question about swaps and race classifications

[czo79]

Hello all.
I would really like to get into some driving...that I won't get arrested for. I've thought about hillclimbs, rallyx, maybe some autocross or something. But I'm really into rally and hillclimbs I guess. We have a hill climb series around here...but cars with engine swaps are considered "prepared" and must have roll cages. Both my legacy's have swaps, although it hardly makes them prepared. Bitch. Especially the GT, it has a phase II swapped in for the phase I. Same power. Less cams even. I think they should let me get away with that... I guess I could run the impreza...if it runs...
Whats the deal with autocross? No cages, just helmets?
Thanks

[DLC]

Just helmets.

Depending on the swap details, you might be put in a different class, but by no means does it put you in any soft of Prepared class.

[NuwanD]

probably talk to an organizer regarding your particular situation and they may be able to help you find an appropriate class.

On paper the difference between phase I and II motors is the same (~165hp/torque), but when you look at dyno charts the phase II makes much more power than the phase I at certain low rpms. The area under the torque/hp curve is more important than the peak. I still don't think that should bump you a class however

[JasonGrahn]

On the flip side of ths.. Many classeses are "competitor policed" meaning that if you enter an unprepared class, and no one cares to point out or protest that you've got a phase 2 engine; then you're okay to run!

[Sean]

By the letter of the law, if the rules state that a particular mod puts you into a prepared class, then you're in prepared class even if it's the only mod on your car. This usually adds insult to injury, for example getting bumped to modified class in rallycross for adding a cone filter that's useless under 80 MPH.

But, as stated above by Jason, competitors will usually let a mod or two slip if it's a novice getting involved. Chances are you won't be upsetting the points race if it's your first time out, so they'll probably let you slip into a Production class just to get you seat time. Talk it over with event organizers first, but they'll generally let you run if they see that you're genuinely interested in the sport and need a way to get started.

I'd highly recommend getting a rallycross or autocross under your belt before attempting a hillclimb. They recommend roll cages at hillclimbs for a reason. And that same reason is why I've been rallycrossing, autocrossing, and ice racing since 2000 but this will be my first hillclimb season because I just now have a cage and fire suit.

[Sean]

Depending on the swap details, you might be put in a different class, but by no means does it put you in any soft of Prepared class.

Depends on your club. By SCCA rules, a swap bumps you out of stock. If the motor is an update or backdate, you can run STS (Street Touring), a class that was created specifically for cars modified with the standard street weaponry (swaybars, suspension, low profile tires, brakes, etc.).

An update/backdate example would be the fact that an MY98 Impreza OBS comes with 10.2" single pot fronts and rear drums, the MY96 Impreza OBS comes with rear discs, and the MY02 Impreza OBS comes with 10.7" dual pot fronts. So, it's legal to put MY02 front brakes and MY96 rear brakes on an MY98 and be STS legal. It'd also be legal to replace the MY98 EJ22 with the MY02 EJ25 and still be STS legal, as long as the swap was done as a whole motor from an Impreza OBS and not just partial parts.

If your motor is not an update or backdate from the same model line and trim level, you'll be put into SP (Street Prepared) or SM (Street Modified). Either way, no big deal, you're still racing and you're still getting seat time.