Car Classing Guide + Help Thread

[Miguel]

Awe there go my dreams of epic horse power gains

[Jim Eh.]

Goes right there along with Beau's mammoth +5HP Miata gains?

[Magner]

I would like to double check:

 

2003 BMW 320i (E46 non-m) it is  2200cc 6 cylinder (M54B22)

 

Current: 

Eibach sportlines

Koni sport adjustable

CAI

factory performance short throw

 

Tentative:

cat-back

underdrive pulleys 

sway bars

 

Then what would I be if I went with a Header**?

 

Does it change if I go header and no cat back?

All current modifications would put you in Street Touring (STX)

Any cat-back, sway bar or underdrive pulley is also legal in STX

 

A header is legal for STX however it must retain a cat converter within 6inches of the original unit. If the header does not conform to this the car would move up to Street Prepared (DSP).

 

Both are great classes for the BMW 3 series. Here's an example of what DSP is all about: http://www.solomatters.com/shop-manual-chapter-9-d-street-prepared

[Shawn]

Can someone just confirm a few things for me. I'll be running my 2012 Audi S4 which has the 3.0L supercharged engine. I know I am in BS and plan to be there for the remainder of the season. But I want to understand where I will progress.

 

I could move to STU but I would have to drop from the stock 255 to a 245 tire due to the AWD tire regulation.

 

From there I think I go to ESP based on the catch-all "Other sedans over 3.0L not otherwise classified." however it could be CSP because of the catch-all "Sedans over 1.7L & under 3.0L not otherwise classified." because my car is neither over or under 3.0L...it IS 3.0L! My assumption is ESP but is that correct?

 

After that it's SM.

 

And eventually, in a few years, once warranty has run out, I might do a pulley swap on the supercharge and get a Stage 2 tune which forces me into Prepared, correct? But where in Prepared.

 

 

I don't really worry about maximizing where my car is in a class and I don't let the class really dictate what I do to may car. For example I will probably end up in ESP next year simply because I want to do brake lines and keep my 255 tire or go up to a 265. Neither of those mods will make me faster that I will overcome the PAX hit, but I'm not too concerned...if I was I sure wouldn't be driving an VAG product at autocross. That said, once the TT is complete it should be pretty awesome.

[TRDTurko]

I'm pretty sure over 3.0L means 3.0 AND over so yeah ESP.

The engine mods would just put you in Street Modified as far as I can tell not Prepared. SM allows pretty much anything done to the engine as long as its from the same manufacturer as the chassis.

[Shawn]

I'm pretty sure over 3.0L means 3.0 AND over so yeah ESP.

The engine mods would just put you in Street Modified as far as I can tell not Prepared. SM allows pretty much anything done to the engine as long as its from the same manufacturer as the chassis.

Ah okay I reread the SM section and I was looking for specific text saying superchargers and/or the pulleys can be changed and it is not specifically mentioned but I missed this important line "Drivetrain and related components (induction, ignition, fuel systems, etc.) are unrestricted except for the following limitations:" which I suspect covers the pulley swap since they are not referenced as a limitation.

[Kyle.Eppler]

Some help classing one of out hondas would be great!

1991 honda civic si

Engine mods

B20b4 swap,OBD 1 DA intake, H series throttle body, OBD 2 saturated H series injectors, 7mm intake spacer, msd ignition, full HKS exhaust, tuned on OBD 0 chrome

Drivetrain/suspension/misc

B16 YS1 trans, 3.5lb flywheel with yonaka 6 puck clutch, short shift, full energy suspension bushings, skunk 2 lower tie bar, all upper strut bars and c-pillar, progressive front sway bar, rear SIR sway bar, blox lca's, tokico blue struts with tein springs, skunk 2 front and rear camber kit, rear SIR disk conversion, slotted and drilled rotors, stainless steel brake lines, momo wheel, sparco junior seat

Will be using hoosier 225/45/13's and possibly some 205/50/16's

[Mohamed]

You seem to fit right in SMF with the same manufacturer engine swap. If you had street tires, you'd be in SMF-S. Hoosiers put you in SMF. You can update your current registration on MSR accordingly.

[Magner]

Some help classing one of out hondas would be great!

