In message <20000121193607.9469.qmail@web1102.mail.yahoo.com>, Scot Zediker wri
tes:
> > How about if the brace was installed but the
> > mounting bolts were removed from
> > the rear firewall that attach the back of the brace
> > for added stiffness? This
> > would make it essentially a regular brace with the
> > rear angled pieces not
> > functional during an autox and merely cosmetic. I
> > could then add the bolts
> > after the autox for the street and track events
> > where the extra stiffness
> > would be beneficial. Any thoughts, would this be
> > acceptable to the tech
> > inspectors.
>
> Now we're getting into a gray area! While this would
> be technically in compliance, I don't think it would
> fly past the tech inspector. If it were me, I'd just
> as soon not even worry about it and just get a tower
> brace that doesn't tie into the firewall.
Actually, thinking some more about it since my last post, I think if I
was judging the protest, I'd have to rule against the brace. Even if
you remove the bolts, it can still press against the firewall and
provide some bracing. If it was hanging a half an inch from the
firewall when unbolted it might go either way, but if it's touching
the firewall, it's providing bracing, even without the bolts.
I don't know why strut braces that tie in other than just top-top or
bottom-bottom of the suspension aren't alloed in SP, but those are
the rules.
But they're only an issue if you get protested, which isn't likely to
happen at a local event, unless you start showing up a lot and
placing well.
BTW, NASA's NorCal autocross group uses the SCCA classifications, with
the addition of Vintage Stock and Vintage Street Prepared for
cars more than 25 years old. Protests are even less likely at NASA
events.
Keith Hearn
'99 10AE "Sexy Sadie" the Sapphire Shark
Milpitas, CA
Team NASA NorCal AutoX Webmaster (http://www.geocities.com/nasa_autox)
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