Class Question

[MP5_57]

I am wanting more mid range power and I want a header for my car, but the header removes one of the 2 catalytic converters my car has. Would that put me in another class besides STS?

Here is a pic of the header.

[scottgib]

Is it still emissions legal? If not that automatically bumps you out of STS.
The removal of one of the cats would be the same as installing a high flow cat I think and would bump the car to STX, SM, or SP.

BTW these two sites are useful in determining class, but they are not official:

http://www.scca-milwaukee.org/Solo/2004 ... ss2004.pdf
http://www.scca-milwaukee.org/Solo/carm ... cation.pdf

[exhacker]

I thought that in Street Touring, you could remove all catalytic converters except for the last one. And, I think that last "cat" can be moved up to 6" downstream, AND be replaced by a high-flow unit. I would have to double-check the book again.

-x

[scottgib]

The two relevant sections of the rules read:

Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the
header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be
substituted provided the system meets the requirements of 3.5.
Stainless steel heat exchangers are permitted only if the physical
dimensions and configuration remain unchanged. Modifications of
any type, including additions to or removal of, the catalytic converters,
thermal reactors, or any other pollution control devices in
the exhaust system are not allowed and the system must be operable.
Replacement catalytic converters must be OE if the vehicle
has not exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile warranty period as
mandated by the EPA. Converters must be of the same type and
size and used in the same location as the original equipment
converter(s). This does not allow for a high performance unit. If
the vehicle has exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile warranty
period, replacement catalytic converters must be OE-type as per
Section 13.

and

Any and all modifications
must meet or exceed the applicable US DOT emissions standards
for the year, make, and model of the car.

The first exerpt is from the stock class rules that applies also to STS, and the second is from the STS section. STS cars must follow stock rules unless specifically mentioned in the STS section.

[thrdeye]

sounds like stx fer you

[MARKP]

sounds like stx fer you

I don't know if removing a cat is even legal in STX. We need someone with a rulebook handy, again. I know part of the philosophy behind STS and STX was to basically create a class similar to what you have in SP but keep it emmissions legal so you could drive your car to the events without breaking the law.

[thrdeye]

Since the WRX has 3 cats stock...I've done a little research on the subject.

In STX you have to have at least 1 cat.

It can be hi-flow, but has to be mounted within 6 inches of the original location of the last cat in the system.

[scottgib]

The way I read it, you can change to one high flow cat, but you still have to meet:

"Any and all modifications
must meet or exceed the applicable US DOT emissions standards
for the year, make, and model of the car."

Removing a cat and leaving one original cat would not likely meet this requirement.

SM is a nice class.

[thrdeye]

That would be hard to govern.

Speaking from the WRX point of view. I've heard many instanced where the car has passed emissions with just one cat. Won't pass visual.

Also, how do you find out what your US DOT emissions standards are?

I still think he will be fine in STX.

Either way it really doesn't matter.....he'll have to deal with Gebster and Cliff(STX) or the Tiger, Pilson and Visshus(SM).

[MARKP]

Either way it really doesn't matter.....he'll have to deal with Gebster and Cliff(STX) or the Tiger, Pilson and Visshus(SM).

Yeah, there's some new guy that has started showing up in SM that ran FTD at the last event. Can't remember his name though...

[scottgib]

Yeah that fast new guy looks just like some slow driver that used to date Mish!