2016 STU Discussion!
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 3
From: NNJ
Perfectly legal:
Exhaust manifolds, headers, downpipes, and associated EGR tubes may be replaced with alternate units. Exhaust exit may be relocated provided it meets Section 3.3.3.B.16. Relocation of the oxygen sensor on the header is permitted. Exhaust heat shields which cover only, and attach solely to, these parts may also be replaced, removed, or modified. All other exhaust heat shields may be modified the minimum amount necessary to accommodate allowed alternate exhaust components. Mounting brackets/hardware which serve no other purpose are considered part of the exhaust components.
3.3.3.b.16 says exhaust must exit behind the driver or the side of the car. Well, a wastegate dump isn't technically the exhaust, and every other racing organization makes exceptions for external wastegate dump locations. And I've asked my local about O2 dumps and have been told they're fine.
Exhaust manifolds, headers, downpipes, and associated EGR tubes may be replaced with alternate units. Exhaust exit may be relocated provided it meets Section 3.3.3.B.16. Relocation of the oxygen sensor on the header is permitted. Exhaust heat shields which cover only, and attach solely to, these parts may also be replaced, removed, or modified. All other exhaust heat shields may be modified the minimum amount necessary to accommodate allowed alternate exhaust components. Mounting brackets/hardware which serve no other purpose are considered part of the exhaust components.
3.3.3.b.16 says exhaust must exit behind the driver or the side of the car. Well, a wastegate dump isn't technically the exhaust, and every other racing organization makes exceptions for external wastegate dump locations. And I've asked my local about O2 dumps and have been told they're fine.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wastegate
A wastegate is a valve that diverts exhaust gases away from the turbine wheel in a turbocharged engine system.
Like I said, this is the first time I've heard of it being illegal. Friends have gone to national events and not had an issue with them.
The way the rule book is worded, is that the exhaust "system" must exit in a certain place. The waste gate dump is not completely part of the exhaust "system". If SCCA doesn't allow them, they may the only organization that doesn't. Most organizations do require the exhaust "system" to exit behind the driver, or to the side of the vehicle, but make an exception for wastegate dumps.
The way the rule book is worded, is that the exhaust "system" must exit in a certain place. The waste gate dump is not completely part of the exhaust "system". If SCCA doesn't allow them, they may the only organization that doesn't. Most organizations do require the exhaust "system" to exit behind the driver, or to the side of the vehicle, but make an exception for wastegate dumps.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files...pdf?1484174240
16. Exhaust must exit behind the driver or exit to the side of the car.
Are those friends winning?
3.3.3.B.16 doesn't actually say exhaust system, it says exhaust:
http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files...pdf?1484174240
3.3.3.B.16 doesn't actually say exhaust system, it says exhaust:
http://cdn.growassets.net/user_files...pdf?1484174240
No, they're not. But something as obvious as an O2 dump I would think would be an issue. Especially because the exit location of exhaust is really a safety concern..
Going to a national level event doesnt mean that you're a national level driver. If they're winning chances are they'd be protested. but nobody cares about the random guy whos middle of the pack as he's harmless. And I dont mean this in a disrespectful manor just saying how it is.
I know what you're saying but in the case of classing I think they would lump it into an exhaust modification. Also, as mentioned I don't see how an open wastegate meets sound regulations. Probably about 5 years ago now I had an open dump on my car and went to an SCCA event in CT. I think I got 3 runs in before they booted me. I liked the dump but I saw no point in having a part on my car that gets me booted when I try and race. Sorta defeats the purpose IMO so I got rid of it. I also stopped racing in CT bc well, eff those guys lol!
I know what you're saying but in the case of classing I think they would lump it into an exhaust modification. Also, as mentioned I don't see how an open wastegate meets sound regulations. Probably about 5 years ago now I had an open dump on my car and went to an SCCA event in CT. I think I got 3 runs in before they booted me. I liked the dump but I saw no point in having a part on my car that gets me booted when I try and race. Sorta defeats the purpose IMO so I got rid of it. I also stopped racing in CT bc well, eff those guys lol!
My 08 did 33xwhp on the stock boost control solenoids. I couldn't find the graph or remember if it was with an upgraded fmic or not. 37xwhp with GST boost pills. I havent tuned an X in a few years. memory is a little foggy. Messing with the mivec can have a pretty good effect.
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 3
From: NNJ
Gst pills are not legal either lol. Essentially you cannot touch anything that controls boost outside of doing it via exhaust. Your buddies could have very well had open dumps, probably didn't run STU. Geez, this class has been around for ages, how are these discussions even happening lol
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 3
From: NNJ
I will say I am shocked by the results. The below graph shows open boost vs stock boost. Granted I messed with timing and af ratio but the EVOX stock boost hardware is straight up crap when it comes to increasing power. Maxed out I am lucky to see 2psi over stock outside of a boost spike. The only "boost" like tables I altered were raising boost cut limits and zero'ing out wg compensation tables for overshoot conditions. Essentially any boost gained by flow mods is free, so I do not think these tables would be illegal to alter. If people are restricting wg flow to gain boost, then there is noway they arn't messing with boost cut limits.
SP has additional exhaust allowances beyond STU, but the rules still require them to terminate behind the driver:
In theory you could make a legal divorced wastegate dump exhaust system with enough additional tubing, but I doubt it's worth anything at that point.
Exhaust manifolds and muffler systems are free, except that they must
be quiet and terminate behind the driver (Section 3.3.3.B.16). Exhaust
heat shields may be removed. Rear- and mid-engine cars without exhaust
headers/manifold systems may use any exhaust system that meets the requirements
of Section 3.5.
be quiet and terminate behind the driver (Section 3.3.3.B.16). Exhaust
heat shields may be removed. Rear- and mid-engine cars without exhaust
headers/manifold systems may use any exhaust system that meets the requirements
of Section 3.5.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: CT
I wonder if it would be deemed legal to do that. The exhaust flow would be bypassing the cat, not sure if that is permissible under the current rules. Certainly it is a tortured interpretation of the rules.
Gst pills are not legal either lol. Essentially you cannot touch anything that controls boost outside of doing it via exhaust. Your buddies could have very well had open dumps, probably didn't run STU. Geez, this class has been around for ages, how are these discussions even happening lol
Last edited by BigT; Jan 17, 2017 at 09:19 AM.