How does tech go about ensuring that people are not running increased boost levels with the use of the factory boost control solenoids? Locally, we have several guys in Scoobs that have Cobb tunes with increased boost levels, but they tell people and give the option to protest. The fast guys seems to have their stuff legit, but others don't. How do they handle this on a national level where the stakes are higher?

Honor system?

 

The protest system is what's in place for this. However, I do *not* think it would be waste of time to write a letter to the SEB asking about this. (Assuming your an SCCA member) Sometimes, on things that are not easily detectable, they will do a mandatory check if they suspect something or want to gather data. (Stock classes jacking up, weights, camber checks, one year SP classes were told to bring a valve cover gasket with them...) Provide information regarding the particulars of why it may be difficult to detect.

If someone *admits* to running more boost, as your suggesting, you really need to protest them if that's the only option they are giving you. Local or National, cheating is cheating.

 

I enjoy the competition. Locally, I'd rather run against 10 cars than 5, and I know those guys wouldn't run any national events. I would suspect most people doing this wouldn't say anything. I was just curious how this was handled since it is so easy to run higher boost levels in these modern cars.

AJ Foyt once said, "If you ain't cheatin, you ain't winnin" What he meant by that was that if you are legit, others will cheat and have a competitive advantage. So if you want to compete on a level field, you must cheat. Silly really...but probably true. We build engines for lots of racing classes, including spec Miata, Honda Challenge, ARCA stock car, etc.... There are TONS of people that want cheater motors. The funny thing is that the guys that cheat are always trying to make up for a lack of driving skill, which has driven them to that point. They still lose just as bad even with more power.

 

I imagine that you could write a protest to check the boost level. ECUflash talks to both Mitsus and Subies. That and a tactrix cable and you can check the boost control settings in the ECU. On Evos you can take the pills out and measure them. You can check the rate on the wastegate spring. If you really think a car is running too much boost, laundry list them and give their car back in pieces.

 

Ha ha. I'm not the type of person to protest. Unless they are the fastest car out there dominating the class...maybe. I could care less. I just wondered how this was handled at a large event like Topeka.

 

As, GTLocke13 said, ECU flash and Mitsulogger with tactrix cables are probably the best way to catch folks with raised boost levels. If you have the stock maps for both the Subies and EVOs you can simply compare the boost tables. Look for tampering with the stock boost solenoid or addition of a boost controller, or check to see if boost pill is still present, or look check the stock BOV.

IMHO, I really don't think power gained from a bit of boost increase is going to help you much in an auto-x course. Power isn't going to gain you as much as other some other mods that have a more significant impact. If you're on a drag strip or a road course power makes more of a difference. But what do I know ...