SCCA Rules, Any gurus out there who have read them? Options

[cnavarro]

Hey Guys,

There have been some questions asked about substitution of Nickies in place of factory cylinders, both cast iron and mahle nikasils, and I'm just curious how sticktly the rules are read into- is it just that the cylinders must be to the specifications of the factory pieces (since JE's are already used in E and F prod) or do the actual factory pieces have to be retained? Can it be argued that if other aftermarket cylinders are used (Chinese, Brazilian, Mexican), can't Nickies also be used, since it isn't actually factory cylinders being used- just cylinders made to resemble and to the specifications of the original pieces? I appreciate the input guys, it would be nice to have a definative answer on this one for numerous guys out there with Nickies and those considering Nickies for their 911 or 914.

[Thorshammer]

Charles,

I will try to shed some light on this, but some think it IS a grey area. Although there is a bigger factor here. SOME 914 competitors feel it is better to fight with each other than to fight with the other marques. This is BULLSHIT and I welcome the first Asshole that throws a protest my way for anything, because no one is completely on the up and up. Even the two guys that claim to know the rules, neither one of their cars (and others) are legal. Something in the rules is being broken. Or bent or better yet exploited by the letter of the GCR/PCS. So here goes.

-914's and 914-6 only came with cast iron cylinders we all know that.

The PCS says:

17.1.1.D.1.a.1 Component Modification:

Original and alternate components of the engine may be lightened, balanced, and modified by any mechanical or chemical means, provided it is always possible to identify required components as original. Such means include, but are not limited to, shot peening, glass beading,heat treatment or hardening, plating and milling or otherwise tooling.

Which means you can turn, cut, twist, sand, stretch, the pieces you want to.

17.1.1.d.1.a.2

No material or mechanical extension may be added to any required original component unless specifically authorized by these rules. Any repair performed to a required original component shall clearly serve no other prohibited function.

You can't weld, extend, or repair components so that they serve a prohibited function.

17.1.1.G.1 Block

The block may be rebored no more than 1.2 mm larger than the maximum dimension given on the specification linefor that make, model, and displacement. A cylinder block from any model from the same manufacturer which is of the same material and dimensionally identical throughout, except for non critical bosses, is permitted.


17.1.1.G.2

Cylinder sleeves may be fitted to the block for repair purposes if they serve no other prohibited function. Oil passages may be enlarged, restricted, or plugged.


*** And this is what allows Nickies at this time. This rule says nothing about the cylinder must be made from the original material****

17.1.1.22 Definitions:

Cylinder liner (sleeve)- An insert in an engine block which defines the path followed by a piston in its reciprocating motion.

Block- The Elemental component of a reciprocating engine which contains at least the cylinder location(s) and the crankshaft mounting points.

17.1.1.M.1 Other engine components

The use of alternate engine components which are normally expendable and considered replacment parts, such as seals, bearing,water pumps etc.. is permitted

EP SPEC LINE FOR 914 2.O and 914-6 2.0:

block material: Alloy
Head mat'l: Alloy

Steel alloy, aluminum alloy it isn't specific. The spec line also does not say anything about cylinders.

So does that mean my iron lined, aluminun fined cylinders are not legal?? I don't think so. Cuse Homey don't play dat.

FP SPEC LINE:914 1.8

Block Mat'l: Alum
head Mat'l Alum

Nothing is specified about cylinders on the spec line.

So heres the deal, if you have nickies are they legal?

I would say, YES they are. It specifically says cylinder sleeves may be fitted to the block for repair. I would say it is easily arguable that cylinder sleeves wear out in 914 engines and need to be replaced. It does not say the cylinder sleeves must be of the original material (cast iron). Furthermore, Can cylinder sleeves be considered to be expendable replacement parts. I would also say they could be considered replacement parts since there is no way to refurbish a steel liner once it is worn out. Not the case with Nickies, they can be replated.

Three times is a charm. Due to the way the Spec line is written. If one would argue that cylinders are part of the block so they can envoke 17.1.1.G.1 " A cylinder block from any model from the same manufacture which is of the same material and dimensionally identical throughout, except for critical bosses, is permitted". Using the statement "same material and dimensionally identical" would not be supported as the spec line lists alum as the material. So this is not a defendable position. Due to the spec line being written as it is. Lets not forget that this would also make anyone using 2.0 liter 94mm cylinders in their FP 1.8 motors illegal if someone wants to make the argument that the Block must be dimensionally identical throughout.

So after all of this bullshit has passed, critical time will have elapsed putting 914 drivers again behind the eight ball as opposed to in front of it where people like Raby and you have gotten the 4 cyl guys to where they should be.

Those who start this shit should be ready to finish it, because it just plain sounds like sour grapes, and it really pisses me off. It's a shame we finally have some momentum and some asshole wants to start the shit storm, man am I really pissed off. This is the reason we will always finish second, because we are not united in our quest.

Erik Madsen 914-6 EP