2012 STU Discussion
Hopefully that is it. Is it as easy to bleed as brakes are with the proper equipment? those of us who are ACD-less just smile.. and nod...
Sending off the Ohlins to get revalved shortly.
Sending off the Ohlins to get revalved shortly.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
14.10.F
The engine management system parameters and operation may be
modified only via the methods listed below. These allowances also
apply to forced induction cars, except that no changes to standard
boost levels, intercoolers, or boost controls are permitted. Boost
changes indirectly resulting from allowed modifications are permis-
sible, but directly altering or modifying the boost or turbo controls,
either mechanically or electronically, is strictly prohibited. Traction
control parameters may not be altered. Any standard OBD commu-
nications port functionality must remain. The Check Engine Light
(CEL) or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be disabled via soft-
ware. Alternate software maps which violate these restrictions may
not be present during competition, regardless of activation.
1. Reprogrammed ECU (via hardware and/or software) may be used
in the standard housing.
2. Supplementary (“Piggyback”) ECU may be used subject to the
following restrictions:
a. Connects between the standard ECU/PCM and its wiring har-
ness only.
b. Must be plug-compatible with the standard ECU/PCM (no splic-
es).
3. Electronic components may be installed in-line between an en-
gine’s sensors and ECU. These components may alter the signal
coming from the sensor in order to affect the ECU’s operation of
engine management system. Example: fuel controllers that modi-
fy the signal coming from an airflow sensor.
4. Fuel pressure regulators may be replaced in lieu of electronic al-
terations to the fuel system. It is not permitted to electronically
modify the fuel system AND replace a fuel pressure regulator.
5. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory adjustable dis-
tributor ignition systems.
6. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the
timing of factory standard electronic variable valve timing systems.
I interpret that to mean that as long as all the maps in your ECU (if you are running multiple maps) are stock boost that you are fine. But you couldn't have an STU map and a high boost map available for map switching.
But I don't know a lot about what tephramod does...
The engine management system parameters and operation may be
modified only via the methods listed below. These allowances also
apply to forced induction cars, except that no changes to standard
boost levels, intercoolers, or boost controls are permitted. Boost
changes indirectly resulting from allowed modifications are permis-
sible, but directly altering or modifying the boost or turbo controls,
either mechanically or electronically, is strictly prohibited. Traction
control parameters may not be altered. Any standard OBD commu-
nications port functionality must remain. The Check Engine Light
(CEL) or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be disabled via soft-
ware. Alternate software maps which violate these restrictions may
not be present during competition, regardless of activation.
1. Reprogrammed ECU (via hardware and/or software) may be used
in the standard housing.
2. Supplementary (“Piggyback”) ECU may be used subject to the
following restrictions:
a. Connects between the standard ECU/PCM and its wiring har-
ness only.
b. Must be plug-compatible with the standard ECU/PCM (no splic-
es).
3. Electronic components may be installed in-line between an en-
gine’s sensors and ECU. These components may alter the signal
coming from the sensor in order to affect the ECU’s operation of
engine management system. Example: fuel controllers that modi-
fy the signal coming from an airflow sensor.
4. Fuel pressure regulators may be replaced in lieu of electronic al-
terations to the fuel system. It is not permitted to electronically
modify the fuel system AND replace a fuel pressure regulator.
5. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory adjustable dis-
tributor ignition systems.
6. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the
timing of factory standard electronic variable valve timing systems.
But I don't know a lot about what tephramod does...
I beleive the Tephra v7 would be a legal mod from what I've read in the handbook, assuming you do not have ecu controlled boost, or modify the stock boost tables.
Tephra v7 would offer some benefits over the stock rom that could be of beneft in STU:
Of course you miss out on the real goodies, but it has some benefits.
I'm curious if anyone else knows about some other mods which may or may not be legal in stu:
Tephra v7 would offer some benefits over the stock rom that could be of beneft in STU:
- big maps, more resolution to finely tune your ignition/fuel maps
- launch map
- flash cel on knock
- 2 byte logging if your logging engine parameters during a run
Of course you miss out on the real goodies, but it has some benefits.
