CARS Rule Change Feedback

Yup, time again for some feedback on proposed rule changes...

http://carsrally.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161%3Aannouncement-2014-03&catid=1%3Acars-news&Itemid=14&lang=en

Annoucement Nº 2014-03
Subject: February Rule change suggestions for comments 14.00 800x600
Issue Date: April 1, 2014

Hello,

Below is a summary of the February Technical rules committee conference call and some current rule proposals (in red) being considered. And we are seeking feedback from the rally community.

February 12, 2014 Technical Rules Committee conference call.

The following members attended the conference call.
Ivan Butikofer
Paul Westwick
Martin Headland
Warren Haywood
Jorge Dascollas
Darryl Malone
Antoine L’Estage and Frank Sprongl could not make the call.


1. Updating/back dating in Production2WD and Production4WD
Beginning in 2013 Production2WD and 4WD had the following rule:
12.8.1.2 Original equipment (OEM).
Production 2WD:
Use of original equipment parts or components from other model variants and/or model years is not permitted.
Production 4WD:
Original equipment parts or components from the same model and any year of manufacture are allowed.

It was brought to our attention that this rule allowed possibilities that are well beyond what production class should be.
After much discussion, it was decided that the updating/back dating of components should still be allowed within a model but that the components must be from the same model generation.
As well the committee felt that Prod2WD could benefit from the same flexibility as Prod4WD.

The following is the proposed wording for the rule book.

12. ELIGIBILITY OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
12.2.5 Generation
A generation is a model’s particular design offered during a specific year or number of consecutive years.
After producing an original model ( e.g. First Generation: 1993 – 2001 Subaru Impreza, 1976 – 1979 Mitsubishi Lancer, 1998 - 2005 Ford Focus, etc) manufacturers may develop significant changes or totally redesign the original model after producing it for a number of years, they classify this new/next design as the next generation of that model (e.g. 2nd. Generation: 2002 - 2007 Subaru Impreza, 1979 – 1987 Lancer, 2005 - 2011 Ford Focus, etc)

12.8.1.2 Original equipment (OEM).
Production 2WD and 4WD:
Original equipment parts or components from the same model and same generation are allowed.

2. Production class air filter housing and intake tube.
Initially the air filter and housing rule was changed to be free to accommodate different generations within model applications for updating and back dating. With up-dating and back dating being limited to generation the necessity for this accommodation is no longer required. The technical committee recognizes that for durability and inspection purposes some elements of the inlet stream may require some accommodation for non-original factory installed parts thus the proposed re-wording of 12.8.8.3.
Currently the rule states the following:
12.8.8.3 The air filter housing and the air filter are free. All air entering the engine must pass through the air filter.
The committee proposes the following wording for the rule book.

“The air filter housing prior to the air filter is free. The air filter housing and or elements which house the air flow meter must remain stock. The material composition of the air filter element, the hoses which pass air to the turbo, intercooler, and throttle body are free however size and location may not change.”

3. Rule clarification. Restrictors in Open2WD.
It was brought to our attention that the Open2WD restrictor rule contradicts with the Open2WD weight rule.
12.6.2.1 Engine Displacement and weight.
Forced Induction Engines:
Un-Restricted Induction Up to 2500cc –Vehicle Minimum Weight 2900lbs
12.6.3 Turbocharger/Supercharger Restrictions.
Forced induction engines must have an air inlet orifice of 32mm diameter or less.

The committee proposes the following wording for the rule book.

“12.6.3 Turbocharger/Supercharger Restrictions.
Forced induction engines must have an air inlet orifice of 32mm diameter or less. Or meet the higher minimum weight requirement of 12.6.2.1”

4. Studded tires in the CRC.
A request was submitted to allow DOT street studded tires in the CRC in areas which allow studded tires provincially.

The committee discussed the proposal and found that there are positives and negatives to the proposal. The committee will continue to research the possibility of allowing DOT street studded tires in the CRC. We look forward to hearing comments on this issue from the rally community.

5. Production 4WD weight.
Currently the rule states the following:
12.8.7 Minimum weight.
Production 4WD:
The absolute minimum real weight of the car is set at 3350 pounds.

