Clarification for suspension changes in ST2

[eclip5e]

X. 7. G. Camber/caster plates or eccentric bushings/bearings for the
purpose of adjusting camber/caster are allowed provided that the stock
suspension mounting points are retained and not modified. No
modifications to the stock strut towers are allowed.

Would aftermarket lateral links be allowed? They allow for more fined tuned adjustablity for camber and tow in/out. It also changes the joints front regular to pillowball.

[PaddyMcP]

looks good to me ron.

[WillM]

Looks good, but not legal in ST!!

[cuda6666]

Looks perfectly legal to me. The spirit of the quoted rule is that you can use mechanical devices to adjust camber as long as the suspension pickup points are not changed.

[eclip5e]

I would agree that the idea was to be able to modify the suspension without modifying the mounting points on the vehicle, this would follow along with the ability to modify the struts, springs to allow for adjustability utilizing stock mounting points.

[cuda6666]

I think the problem is that the rule book states that only modifications that are specifically called out are allowed. Sometimes the rulemakers (us), when writing a rule that's based on a concept (allowing camber adjustment), don't include every possible method of achieving the allowed effect. In this case, camber plates and asymetrical bushings are mentioned, but adjustable control arms are not. I'd be willing to bet that whoever wrote that rule did not specifically intend to outlaw adjustable control arms. I guess it comes down to how inflexible we want to be in the face of logic.

[eclip5e]

So in a situation handled that way, it would come down to how the rules are interpreted if it came to a protest.

[therooster]

As a fomer steward and board member I would say that if the rule does not allow it you are illegal and that you would lose the protest. However most likely if no one protest you no one will know and you can submit a rule change proposal at the end of the year to make it legal

Chris A.

edit spelling

[Stynger]

X. 7. G. Camber/caster plates or eccentric bushings/bearings for the
purpose of adjusting camber/caster are allowed provided that the stock
suspension mounting points are retained and not modified. No
modifications to the stock strut towers are allowed.

Would aftermarket lateral links be allowed? They allow for more fined tuned adjustablity for camber and tow in/out. It also changes the joints front regular to pillowball.

You need to ask for a rule change.
No where in the above rule does it mention modifying toe adjustment.

[cuda6666]

You need to ask for a rule change.
No where in the above rule does it mention modifying toe adjustment.

So, are you saying that adjustable control arms are legal if they're used only to adjust camber?

See, this is where things tend to get a little ridiculous. The intent of the current rule is clearly to allow camber adjustment devices as long as people don't go nuts and start changing pickup points.

[Stynger]

You need to ask for a rule change.
No where in the above rule does it mention modifying toe adjustment.

So, are you saying that adjustable control arms are legal if they're used only to adjust camber?

See, this is where things tend to get a little ridiculous. The intent of the current rule is clearly to allow camber adjustment devices as long as people don't go nuts and start changing pickup points.

You are absolutely right.
Nate has been doing a great job getting the rules in line, but there is always something that comes along that doesn't fit.
I'm a huge fan of having the intent of the rule written in with the rule.
As time goes on and technology changes, the intent is about all we have to make an informed and fair decision. :dontknow:

[eclip5e]

So what is the proper way to get an ambiguity like this settled before the start of the first event? I think people building their cars for the upcoming season could benifit from this sort of clarification.

[ryanthieme]

So what is the proper way to get an ambiguity like this settled before the start of the first event? I think people building their cars for the upcoming season could benifit from this sort of clarification.

As I see it there are 3 options. 1) You just have to suck it up and run in the next group up where the modification is legal and request a rule modification next off-season; 2) Run the year without the mod and request a rule modification next off-season; 3) Run the year with the mod in the wrong class and risk being protested and request a rule modification next off-season.

A hard deadline has to be set at some point.

[cuda6666]

As I see it there are 3 options. 1) You just have to suck it up and run in the next group up where the modification is legal and request a rule modification next off-season; 2) Run the year without the mod and request a rule modification next off-season; 3) Run the year with the mod in the wrong class and risk being protested and request a rule modification next off-season.

Option 4: Run the control arms, get protested, and then successfully argue the intent of the rule.

[rajito]

Ron doesn't have to worry about getting protested, since only people who get beat protest.

Raj