1991 honda civic si

Engine mods

B20b4 swap,OBD 1 DA intake, H series throttle body, OBD 2 saturated H series injectors, 7mm intake spacer, msd ignition, full HKS exhaust, tuned on OBD 0 chrome

Drivetrain/suspension/misc

B16 YS1 trans, 3.5lb flywheel with yonaka 6 puck clutch, short shift, full energy suspension bushings, skunk 2 lower tie bar, all upper strut bars and c-pillar, progressive front sway bar, rear SIR sway bar, blox lca's, tokico blue struts with tein springs, skunk 2 front and rear camber kit, rear SIR disk conversion, slotted and drilled rotors, stainless steel brake lines, momo wheel, sparco junior seat

Will be using hoosier 225/45/13's and possibly some 205/50/16's

 

 

As Mohamed posted above, as long as your strut tower bar does not triangulate with the firewall and you have retained a full interior (doors panels, carpet, headliner etc..)you would be a perfect candidate for Street Modified FWD . If you decide to race on Hoosiers or any tire with a tread rating below 140 TW you would be classed as SMF in our mixed group. If are using Street Tires with tread wear ratings of 140 or better you would be in SMF-S in our Modified Street tire group.

[Jim Eh.]

Can we capture and print the online version?

[Beau]

You seem to fit right in SMF with the same manufacturer engine swap. If you had street tires, you'd be in SMF-S. Hoosiers put you in SMF. You can update your current registration on MSR accordingly.

 

As Mohamed posted above, as long as your strut tower bar does not triangulate with the firewall and you have retained a full interior (doors panels, carpet, headliner etc..)you would be a perfect candidate for Street Modified FWD . If you decide to race on Hoosiers or any tire with a tread rating below 140 TW you would be classed as SMF in our mixed group. If are using Street Tires with tread wear ratings of 140 or better you would be in SMF-S in our Modified Street tire group.

 

Just a quick note on tires, as it has been mentioned twice.

 

There's nothing stopping you from running Hoosiers. You would be classed in SMF, which is in the Mixed Division with other SM and SP cars that use R-comps. The Mixed Division also includes all the Street Touring cars.

 

Locally, we have a separate trophy division called "Modified Street Tire Division" where you can run against other SM and SP cars using only street tires. All classes are appended with a "-S" in this division, so in your case if you had street tires you want to register in SMF-S.

 

The main reason you might want to consider running in SMF-S with street tires, as the other guys have suggested, is due to the number of other competitors who also do this. It means there will be more direct competition for you and likely more fun as well. However, you're free to compete in either of these classes and divisions, it's totally up to you.

 

I hope that makes sense. Maybe just bring whatever you have to the first race, ask around and check out the other guys to see what they're doing, then you can change your mind and buy something if you want to do that. No need to buy new tires if you already have a good set.

[MarcGSR]

I have an Integra that would fall under DSP (stock motor, lsd, aftermarket shocks/springs, front+rear sways and control arms, no rear seats/interor trim).

 

Looking at the first post 'How Car Classes are Divided into Groups for the WSCC' I would be classed in your 'Modified' category, correct? Which allows tread rating of 140+.

 

What if I decide to throw on r-comps? I would then move into 'Mixed'?

 

Finally, what classes are trophies awarded for?
 

[TRDTurko]

you are correct about everything except that you are only allowed to removed the rear seat in SP. removing any other interior trim moves you into SM. (Also not sure about control arms in SP)

 

Trophies are awarded for each group. ie trophies for Street, Mixed, and Modified Street.

[Mohamed]

I don't think you can remove interior trim in any of the "Street" classes. Even Street Modified.

 

Edit:

 

15. Street Prepared

1. Allowed Modifications

F. The driver and front passenger seats may be replaced with the following restrictions: Seats must be securely mounted per Section 3.3.3.B.3. The seating surface must be fully upholstered. Any replacement seat must be a full back, bucket-type automobile seat incorporating a functional headrest. Kart seats, low-back dune buggy seats, and other similar types of seat are expressly prohibited. Cars may have no fewer than the standard number of seats. The seat tracks are considered part of the seat and may be substituted. Alternate seat tracks may serve no other purpose. The standard seat belts may be removed to facilitate the installation of alternate restraints complying with safety requirements. An alternate seat which replaces an airbag-equipped seat is not required to have an airbag.

 

 

16. Street Modified

1. Allowed Modifications

K. Rear passenger seat(s), including restraints and associated hardware may be removed

 

So I guess seat removal is restricted to SM classes and interior panels can't be removed just for the sake of removing them. I think they can be modified or trimmed to accommodate certain modifications though.

[MarcGSR]

The car is 20 years old and I don't like squeaks, haha. There are no interior panels or trim behind the front seats including no headliner or carpet. Otherwise, front seats forward is full interior trim.

