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Thread: SCCA Solo Class Compliance question

  1. #1
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    SCCA Solo Class Compliance question

    Car: 1997 M3 (OBD2)
    Current Class: STR

    Question: Can I install Shorty Headers and stay in Street Touring class?

    As per the 2018 rulebook, page 75, section D:
    Exhaust manifolds, headers, downpipes, and associated EGR tubes may be replaced with alternate units.
    My issue is that installing these headers will eliminate the Secondary Air Pump from being used, since there is not injection port on the headers.

    Section C of the same page states:
    Emissions or engine management components in the air intake system, such as a PCV valve or mass airflow sensor, may not be removed, modified, or replaced, and must retain their original function along the flow path.
    I believe the Secondary air pump is technically an exhaust header component. It simply connects to the air intake system to pull fresh air from it. Personally, I don't believe this makes it part of the air intake system. Here's my conundrum... Installing the headers renders the SAP useless (which I can have tuned/coded out to eliminate the Check Engine light). Is this ok to do within the ST class or is this considered modifying an emissions component? The rules don't state anything about not being able modify emissions equipment in the exhaust path, but then again if something isn't mentioned it's generally accepted as against the rules for the class in question.

    Thanks in advance.

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    The way I worked around this was installing shorty headers that keep the secondary air pump intact. Older BMP and Turner shorties had the holes for the SAP. I found a set used on the forums, worth the money in my opinion.

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    I'd love to find a set, but it's almost impossible nowadays.

    I think I SHOULD be fine seeing as the rules state I can change the exhaust manifolds. Would just like to be sure of course.
    Quote Originally Posted by snakebit8 View Post
    The way I worked around this was installing shorty headers that keep the secondary air pump intact. Older BMP and Turner shorties had the holes for the SAP. I found a set used on the forums, worth the money in my opinion.
    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

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    Quote Originally Posted by LockDots View Post
    but then again if something isn't mentioned it's generally accepted as against the rules for the class in question.
    I think you answered your own question here. But if you want to be 100% sure, ask SCCA: https://www.crbscca.com/

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    $300 to get a rule clarification?! Wtf lol
    Quote Originally Posted by MINIz guy View Post
    I think you answered your own question here. But if you want to be 100% sure, ask SCCA: https://www.crbscca.com/
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    Quote Originally Posted by LockDots View Post
    $300 to get a rule clarification?! Wtf lol

    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
    Oops, that looks like it's for road racing. Last time I either submitted a request/input or asked a question.

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    I'll try that. Thanks. In the meantime I have till about March of next year to find OBD2 shorties.
    Quote Originally Posted by MINIz guy View Post
    Oops, that looks like it's for road racing. Last time I either submitted a request/input or asked a question.
    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

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    The rule you quoted is pretty explicit.
    "Exhaust manifolds, headers, downpipes, and associated EGR tubes may be replaced with alternate units. "

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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    The rule you quoted is pretty explicit.
    "Exhaust manifolds, headers, downpipes, and associated EGR tubes may be replaced with alternate units. "
    Would an SAP be considered EGR? It doesn't exactly recirculate exhaust gases, but it is​ associated I guess.

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    My interpretation is that It could not be removed. Asking for clarification might be good. The headers don't come up often but they do come up and I kept a look out for several months to snag a set.

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    Fair enough, EGR and SAP are two different aspects of emissions controls. Different enough, and the language is specific enough, you may (unlikely) get a favorable answer from SCCA. But....my guess is, that rule is there to discourage removal of any emissions systems. And if you get a yes, you can remove it, the rule will change next year. lol.

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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    Fair enough, EGR and SAP are two different aspects of emissions controls. Different enough, and the language is specific enough, you may (unlikely) get a favorable answer from SCCA. But....my guess is, that rule is there to discourage removal of any emissions systems. And if you get a yes, you can remove it, the rule will change next year. lol.
    lol I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. It's definitely interesting to think about considering ECU tuning is ok, which can remove coding for emissions. Kind of contradictory that you can't mod/remove it physically but disabling electronically is ok. I guess they don't want ST becoming a "weight loss" class like SP and above are.

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    TBH I didn't see any noticeable gains from the Turner shorties I had stumbled upon on ebay.

    I would spend money on getting as much weight out of the car as possible and keeping good rubber on the car.

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    Quote Originally Posted by SLA View Post
    TBH I didn't see any noticeable gains from the Turner shorties I had stumbled upon on ebay.

    I would spend money on getting as much weight out of the car as possible and keeping good rubber on the car.
    I'm not doing it for performance as much as I am for liking the sound really. Barely a noticeable difference but something I liked having in the past with a previous E36 I had. As for weight, I'm hoping to get rid of the vaders and get something lighter like Sparco or Recaro seats and perhaps a lighter battery.

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    Great news, me! Someone reached out to me with a set of OBD2 Turner shorties for sale. Done and done. Screw you, vague SCCA rules!

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    Just wanted to give a heads up to anyone who stumbles across this thread in the future. The SCCA board reviewed my question and included a resolution in February of 2019's Fast Track, seen here: https://www.scca.com/downloads/43728...cross/download

    Street Touring Category
    #25584 Modification Allowance

    Section 14.10.D allows for replacement of the factory exhaust manifold with alternate units. There is no allowance to remove the Secondary Air Pump (SAP) as part of the ST category rule set. However, the SAP may be disconnected from the exhaust manifold while utilizing the allowance for alternate exhaust manifolds. It may be possible to code out any SAP related CELs (Check Engine Lights) utilizing the ECU allowances in 14.10.F.
    In Layman's Terms: Because we're allowed to change our exhaust manifolds in Street Touring, but not remove our Secondary Air Pumps, we can simply leave the SAP's disconnected from the manifolds. Taking care of the Check Engine light associated with doing so is up to us via coding or simulating.

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