I'm curious if anyone else knows about some other mods which may or may not be legal in stu:
- jdm rear bumper (with crashbeam) - sounds like it may not be permitted since it is not optional equipment on a usdm vehicle, however I seem to recall something about it being considered part of a body kit which has no real aero effect which would permit it?
- coil on plug kit similar to SpoolinUp - I know coilpacks can be replaced but does replacing the factory one with two make it illegal?
Code:
13.9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A. The make of spark plugs, points, ignition coil and high tension wires is unrestricted including spark plug wires having an in-line capacitor. Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permit- ted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no other purpose. (Modification of the distributor cap for the purpose of installing allowed non-standard components is not permitted.) B. On cars made prior to January 1, 1968, any ignition system using a standard distributor without modification may be used. C. Ignition settings may not be adjusted outside factory specifications. D. No changes are permitted to electronic engine management sys- tems or their programming. E. Additional battery hold-down hardware may be added to supplement the standard equipment in order to meet 3.3.3.B.15. It may serve no other purpose.
i read that the jdm rear is illegal, because of the crashbeam removal. i dont think there is any way to retain the factory crashbeam. the only beam that i saw that works was an aftermarket bar which in return is significantly lighter than the oem one. someone said it puts you in prepared class...
as for the spoolinup, another member told me its illegal. however from what i read in your post for electrical system it doesnt say anything? so i'm guessing because the COP kits have a mounting plate for the extra coils, thats what makes it illegal.
"Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permit-
ted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no
other purpose.?
also does anyone know if the APR side mirrors are illegal? i bought it and sold my stock ones cause i like the look, but ran into an STU evo guy that said its illegal?
as for the spoolinup, another member told me its illegal. however from what i read in your post for electrical system it doesnt say anything? so i'm guessing because the COP kits have a mounting plate for the extra coils, thats what makes it illegal.
"Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permit-
ted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no
other purpose.?
also does anyone know if the APR side mirrors are illegal? i bought it and sold my stock ones cause i like the look, but ran into an STU evo guy that said its illegal?
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
i read that the jdm rear is illegal, because of the crashbeam removal. i dont think there is any way to retain the factory crashbeam. the only beam that i saw that works was an aftermarket bar which in return is significantly lighter than the oem one. someone said it puts you in prepared class...
as for the spoolinup, another member told me its illegal. however from what i read in your post for electrical system it doesnt say anything? so i'm guessing because the COP kits have a mounting plate for the extra coils, thats what makes it illegal.
"Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permit-
ted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no
other purpose.?
also does anyone know if the APR side mirrors are illegal? i bought it and sold my stock ones cause i like the look, but ran into an STU evo guy that said its illegal?
as for the spoolinup, another member told me its illegal. however from what i read in your post for electrical system it doesnt say anything? so i'm guessing because the COP kits have a mounting plate for the extra coils, thats what makes it illegal.
"Substitution or addition of ignition coil mounting brackets is permit-
ted, provided they affix to the original standard location and serve no
other purpose.?
also does anyone know if the APR side mirrors are illegal? i bought it and sold my stock ones cause i like the look, but ran into an STU evo guy that said its illegal?
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48488.0
But it still involves removing material.
COP stuff: I don't think there is an allowance for adding additional coils anywhere.
The side mirrors wouldn't be legal either, except maybe as "comfort and convenience with no material weight reduction" but that's pretty tortured. They definitely appear to be lighter.
ok guys, Its good to know what the community thinks. The presence of an alternate table and the boost by gear table seems easily weenie-protestable
As long as everything is set to stock values, and your alternate map is identical, I don't see how a protest would hold up.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Rochester/Boston
JDM rear bumper: No way it's legal in STU. There was someone who figured out how to modify the OE beam:
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48488.0
But it still involves removing material.
.
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48488.0
But it still involves removing material.
.
If the chances are between winning $700-$1400 of tires - its worth it to be in compliance with the rules. If you are just out to have fun- no worries, run whatcha brung.
With the above mentioned "modifications" I think it should be legal as long as your bumper beam weighs within 1# of the stocker. This may or may not require adding some material to it to bring it up to weight after removing some of the brackets. . .
With the above mentioned "modifications" I think it should be legal as long as your bumper beam weighs within 1# of the stocker. This may or may not require adding some material to it to bring it up to weight after removing some of the brackets. . .