Over the past year the CARS board has been collecting data on Production4WD weight.
The data showed that the majority of cars weighed between 3100 and 3300 lbs.
The production car advertised curb weight for these same models is 3100-3400 lbs.
There are a few exceptions like the Subaru Justy, which is considerably lighter.
Consideration was given to the fact that updating/back dating is allowed. And light weighting of some components is allowed.
With this information the CARS board decided that the Production4WD minimum weight will be 3100lbs or the advertised curb weight. With the competitor choosing which weight target he/she wants. The advertised curb weight must be backed by manufacturer literature supplied by the competitor.

The following is the proposed wording for the rule book.

“12.8.7 Minimum weight.
Production 4WD:
The minimum weight of the vehicle shall be the original curb weight listed by the manufacturer, or 3100lbs if the competitor has not provided evidence of the original curb weight.

This is the real weight of the car, without fuel, driver, co-driver and their personal equipment. In case of a dispute during weighing the full equipment of the driver and co-driver will be removed, including their helmets. Headphones external to the helmet, tools, spare parts, including tires and wheels and championship recording equipment shall be left in the car.

At no time during the event may a car weigh less than the absolute minimum real weight stated in these regulations. The use of securely fixed ballast to complete the weight of the car is permitted. Exceptions to the minimum weight limit may be granted by the technical director for smaller and/or lower powered Production 4WD vehicles. This exemption is not intended to be applied broadly, but only to vehicles significantly disadvantaged by the normal weight limit. Examples would include a normally aspirated 4WD vehicle or those with smaller displacement forced induction motors. The minimum weight for exempted vehicles will be the listed curb weight for the model.”

6. Rally car noise level.
There has been much discussion of noise levels over the past few years. Some event organizers stated that the rally cars can be bit loud and disruptive to the communities that the rally passes through. It was discussed that more Quiet Zones could be implemented as well as more enforcement of the quiet zones. It was also discussed that using mufflers to make the cars quieter would not have a significant impact on performance. Although making the cars quieter does have a negative impact on the spectator side.
Noise levels have been measured at several CRC events over this past year from various locations (stage starts/finish, on stage, on transit).
Of particular concern is the noise level during transit through communities. The measured noise level of Rally cars during transits ranged from 78-104 dbA.
Under the same circumstances passenger cars and trucks ranged from 78-87 dbA.
It is felt that reducing rally car noise level on transits is a priority and will have a minimum impact on competitors.

The following is the proposed wording for the rule book.

12.4.4 Exhaust system.

12.4.4.1
The maximum permitted noise level from the exhaust system during any transit shall be 94 dbA from a distance of 3 meters.

12.4.4.2
The maximum permitted noise level from the exhaust system with the engine idling at 3500 RPM and the vehicle stationary shall be 86 dbA, measured from a distance of 15 meters.

12.4.4.3
Unless a car was legally registered before a catalytic converter was required in Canada, then a functioning catalytic converter must be retained or installed. (Burden of proof that a catalytic converter is not required for a particular vehicle rests with the competitor and should be furnished to the CARS technical director so that an exemption waiver may be added to the vehicle log book.)

If you have any comments or concerns with the above proposals please reply to your Competitor representative, Chris Martin or Organizer representative, Ross Wood.

The regional directors and others from the extended board are now seeking feedback before a vote on the rule changes are held at the next board meeting.


Please respond no later than April 15, 2014.

Best Regards,
Darryl Malone
CARS Technical Director
technical@carsrally.ca

---

First Rally: 2001
Driver (7), Co-Driver (44)
Drivers (16)
Clerk (10), Official (7), Volunteer (4)
Cars Built (1), Engines Built (0) Cages Built (0)
Last Updated, January 4, 2015

Quote
john vanlandingham
Blame is for idiots. losers.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2014 04:14PM by Morison.

Darryl, you say this:

Quote

12.4.4.1
The maximum permitted noise level from the exhaust system during any transit shall be 94 dbA from a distance of 3 meters.

12.4.4.2
The maximum permitted noise level from the exhaust system with the engine idling at 3500 RPM and the vehicle stationary shall be 86 dbA, measured from a distance of 15 meters.

And it's obvious you are measuring "exhaust" noise, but how do you measure exhaust noise over intake noise, valve train noise, and during transit, tire noise?

---

Jason McDaniel

Good info here... http://www.vti.se/en/publications/pdf/tyreroad-noise--myths-and-realities.pdf

94 db going down the road is loud, much louder than normal mechanical noise from power train. Road type has a large influence on noise and must be factored into any rule .

94dB from 3m? Seems awfully close.

---

Runamuck Rally

Quote
Towona
94dB from 3m? Seems awfully close.