 

In this case, if I fall into Street Modified, in terms of WSCC classes, I'm still in 'Modified' if I run street tires or 'Mixed' if I run on r-comps, correct?

 

---------------------

 

 

Trophies are awarded for each group. ie trophies for Street, Mixed, and Modified Street.

 

I noticed on your results page, in addition to the 3 categories you just mentioned, there is a Novice list. Is this simply the 'NYC (Not Yet Classed)' metioned in the first post of this thread or something entirely different? Are trophies awarded for this class as well?

[TRDTurko]

NYC is for cars that have not been classed and just want to run without a PAX adjustment on raw time. There is a Rookie of the year trophy however, which is why there is a Rookie list but they must compete in one of the three trophy classes.

 

I must have gotten the back seat removal rule confused between the two classes. I wonder where I got the idea that you could remove interior in SM. must have been from reading the prepped and modified rules lol.

[MarcGSR]

Thanks for the clarification, guys

 

I'd like to get down to peg city again this summer. I came last summer but didn't time it right with one of your events. At the end of the season, trophies are given to the top 3 drivers in Street, Mixed, Modified, correct? What about overall points, is there a season champion trophy?

[TRDTurko]

no overall champ trophy. That would just go to Jeff every year anyway

 

also number of trophies per class depends on class size. More than three trophies can be awarded if a large number of racers qualify for the championship (ie compete in enough events, usually one more than half of the season)

[Beau]

Slight correction. NYC isn't really a Division - there aren't any points or trophies in NYC. It's more of a catch-all so that if you aren't sure which class you belong in, you can go into NYC and just race for fun. It's there for ease of registration in case you don't know where you belong.

 

Also note that there is a slight change to the rookie of the year (ROTY). It used to be just one trophy for one person to win, but now we've expanded it to be a whole Division called Novice Division. Same qualifications apply - you must have run less than half a season (8 events) prior to the start of this year. The advantage of this is that there might be enough entrants to have multiple trophies in Novice Division and there should be a points race all season long instead of just calculating the ROTY at the end of the year.

 

Check the Supp Regs for more detailed info.

[Mohamed]

Slight correction. NYC isn't really a Division - there aren't any points or trophies in NYC. It's more of a catch-all so that if you aren't sure which class you belong in, you can go into NYC and just race for fun. It's there for ease of registration in case you don't know where you belong.

 

Check the Supp Regs for more detailed info.

 

I currently don't have the option for selecting NYC on MSR. If you don't want to go through the trouble of classing your car, you can select A Mod as your class.

[MarcGSR]

Thanks for all your help guys, I have a pretty good understanding of how you run your classes. One thing I'd like confirmation on is your Street Tire Index.

 

Since I fall into the SCCA class of SMF (which allows r-comps) but I am running street tires, I would be placed in the WSCC Street Modified division and my PAX time would be multiplied by 0.985, correct?

[Beau]

Thanks for all your help guys, I have a pretty good understanding of how you run your classes. One thing I'd like confirmation on is your Street Tire Index.

 

Since I fall into the SCCA class of SMF (which allows r-comps) but I am running street tires, I would be placed in the WSCC Street Modified division and my PAX time would be multiplied by 0.985, correct?

 

You got it.

 

We have created a Modified Street Tire Division that contains all the SP, SM, Prep, and Mod classes, but only using street tires. We've created a separate set of classes that take the "street tire index" into account, all falling within this Division. In this case, instead of registering for SMF (which uses 0.853) you should register for SMF-S (which uses 0.840). This also tells us that you are in the Modified Street Tire Division, so you go up against onther guys in similar classes, also on street tires.

 

If you were to register in the "true" SMF, that means you'd be up against other cars on R-comps in the Mixed Division.

 

Because the 0.985 gets applied to all Modified Street Tire Division classes (all ending in "-S"), there's no real advantage to anyone in this Division. They all get the same modifier. The difference comes into play when comparing across Divisions, e.g. comparing an SMF-S car to a BS car, for example. This only happens for novices, as novices are spread throughout the various classes and we are forced to use pax times to compare them to each other. The only other thing that the 0.985 is useful for is for overall pax times, which is only used for bench racing so it doesn't really matter anyway.

[MarcGSR]

Thanks for the great explanation, Beau.

Where did you find the SMF-S PAX factor 0.840? I looked in the Supplemental Regulations and saw only the standard PAX factors.

How did the WSCC determine 0.985 for a 'street tire index'? There must be a reason for that specific number.