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Rochester/Boston
If the chances are between winning $700-$1400 of tires - its worth it to be in compliance with the rules. If you are just out to have fun- no worries, run whatcha brung.
With the above mentioned "modifications" I think it should be legal as long as your bumper beam weighs within 1# of the stocker. This may or may not require adding some material to it to bring it up to weight after removing some of the brackets. . .
With the above mentioned "modifications" I think it should be legal as long as your bumper beam weighs within 1# of the stocker. This may or may not require adding some material to it to bring it up to weight after removing some of the brackets. . .
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
Not to come off as a dick but I hate this rule. The JDM rears look 400000x better than stock, Also the car came with the (jdm) bumper stock in Japan. I see nothing wrong with running one the owner takes the whole risk if they remove the bumper beam/modifying one . What are the chances someone will call you out on it at a pro event?
What usually comes up in these situations is - how would you write the rule in such a way that you could do the JDM swap, but without opening up bumper beams for everyone?
What I would really like to see is someone make a "replica" that just fits the stock beam... I have to think it would sell pretty well.
edit: btw, I see you are in Maryland - you coming out to the Fedex events this year? We need more Evos!
Evolving Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
ButtDyno: the lone Evo gun in a sea of Subarus. 
Sillig, you're at a point that many people get to when it comes to modding their cars and competing in SCCA. The question is: what is more important? Modding your car how you want, rules be damned, or being competive in class? If it's the latter, you just have to accept that those are the rules and follow them regardless of what you think. That goes for any sort of motorsports competition. They all have rules that have to be followed and they will have some that you don't agree with or that you think makes sense. That's just how it is.
Now that's not to say that rules can't be changed. As ButtDyno states, try coming up with a rewrite of the rule that would make the swap legal without opening up a can of worms? And if you allow this one little rule change, which effectively would allow for weight reduction, then what's the next thing you allow? Once you've set the precedent, the snowball can start building up until you end up with SP on street tires, which I believe is the primary goal in rules setting for the ST* classes. They've recently done some takebacks and have been a little stricter in hopes of keeping the class "streetable" and also not creating loopholes that create "must have" mods (or the appearance of such) in order to be competitive.
Sillig, you're at a point that many people get to when it comes to modding their cars and competing in SCCA. The question is: what is more important? Modding your car how you want, rules be damned, or being competive in class? If it's the latter, you just have to accept that those are the rules and follow them regardless of what you think. That goes for any sort of motorsports competition. They all have rules that have to be followed and they will have some that you don't agree with or that you think makes sense. That's just how it is.
Now that's not to say that rules can't be changed. As ButtDyno states, try coming up with a rewrite of the rule that would make the swap legal without opening up a can of worms? And if you allow this one little rule change, which effectively would allow for weight reduction, then what's the next thing you allow? Once you've set the precedent, the snowball can start building up until you end up with SP on street tires, which I believe is the primary goal in rules setting for the ST* classes. They've recently done some takebacks and have been a little stricter in hopes of keeping the class "streetable" and also not creating loopholes that create "must have" mods (or the appearance of such) in order to be competitive.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Rochester/Boston
The rule is annoying for us in this particular case but you have to look at the big picture. I believe that the bumper skin is not the problem, just the beam. And if you let people modify bumper beams, it becomes a must do thing to take weight off the car and we are all running around with cars that will get totaled in a 10 mph fender bender...
What usually comes up in these situations is - how would you write the rule in such a way that you could do the JDM swap, but without opening up bumper beams for everyone?
What I would really like to see is someone make a "replica" that just fits the stock beam... I have to think it would sell pretty well.
edit: btw, I see you are in Maryland - you coming out to the Fedex events this year? We need more Evos!
What usually comes up in these situations is - how would you write the rule in such a way that you could do the JDM swap, but without opening up bumper beams for everyone?
What I would really like to see is someone make a "replica" that just fits the stock beam... I have to think it would sell pretty well.
edit: btw, I see you are in Maryland - you coming out to the Fedex events this year? We need more Evos!
Last edited by SilliG; Feb 15, 2012 at 09:12 AM.