In another thread the following was posted:

I would like to see a source for this. According to my source (NHTSA) the current regulations pertaining to passenger vehicle bumpers is that the minimum standard is 2.5MPH front bumpers and 1.5MPH rear bumpers.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...per/Index.html

Unless someone can show me where it states that a car has to have 5MPH bumpers or be limited to 10,000 vehicles, I have to call BS on this one.

And while we are at it, I would like to see a source for the whole 135.5/136 per liter/cylinder (depending on who was quoting this).

 

Can't comment on the bumpers, but 271 hp/2.0L = 135.5 HP/L. What's the confusion?

EDIT: OK, I see what you're referring to.

 

As far as I am aware of, any vehicle in the U.S. needs to meet the "minimum" 2.5 mph bumper "standards"... They ask of nothing more, or nothing less....

 

Bumpers:

The federal bumper standard applies to all multipurpose vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVW. There is no difference in procedure whether 1 is imported or 1 million are imported. 1.5mph front impact, 2.5 mph front pendulum, 2.5 mph rear impact. There are limits on the severity of damage (3/8" dent and/or 3/4" bumper displacement). Exceeding these limits will prevent a car from being certified.

 

Can someone please explain what this is about? Did someone say that there was a limit to power per displacement imposed on US cars? If so FYI the Evo, while impressive, isn't breaking any new ground in this catagory. The RX-8 is 192.3 hp/liter and the RX-7 is 196 hp/liter. (mine is about 360 hp/liter, but I should be braging about that at the Viper forum, not here where you all have good taste in cars).

 

Good thread guys. I've spent an hour or so searching the internet for something that confirms those 2 rumors. So far I've found nothing...

Good catch on the RX-8 and RX-7

 

RaX - My post regarding the bumper references the current NHTSA procedure for bumper tests, which is 49cfr581 (formerlly FMVSS 581) current to October 1, 2002. Specifically note 49cfr581.3 which states:

49cfr571.3(b):

If you want more information:

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/w...cfr581_02.html

As for the horsepower/liter thing, I don't think it exists. I have searched the FMVSS, EPA, and NHTSA/DOT archives. There's nothing there on the subject . I'd really like to know Streetlancer's source for this info.

 

My request was in reference to these 2 posts:

and
Though StreetLancer later corrected his post by saying he meant 136 hp per liter not cylinder. Either way, I still have yet to find any evidence that such a law or regulation exists. And the example of the RX-7 and RX-8 further disproves this statement.

 

Actually, myself and Paul have had the exact same conversation, and chances are that the "regulation" is something that is fairly archaic, much like the tariff on imported pickup trucks. Chances are that it is in regards to cylinder engines, and not rotories, since rotory engines may be "exempt." I'd agree that it sounds strange, but, if I had a dollar for every strange federal regulation/limitation on vehicles, I'd be buying an E8 and not just talking about it. Also, I'm not saying that all cars are under this (someone brought up a Lotus), but this keeps it as a normal, production car, as opposed to an exotic, or competition model.

I'd refer everyone to my last post on the other thread.

 

Thanks for the clarification RedBean. I think who ever wrote that was blowing smoke out his a$$ and wasn't basing his information on anything documented. Why would such a limitation exist? Maybe to prevent engines from becoming too efficient?!? What a joke!!!

On the otherhand, just because it doesn't make sense doesn't mean that it's not true, I just have a hard time believing it. And as far as making special conciderations for rotaries, I highly doubt it. They don't make special concideraions for emmisions, why would they for dispacement?

 

4wdrift: I'd like to inform you that I am a fairly well respected member of this forum, and I can assure that I am NOT blowing smoke out of my ***, as you so eloquently put it. I have no reason to make anything up, not to increase my reputation, and beleive me, I have no desire to "look cool" on the internet. I have sat on this information to close to a month because I knew this would happen, and, basically didn't want to cause the stir that it is causing. Either you believe it or you don't, but, don't take it to the personal level.

 

Sorry StreetLancer. It's not like I've never made a statement based on false information. I do not believe it, however I would be open to read any information to support this statement that you could provide.

Again, I opologize and do not intend to take this to a personal level.

 

Well, if you can prove it, everyone will certainly shut up.

I see no reason why there would be a hp density limitation for car imported to the US. There is nothing to be gained by having a rule like that here in the US.

SC~

 

I have to throw another wrench into this, again with no "proof" to back it up - that is until I find it. A lot of people assume that 1.3L is the displacement of the RX-7, but I read somewhere were this is not necessarily true because of the way a rotary works, and to be fair - the "displacement" is a lot higher. I'd need a little time, but I think it would be fair to keep F/I cars separate from NA separate from rotaries, diesels, two strokes, etc...