----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Meyers <solo2@uswest.net>
> Hey - how about:
>
> * no spacers
> * factory stock shocks (no more trouble to check that what we have now
> for other things - like washers? :-)
> * factory stock sway bars
> * factory stock wheels - didn't come with aluminum? Tough! Part of the
equation!
> * factory exhaust
> * factory alignment
<snip>
> Sponsors and aftermarket influence!
>
> I forgot :-)
Probably less than you think, since most of those provisions in the rules
pre-date heavy sponsor participation. In many cases, requiring *factory*
replacement parts increases the cost of maintenance -- which I'd guess was
the rationale for not mandating them. For instance, the adjustable Konis I
have now are cheaper than a set of Honda non-adjustable shocks. Ditto a
replacement exhaust system, wheels (alloy or not) and spacers (to use
non-factory wheels).
The front sway bar rule, if I remember past threads accurately, was intended
to increase the safety on some cars especially prone to oversteer or body
roll. The rules allow a number of provisions for *anything* with a
swing-axle suspension -- this was probably one. It also benefited early FWD
cars, which were rather softly sprung and tended to lean alarmingly in tight
turns. Additional understeer was better than putting wheels on your roof.
Of course, like all the Stock and SP rules, since the rule applied to all
cars, some were able to make real improvements.
As far as alignment, the SIIR, Section 13.8 already specifies "...the front
and rear suspension may be adjusted through their designed range of
adjustment by use of factory adjustment arrangements or by taking advantage
of inherent manufacturing tolerances. However, no suspension part may be
modified for the purpose of adjustment unless such modification is
specifically authorized by the factory shop manual for non-competition
purposes." Unless you want to provide a 4-wheel alignment rack at major
events to check the actual alignments, you'll have trouble bettering that
first part. The second, I'd imagine, was to avoid making cars involved in
minor collisions illegal after they'd been repaired -- a good intention to
reduce costs, and rapidly picked up by some innovative folks who carefully
read their shop manuals and the rule book. That's tough to get around with
any rule -- build a better mousetrap, and a smarter mouse will steal cheese
from it!
Jamie
'92 Prelude Si
Speed Demon Racing
http://www.mindspring.com/~jsculerati/sdr
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