Only if you're the poor sap holding the meter....

Hope there are no uphill transits...

Quote
Towona
94dB from 3m? Seems awfully close.

The further away you get, the more you're testing the environment AND the car.

It's not uncommon to test at 18 inches. Of course, they don't have any inches in Canada, so that's not an option up there.

You just scale the limit appropriately.

Anders

---

Grassroots rally. It's what I think about.

Just to clarify...

12.8.7 Minimum weight.

"Exceptions to the minimum weight limit may be granted by the technical

director for smaller and/or lower powered Production 4WD vehicles. This exemption is not

intended to be applied broadly, but only to vehicles significantly disadvantaged by the

normal weight limit. Examples would include a normally aspirated 4WD vehicle or those

with smaller displacement forced induction motors. The minimum weight for exempted

vehicles will be the listed curb weight for the model.”

Should be "stroked out" as this is being removed from the current wording.

Sort of happpy to see this change, although we are still relying on an email saying we (the Justy) can run... as this only applies to production, and Open is still 2700lbs. We moved to Open after the last class overhaul, um, what a couple of years ago...


4. Studded tires in the CRC.
A request was submitted to allow DOT street studded tires in the CRC in areas which allow studded tires provincially.

Hmmm, studs at PN... mmmm yummy, street studs, but still.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2014 03:20PM by Mad Matt F.

A couple of thoughts

94db is LOUD

3m is about the distance from the car to a sidewalk or highway shoulder

There was a lot of real world testing done to see how noisy cars are at the CRC events this year. A good sample of environments was used. (both on stage and off)

I don't have the information in front of me but it was felt that 94 was well within reach of any car if driven in a way to be quiet.

---

First Rally: 2001
Driver (7), Co-Driver (44)
Drivers (16)
Clerk (10), Official (7), Volunteer (4)
Cars Built (1), Engines Built (0) Cages Built (0)
Last Updated, January 4, 2015

Quote
john vanlandingham
Blame is for idiots. losers.

Quote
Morison
A couple of thoughts

94db is LOUD

3m is about the distance from the car to a sidewalk or highway shoulder

There was a lot of real world testing done to see how noisy cars are at the CRC events this year. A good sample of environments was used. (both on stage and off)

I don't have the information in front of me but it was felt that 94 was well within reach of any car if driven in a way to be quiet.

Not just noise, but perception of noise ended more moto-cross tracks by far than any other cause...

I recall an TVA report asking a buncha redneck yahoo powerboat loons , the types that need V8s and open pipes to have fun A) are you areware there is a State ORV park 4 miles away---NO, NADA ZIP, ZERO detectable noise at the boat launch ramp...
XX% said yes.
Of that they asked "Do you have any objections?"
Big %---like +65% said "yes"
Of those saying yes 80% said they "objected to the noise"

So not just the sound, but the "moral" or "theoretical" objection must be addressed.

Cars both here and there have been too noisy too long.
It is not neccasary, it can be mitigated with hurting powerz, but far too many just say "OOOOOhhh the sound is so kewl!"

Fawk that crap.

Silly bastids with noisy cars could concentrate longer in quieter cars and lord know most people cannot concentrate for many minutes.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

But LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!!

---

Andrew Steere
Lyndeborough, NH
KB1PJY

Quote
fiasco
But LOUD PIPES SAVE RALLY!!!!!!!

fixed!

How will my adoring throngs be ready to capture that million dollar photo if they can't identify my car by the obnoxiously loud noise coming from the rear end?

Quote
fliz
How will my adhering thongs be ready to contain me if they can't identify me by the obnoxiously loud noise coming from the rear end?

Fixed....

---

First Rally: 2001
Driver (7), Co-Driver (44)
Drivers (16)
Clerk (10), Official (7), Volunteer (4)
Cars Built (1), Engines Built (0) Cages Built (0)
Last Updated, January 4, 2015

Quote
john vanlandingham
Blame is for idiots. losers.

Quote
fiasco
But LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!!

You hate two-strokes. Don't you.

---

Jason McDaniel

Quote
modernbeat

Quote
fiasco
But LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!!

You hate two-strokes. Don't you.

No, I own three chainsaws, a weedwacker, and a Ski-Doo with a 550cc fan-cooled two-stroke. I LOVE things that go ringdingdinggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!

Super-loud Harleys? Not so much.

---

Andrew Steere
Lyndeborough, NH
KB1PJY