Rear LCA Replacement?

[PhocusZX3]

This isn't specifically addressed in the rules, so I thought it would be a good question that may benefit many of those building/racing a Spec Focus:

Would a non-SVT Focus be able to replace their rear LCA's with those found on the 03-04 SVT?

Reason I ask is the 03-04 SVT LCA is essentially the same, however it has some reinforcement around the sway bar endlink mounting point to help prevent stress fractures and possible LCA structural failure from the larger than stock rear SVT sway bar.

Most of you guys/girls, if not all, will be running at 25mm rear sway bar on their Spec Focus. There seem to have been a few incidents where LCA failure occured on those Foci running a larger than stock rear sway bar. I know that pre-event inspection for possible stress fractures is part of the solution, and perhaps this may be a specific point that should be addressed by tech (if it isn't already). However it may be worth looking into the possibility of allowing or even requiring those using a 25mm rear sway bar to also add the 03-04 SVTF LCA's to their suspension configuration. I think this would be a worthy safety investment.


Sorry if this is a repost (wasn't able to find anything specifically in this forum on the subject).

[Ted7rns]

Yes, you can update to SVT LCA. It would be part of the Update/Backdate part of the rules.

At this time we're not going to require people to use the SVT LCA. We might recommended it, but since we work closely with Ford Engineers they seem not concern about it. But, if teams are concern about it, they can update to SVT LCA.

Also, once you have your annual inspection done, it's up to each team to inspect their own cars. It's every teams responsibility to make sure your car is safe and is within NASA safety rules. The only inspection done by NASA after your annual is a Tech inspection following a race make sure you fall within the spec rules. It’s not a safety check.

Thanks for the question.

[PhocusZX3]

Good to know. I'm sure more questions will be coming from me as time moves forward.

At this point I'm just trying to assemble as much information as I can before I dive into this project to make things run smooth on my road towards building this car.

Unfortunately it is a looooooong road ahead and I'm chomping at the bit to get this ball rolling. I have only 5-months till I get married, so the project starts in 6-12 months. I'm like a crack fiend with out his supply...it has been approximately 3 years since my last auto-x with my former 2000 ZX3 and the closest I've come to spirited driving since then was the Mazda MX5 test drive thing last summer. Definately looking forward to getting some seat time and working towards getting on the track with you guys/girls.