[Beau]

The pax factor for SMF-S is simply the pax factor for SMF multiplied by the local Street Tire Index. That is, 0.853*0.985 = 0.840.

 

We came up with 0.985 a few years ago based on the St. Andrew's surface. At the time, the SCCA was using a Road Tire Index of 0.975 I think. This was before Stock became Street (Stock Classes still allowed R-comps), but there was a movement toward street tires, and the SCCA tried to find a compensation factor for the difference between street tires and R-compound tires. Most of their data is based on grippier surfaces than what we have, so we adjusted the 0.975 to be 0.985 based on a couple of factors. Mainly, our surface doesn't have as much ultimate grip and therefore there isn't as large of a gap from street tires to R-comps. We considered the opinions of some of our long-standing local members and also looked at results of similar cars and how their run times were affected by different tire compounds. In the end, we settled on 0.985. It may not be perfect, but then again neither is any pax factor.

 

Since we group cars together based on the Divisions, the Street Tire Index is never a determining factor in any of the 3 main Division championships. In Street Division and Mixed Division, the Street Tire Index doesn't come into play at all. In Modified Division, it is applied to all classes, so it cancels out. It only comes into play in the ROTY trophy (in the past), which is now the Novice Division.

[Magner]

Thanks for the great explanation, Beau.

Where did you find the SMF-S PAX factor 0.840? I looked in the Supplemental Regulations and saw only the standard PAX factors.

How did the WSCC determine 0.985 for a 'street tire index'? There must be a reason for that specific number.

 

Rick Ruth, the man behind SCCA pax factors created the original 0.975 Street tire PAX adjustment for the 2013 season when RTR was introduced nationally in the SCCA. This factor was based on his extensive data. IIRC some clubs expressed issue with the 0.975 factor as it applies well to high concrete lots (Ex. Lincoln Nationals site) whereas asphalt or any low grip surface lots required something different, 0985 was later proposed by Rick (however I can't find the discussion at the moment). These alternate street tire pax factors are supplemental club rules. Due to our low grip surface at St. Andrews we opted for the 0.985 factor a few years ago.

 

Please note your car would not be legal for DSP or SMF with your described interior, all interior carpets, headliners and interior panels must be present as per the SP ans SM rules. the stripped interior you descrip falls under E-Prepared.

[dano]

Here's a different JDM question:

 

What if someone had a mid-90's miata that had the same specs as the USDM miata? Would it automatically go to JDM land or would it be classed the same?

[MRS Joe]

Jdm land. Not the same part numbers make the car. Steering on the other side means not the same. Emission rules differ, bumper rules differ. They put them there because of that.

It sucks but it's the way it is.

#modlife

[dano]

I hope to help bump the thread with some new info:

 

I think the rule book link doesn't work. I think this is the newest one?

 

http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files/scca/downloads/000/003/742/2015-5-19_SCCA_Solo_Rules_book_online_reduced.pdf?1432652746

[Magner]

I hope to help bump the thread with some new info:

 

I think the rule book link doesn't work. I think this is the newest one?

 

http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files/scca/downloads/000/003/742/2015-5-19_SCCA_Solo_Rules_book_online_reduced.pdf?1432652746

Thank you for the bringing up this issue. I have updated the first post. The rulebook link you posted is correct for 2015.

[dano]

 

Verification of my reading:

 

JDM 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

 

Would be Street Modified?

 

According to the Classificaiton Worksheet:

- OK: Brembos. Currently on stock brakes, but intend to put on the brembos (assuming the new wheels will clear them).

- OK: Front subframe brace. Currently not on car, but intend to put on

- OK: Aftermarket exhaust. Currently on car. Passed MB safety.

- OK: Tires: Yokohama Advan Sport v103 215/45/17 (What's the tire rating? 180?)

- OK: Engine displacement: 1990 cc

 

I believe the rest of the car is stock, specifically sway bars, springs, struts, front strut tower brace, block, turbo, fuel system, intake, intercooler, ecu, etc.

 

Other things I intend to do at some point:

- Tune: Once I find a good solution, I want to tune for local conditions (air, fuel, not looking for more power)

Your car would be classed as Street Modified due to the vehicle being a JDM RHD model. All the modifications you listed are legal for use in Street Modified (SM)

.

Hope to you see you out in 2015!

 

So based on this I've just been putting my car in SM. Riley was saying I might / should be in SMS, and that might improve my pax as well?

 

Based on the info below, I don't think my tire wear rating is below 180:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=ADVAN+Sport