68/func,view/id,13877/catid,5/

[quote]We are working with a well known supplier and they were supposed to get back to me regarding some testing they have done. I have called a couple of times and can’t get the contact. I’ll keep working on it but to give you guys some kind of an idea, we should have the exhaust specs in the rules by the middle of the summer, to be required for next year. That’s the plan for now.

Carter [/quote]

#8

here’s another issue:

who still has these panels?

#9

scottmc wrote:

[quote]here’s another issue:

who still has these panels?[/quote]

I think its saying you can remove them except the 3rd brake light.

#10

My suggestion is that no one do anything to their exhaust yet. I have a hunch that the new rules that have been posted are subject to change.

Scott, I was wondering the same thing about the panels in the back seat and parcel shelf. I doubt anyone still has these in place. Maybe they are just concerned about the 3rd brake light being in place.

#11

yes, the updated rule is clarifying that you can remove the rear trim panels and parcel shelf, and in brackets, saying that the third brake light needs to stay.
bruce

#12

For the cars with the third brake light that is integrated into the parcel shelf, I assume this means we can fabricate a bracket to mount that light while removing the parcel shelf.

My car is at the shop for cage work now and I was going to have him make me a bracket for this purpose - think that is kosher?

#13

I don’t see any other alternative, so, yes.
bruce

DaveCN wrote:

[quote]For the cars with the third brake light that is integrated into the parcel shelf, I assume this means we can fabricate a bracket to mount that light while removing the parcel shelf.

My car is at the shop for cage work now and I was going to have him make me a bracket for this purpose - think that is kosher?[/quote]

#14

screwynewy wrote:

[quote]My suggestion is that no one do anything to their exhaust yet. I have a hunch that the new rules that have been posted are subject to change.

Scott, I was wondering the same thing about the panels in the back seat and parcel shelf. I doubt anyone still has these in place. Maybe they are just concerned about the 3rd brake light being in place.[/quote]

that’s what I thinking–based on past conversation on this board and at the track.

It would be nice if the rule clearly stated this. :whistle:

#15

I would have no problem with this having actual dates. This is a problem with other organizations; they will make changes and require them at the next event which may be a week away. I think a month for safety items or 6 weeks for technical items club racing is probably adequate. It will keep the racers happier in the long run as they may have to spend money to keep the car up to date, but they won’t have to spend a boat load to overnight parts or jerry rig a solution. NASA has been good about this, like with center nets. SCCA Pro Racing gives at least two weeks for us.

Exhausts:
It might be nice to somebody start a thread with exhaust to gather better data on what is out there. The SCCA GCR, NASA CCR have primers for exemplary roll cages, it might be nice to have a mini one for our exhausts. This would give guys something to take to the muffler shops and show what they need.

Can cars stock with twin pipes now Y into a single pipe? I’m assuming these are just a start to show the direction of thought?

#16

Exhasts…

I have not really kept up with this but for everyone’s to be the same they will have to be bent by the same guy on the same machine,meaning we will all have to spend the $ to be compliant…Carter and Mike have done a great job with the series and keeping cost down, where is this exhast issue coming from? If the dyno numbers remain as close as they seem to be why is a "spec" exhast something we need?

Al

#17

I’m not pleased to see that new exhaust rules going into effect. Since I just spent a couple hundred bucks for a new system a couple of months ago. I’ve got dual straight pipes and glass packs where the stock muffler was. I would be nice to have some explanation why this change was needed.

#18

bmwbadboy wrote:

You’re not alone. I’ve got the same setup—did it at the start of the season.

It seems to be the most common set up of the cars I’ve seen in the MA and SE.

#19

Well, fortunately I was very conservative when I got mine done, and it complies with the rules, single glass pack, single tube 2.5" in diameter from the cat, so I guess I’m good until the spec exhaust comes out.
A diagram should be fine, but it’s not that difficult to explain to an experienced welder.
For the dual exhaust guys, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make a "Y" and keep a single glass pack, correct? Unless your twin pipes are 2.5 each, then you need to drop one and make a "Y" connection someplace else (after cat, or after down pipe) and keep only one pipe to the end. IMHO, that shouldn’t be more than $100, but it sucks to re-do it.

#20

I just read through Bruce’s PDF comparison and it appears that a "twin pipe" system is permitted. Obviously the definition of a "system" needs to be clarified, i.e. does a system have one glass pack per pipe? All I did was gut the cat and sleeve a 2" glass pack over each pipe where the OEM muffler was located. Pipe diameters were preserved (they’re the stock pipes) as was the cross-over.

Sasha