Going to an even this weekend and having read through the classes, I think my 2011 would fit in STU, tires are 10mm too wide for STX. Only question is if my panhard bar that uses rod ends would push me to Street Modified. For ST, it says that you cannot replace bushings with solid metal bushings...do rod ends count? And later on it says that a bushing that accomodates movement on more than one axis cannot be replaced with rod end spherical bushings...but the panhard bar only works on one axis.

So should I register as STU or SM? Doesn't really matter to me, I'm not trying to be competitive but I just want to make sure I register in the right class. Thanks.

Here's the paragraph on suspension for ST.

Suspension bushings may be replaced with bushings of any materials
(except metal) as long as they fit in the original location. Offset
bushings may be used. In a replacement bushing the amount
of metal relative to the amount of nonmetallic material may not be
increased. This does not authorize a change in type of bushing (for
example ball and socket replacing a cylindrical bushing), or use of
a bushing with an angled hole whose direction differs from that of
the original bushing. If the Stock bushing accommodated multi-axis
motion via compliance of the component material(s), the replacement
bushing may not be changed to accommodate such motion
via a change in bushing type, for example to a spherical bearing or
similar component involving internal moving parts. Pins or keys may
be used to prevent the rotation of alternate bushings, but may serve
no other purpose than that of retaining the bushing in the desired
position.

 

I would take that rule to exclude you from STU. Are the 3.73 gears stock? If you've got all your mods listed I believe you can run ESP (assuming the gears are stock).

 

The gears are stock, but the Street Prepared class rules have that same paragraph about suspension. SM it is I guess?

 

Hmmm, you're right. What's got me confused is this section:

"I. Solid axle suspension allowances:
1. Addition or replacement of suspension stabilizers (linkage connecting the axle housing or De Dion to the chassis, which controls
lateral suspension location) is permitted.
2. Traction bars or torque arms may be added or replaced.
3. A panhard rod may be added or replaced.
4. The upper arm(s) may be removed, replaced, or modified, and the
upper pickup points on the rear axle housing may be relocated.
5. The lower arms may not be altered, except as permitted under
15.8.C, or relocated."

It doesn't seem to mention rule 15.8.C (bushing rule) in relation to the panhard rod. However, the general rule with SCCA rules is "If it doesn't say you can do it, then you can't do it." To make this even more confusing, I believe Sam Strano runs the Fays2 watts link on his car and that definitely has rod ends. Maybe he'll chime in on this one.

I don't think it will be an issue with a regional event, but if rule 15.8.C applies to suspension links, it looks like SM. Sometimes though it seems as if they don't count the panhard rod as a suspension link.

Confused yet? I am.

 

Any PHB or Watts link is allowed. A rod-ended PHB is completely legal for STX/STU and ESP. The fact that those parts are specifically allowed and "free" trumps the generic bushing rule.

Have run in STU (and if you were on tires 265 or less you could run STX if you had 9" wheels).

 

Awesome, thanks!