Spec Focus Ideas?

[Primaris]

Originally Posted by sundialracing

Ted,
... For every measure there is a countermeasure......

Well there is one method that works, allowing the competitors to purchase the engine of other competitors at a set price. (Say $2000) If a competitor spends more it is libel to show and they are libel to loose it. NASA's rule is close but it's not good enough. I doubt a rule like this will get implemented, because too many people in racing like the idea of being able to buy the win.

[Ted7rns]

Originally Posted by Primaris

I doubt a rule like this will get implemented, because too many people in racing like the idea of being able to buy the win.

Yeah, that would be hard to do. It's a good idea.

[Ted7rns]

Okay, This is good that we’re talking about this. We have people bringing up good points and concerns. I want to get more in depth why we might do this… If not this year, for sure in 2008.

All the arguments are good points… but they could also take place under the current rules. All Duratec and SVT motors are suppose to use a NASA Spec Focus File. But, the only way we could tell, is to take away their ECU and give them a new one.

Now, that being said, here’s the reason why we thought about adding this rule. Now keep in mind, we’re still going to have mainly spec parts on the car, it won‘t be a free for all. But, when (not if) we add this rule, there big advantages we gain by it… and the main reason is to “Keep the Cost Down”. But, It’s also easier to police.

#1. We don’t have to worry as much about all teams using Spec ECU Files, and is easier to police it. There’s a Max HP/TQ rating… and that’s it…. Don’t go over it.

#2. This is the main reason for the rule. Let’s take a look at the Spec Miata Series. All the Top SM are spending $12,000 to $15,000 on “Special” SM motor that will make roughly 10-15 more whp over a guy the tunes his old motor in his backyard. If we put a limit on the HP/Tq we’ll take away these expensive motors. I don’t want anyone to buy a Special $15,000 Spec Focus Duratec motor from Sunbelt or FocusSport (Sorry Randy, lol) that might have 15whp gain (and could be more with a 2.3L Duratec) over the average Joe.

This is the main reason why Andy (FRPP), Charles (FRPP) and I talked about at Mid-Ohio. Now, there’s no perfect set of rules for racing, but making to make it easier to tech the cars and keep the price down is the best way to do it. This is why NASA uses this rule in most of it's classes, and could use it in SM in 2008.

Now the SF Series has a Claimer rule, but this is much easier to do.

[BUR_ZX3]

Sometimes that built motor is worth spending more cuz it'll hold out longer. (just thinkin of upgraded internals, etc..)

As for multiple tunes on the ECU. Zetec ECUs with the JP9 port can use the SCT Chip that'll store 4 different tunes on the chip that could be hot-switched while running to different fuel maps, spark maps, etc.. SVT and Duratec... (any of the Black Oak based ECUs) have to be flashed... no hot swapping available.

[Ted7rns]

Originally Posted by BUR_ZX3

Sometimes that built motor is worth spending more cuz it'll hold out longer. (just thinkin of upgraded internals, etc..)

That is okay, if someone spends money to make a engine last longer. He's not getting any extra Horsepower. This way someone who wants to win at Nationals doesn't have to spend a lot extra money on a motor to get more HP to Win.

Originally Posted by BUR_ZX3

As for multiple tunes on the ECU. Zetec ECUs with the JP9 port can use the SCT Chip that'll store 4 different tunes on the chip that could be hot-switched while running to different fuel maps, spark maps, etc.. SVT and Duratec... (any of the Black Oak based ECUs) have to be flashed... no hot swapping available.

That is what I thought. I wasn't sure, but I know it was harder with the Duratecs and the SVT to have multiple tunes on a hot switch.

[BUR_ZX3]

Yah. you'd basically have to have a standalone to do that on SVT/Duratec... so in effect... you can't.

[Ted7rns]

We're looking at making the sway bars more open.
Fronts up to 22mm
Rears up to 25mm

This will allow drivers to use a 24mm bar if they want too.

[JimmySolo2]

Originally Posted by Ted7rns

We're looking at making the sway bars more open.
Fronts up to 22mm
Rears up to 25mm

This will allow drivers to use a 24mm bar if they want too.

Sweet, one more upgrade that I can put on the back burner. I am still hoping to get my Comp License in 07.

If I run 6 races in PT but get my car up to Spec Focus specs, would I be able to run SF at the Nationals?

[Ted7rns]

Yes.

You can run 6 TT events and race your first race at Nationals if you want too.

The rules says any 5 Competition events (TT, PT, SF or whatever).

[St170wagon]

what all is needed to run this class....
the min required????
What needs to be added
1) cage buy or custom fab ?????
2)fuel cell or stock tank
3)fire suite
4)fire subpression system ????

What needes to be removed
1) any Glass IE rear window and side windows ??? to be replaced with plastic
2) sunroofs
Looking at the rules its not clear to me So I'm asking

[Ted7rns]

Originally Posted by St170wagon

what all is needed to run this class....
the min required????
What needs to be added
1) cage buy or custom fab ?????
2)fuel cell or stock tank
3)fire suite
4)fire subpression system ????

What needes to be removed
1) any Glass IE rear window and side windows ??? to be replaced with plastic
2) sunroofs
Looking at the rules its not clear to me So I'm asking

Must that you’ll find on that is in NASA webpage check here for racing; http://www.nasaproracing.com/proracing/index.html

You’ll need to get a NASA Comp or provisional License

1) You can buy one or Fab one as long as it meets NASA CCRs Requirements. http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules.html

2)You can use a stock tank or a Fuel Cell.
3)All Safety Equipment is required (please check CCRs)
4)You must have at least a 5lb ABC hand held Fire Extinguisher.

What needes to be removed
1) You can use OEM windows for the car
2) sunroofs must be removed.

[jezwald101]

hello, new to the whole spec focus thing but preparing to have a car ready in april,why is there a rule on body panels,fenders,hood for example(and ballast can only weigh 150lb) if your car has to weigh 2700lb with a driver,if you want to spend money on carbon parts thats up to you,i think,the engine rule should be random dyno pulls and if your over the hp,tq limit all your points accumulated for the year are not counted,,so dont cheat..jesse

[jezwald101]

sorry 2600lb with driver

[Ted7rns]

The main idea of the the HP/Tq rating to put a limit on spending of high power motors and to limit Tech inspectors to check ECU files on our cars. This is only the first stage of the rule. We add more to this in 2008.

You’re right about the ballast, but if you allow someone to take everything off the car like hoods and fenders and etc… then put 150lbs of ballast in the car, it will be easier for people to balance the car and make the CG lower on the car. So, again to keep the cost down we have it this way.

That is a good idea about the random pulls and limit all points. But, to keep it in complaint with other NASA series, we allow the penalized in accordance with the NASA
CCR.

[jezwald101]

yes but if you are only allowed to add 150lb of ballast,youll have to add more weight to your rollcage(up higher)to get it to the new 2575lb min. w/driver