Can I do this and stay in G Stock?

[fatnbald1]

Hello everyone... Yes, I'm a noob...but I have read the rules! Problem is that they seem very vague to me in some areas.

My Integra has almost 150k on it and it's time for some replacing of various suspension parts. I know that OE bushings must be used for GS and that I can put an aftermarket set of shocks on...I'm confused when it comes to springs. The rules seem unclear to me! Can I use "Type R" springs since it was a factory option? Or can I use H&R OE springs since they were designed for a very near factory "OE" look and feel? Or... Am I limited to factory original springs that came on the car off the lot?

Help me out! I want to stay in GS but want to go by the rules, too! Thanks...

Marc.

[claym]

Springs must be stock for your year and model. Type R springs would require you to convert whole car (which a type R was not available in 1994, and it runs in DS). The best upgrade is a set of Koni Yellows, larger front swaybar, and the most negative camber you can dial in the front (as per the shop manual). And a set of sticky tires on a set of factory size wheels (diameter, width, and offset) will complete the package.

Springs will put you in a STS or SP class.

Hope this helps, Clay

[aMaff]

It's not vague Marc, the problem is that many people read it as being such. Any vagueness is usually taken clear away when you read the rulebook with the SCCAs "If it doesn't say you can, then you can't" mentality. Does it say you CAN use dealer option springs? No? Well, there it is.

[TouringBubble]

actually, I believe the ITR was available in '94, just not as a USDM model. I think that only comes in to play in SM classes though.

For the springs, I would think any spring with factory specs would be acceptable. Factory specs being key here. I don't think you have to go to the dealer and get Honda springs for the car, but the stock replacement from Advance or Auto Zone would be fine. A "stock-like" spring with a slightly different rate, coil or height would not be acceptable.

It's referenced here, in section 13.0

Alternate components which are normally expendable and
considered replacement parts (e.g., engine and wheel bearings,
seals, gaskets, filters, belts, bolts, bulbs, batteries, brake rotors,
clutch discs, pressure plates, suspension bushings, drivetrain
mounts, etc.) may be used provided they are essentially identical to
the standard parts (e.g. have the same type, size, hardness, weight,
material etc.), are used in the same location, and provide no
performance benefit. The allowance for use of such replacements
does not include camshafts, differential covers, or ring-and-pinion
sets, nor does it authorize the use of piston rings having different
configurations (e.g. “Total Seal”) from those of the original.

[aMaff]

I don't think springs are considered "normally expendable" by any stretch, and therefore wouldn't be included under that clause. Stick with the OEM springs and you're golden

[Cholewa]

i believe the appropriate term would be JDM not OEM... c'mon guys, get with it.

Marc, you might need to overnight those parts from japan. and then buy a rabbit for D. do you/her mind if I call her D? it's easier for me to remember.

[fatnbald1]

Claym, thank you for the helpful response.

It's not vague Marc.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this.

cholewa: I'm trying push D (don't mind "D" a bit...call her that all the time!) behind the wheel, but she just won't go for it! Maybe next season?!?!?

[Cholewa]

maybe they'l make an event where g and h stock can run together so we can all force her to drive or at least ride way too much.

[TouringBubble]

I don't think springs are considered "normally expendable" by any stretch, and therefore wouldn't be included under that clause. Stick with the OEM springs and you're golden

While I agree they may not be "normally expendable," don't you think that springs with 100+k miles would have lost some of their bounce? What if it was parked on a steep incline to the right every day for most of it's life and had a sag to that side? I don't see an issue with replacement. If a throttle return spring or steering rack bushing was worn and loose, it would warrant replacement ... I see the main suspension springs the same way. If it's factory spec, where is the issue?

[claym]

Actually, there have been protests at National events over the legal status of springs, especially when cars sit lower than other similar cars. Some people get several sets of stock springs and check the spring rate of each stock spring and pick the ones they want. Usually, manufacturers list the free spring height and have specs the stock springs should fall in. Sound intense? Welcome to National level competetion, where the best prepped cars (within EVERY rule) are driven by the best drivers and win championships (like NASCAR and other racing). I urge everyone to go to a National Tour next year and get a taste of real competetion. I was winning local competetion many years ago and went to my first big event and was DEAD LAST. Very eye-opening!

[zukitek]

Actually, there have been protests at National events over the legal status of springs, especially when cars sit lower than other similar cars. Some people get several sets of stock springs and check the spring rate of each stock spring and pick the ones they want. Usually, manufacturers list the free spring height and have specs the stock springs should fall in. Sound intense? Welcome to National level competetion, where the best prepped cars (within EVERY rule) are driven by the best drivers and win championships (like NASCAR and other racing). I urge everyone to go to a National Tour next year and get a taste of real competetion. I was winning local competetion many years ago and went to my first big event and was DEAD LAST. Very eye-opening!

I resemble those remarks.I went to the NT at Huntsville and got my tail handed to me in GS.

RR

[g1teg]

Ditto. At the Huntsville Nat'l Tour I was 8th out of 13. Very tough competition!

I have to agree that if the springs were the same specs and did not lower the car, any manufacturer would be OK.

[zukitek]

I have no quams with aftermarket OEM standard parts .As far as the rules go ,the way I understand it,Japanese market parts aren't eligible for stock competition unless they were available on its US market counterpart at that time ,but there again Im not the kindof guy who goes crawling under cars looking for violations in my class.Most anytime Ive been beaten ,it was by a faster driver versus a faster car .

RR

[engled]

Im not the kindof guy who goes crawling under cars looking for violations in my class.

RR

Then don't come to CSP, those guys are ruthless!!! I'm pretty sure Lyle is going to protest Johns points for the year because the paint on "Ol' Yeller" is the wrong shade on the right rear quarter panel! Were not even going to talk about illegal radiators

[BoostedFD]

I have no quams with aftermarket OEM standard parts .As far as the rules go ,the way I understand it,Japanese market parts aren't eligible for stock competition unless they were available on its US market counterpart at that time ,but there again Im not the kindof guy who goes crawling under cars looking for violations in my class.Most anytime Ive been beaten ,it was by a faster driver versus a faster car .

RR

That what I understood. I thought the car actually had to be sold in the US to be able to legally change out parts. Such as you couldn't use the larger 1999+ RX-7 brakes on our 1993-95 RX-7s and stay in stock class.