86TA4SALE

I've read a lot on this topic but never found a definite answer, especially concerning what will qualify and what won't.

I'm shooting to run ESP with my Trans Am in the NNJR SCCA autocross next March. I need to know which subframe connectors will allow me to stay in this class. I have read that at least the Spohn weld-ins have too many weld spots to qualify and I want to see if any weld-ins will work or if I have to get bolt-on. Or maybe some bolt-ons won't work? I just want to do this right the first time and set my car up in the class I'd like to run. The SCCA rules aren't as detailed as what you guys can give me. Thanks in advance.

~Matt

rayar

iTrader: (1)

I disagree. I have allways found the rules pretty easy if you Remember this one rule, if the rules don't say you can do it then you can't.

Since I am in CP I am really not familier with the SP rules but I gaurentee your answer is in the rule book.

86TA4SALE

Well I may have worded it wrong, sorry, but I'll try again. The rules will tell me the types of subframes that are allowed, but I'm not as familiar with the products or rules as some of you veterans are. For example, if the rules say you can't use something with more than 6 weld points per side, then I do not know first hand which products would be exempt for that.

~Matt

86TA4SALE

Here is a posting of the 2010 Street Prepared rules:

D. Subframe mount bushings may be replaced, but must attach in the
factory location(s) without additional modification or changes. Subframe
position may not be changed. The amount of metal in a replacement
bushing may not be increased relative to the amount of
metal found in a standard bushing for the particular application. Solid
metal bushings are specifically prohibited.
E. Longitudinal (fore-aft) subframe connectors (SFCs) are permitted
with the following restrictions:
1. They must only connect previously unconnected boxed frame rails
on unibody vehicles.
2. Each SFC must attach at no more than three points on the unibody
(e.g. front, rear, and one point in between such as a seat
mount brace or rocker box brace).
3. SFCs must be bolted or welded, but welding must be to the OE
subframe stampings, not to the floor pan in between.
4. No cutting of OE subframes or floorpan stampings is permitted.
Drilling is permitted for mounting bolts only.
5. No cross-car/lateral/triangulated connections directly between the
driver’s side and passenger’s side SFCs are permitted. Connections
to OE components such as tunnel braces or closure panels
via bolts are allowed and count as the third point of attachment.
No alteration to the OE components is permitted.
6. SFCs may not be used to attach other components (including but
not limited to torque arm front mounts or driveshaft loops) and
may serve no other purpose.


So are there any aftermarket SFCs, weld-in or bolt-on, that I could purchase and install and still run in this class or do I need to have a custom set made and installed?

~Matt

built91Z28

I know nothing about SCCA in particular but a weld in subframe connector is no more than a long bar of metal. You can connect it anywhere you want to. Having ones made would be no different. The only thing on the Spohns it looks like you would not be able to use is the small bars they come with that go from the subframe connector to the inner frame rail. The rules say no triangulation so those bars would not be able to be used. BMR's are triangulated as well so I would not use those. Using Spohn's without the additonal two bars is probably your best bet. At least thats the way I see it. Maybe I'm missing something.

89_RS

UMI, Spohn, BMR, and several others make weld in SFC's that comply with these rules. I have yet to see a more than 3 point weld in SFC.

AM91Camaro_RS

My interpretation of those rules would not exclude the common mfg's because of their 3rd connection point. I see triangulation as including a bar running accross under the car, from one side to the other, then including exterior to center of the car bracing. None of the commone SFC mfg's connect both sides of the car, just the front/rear and connect to the center.

stevo874

Although I've been wrong before. The Spohn's in my interpretation of the rules are not legal in esp/sm(same rule set for SFC's) since they would require attachment points in the middle of the floor pan, and also go over the three attachment points per side limit. Though you may get away with out making the floor pan connections.(won't be as strong as intended though)
I'm not familiar on how the bmr's connect.

I personally have the UMI's. Three attachment points per side
But now after re-reading the rules, I'm wondering if the rear point is legal since it also technically connects to the rear lca at the stock location, and if it could be counted as a fourth attachment point. or if you don't weld the rear attachment point and that would keep it three.
AHH! I'm so confused!
To CP I go! :cry!: