Classification Question

[bearcat94]

Newbie here - sorry if its the wrong forum or a question every other newbie asks.

Considering getting into 1 or both of the remaining local Autocross events. I've never done this before and don't know how to pre-classify my car.

I've read the Self-Classification page, but can't quite sort it out. Any assistance is appreciated.

Car is a 2007 Acura TL Type-S, 5-Speed Auto. Bone Stock Engine, Suspension, Wheels/Tires, etc. No mods at all, except tints.

[bearcat94]

Sorry for the immediate follow up post.

When I go throught the DIY classification, I have "NO" for all answers except:

- Tires Wider Than 225? = YES (Stock 235)
- How Wide Are Your Rims? = 8.0" (Stock)
- Is Your Engine Still Emissions Legal? = YES (Stock)

The car comes Stock with some upgrades compared to base models: stiffer springs/dampers, stiffer/thicker front and rear sway bars, upgraded rotors and calipers, high flow 3rd Cat, etc. But, again, these are all OEM, no special order, right-off- the-lot Stock.

Any help is figuring out the correct Classification is appreciated.

[ccytrader]

bearcat94 said:

Sorry for the immediate follow up post.

When I go throught the DIY classification, I have "NO" for all answers except:

- Tires Wider Than 225? = YES (Stock 235)
- How Wide Are Your Rims? = 8.0" (Stock)
- Is Your Engine Still Emissions Legal? = YES (Stock)

The car comes Stock with some upgrades compared to base models: stiffer springs/dampers, stiffer/thicker front and rear sway bars, upgraded rotors and calipers, high flow 3rd Cat, etc. But, again, these are all OEM, no special order, right-off- the-lot Stock.

Any help is figuring out the correct Classification is appreciated.

Those few 'yes' answers you have apply to various "ST" classes, not stock. So you could run GS with what you have so long as it all came on the car from the factory. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

[bearcat94]

Thanks for the reply. I did find the SCCA classification guide by Make/Model.

That guide puts the TL Type-S in G Stock. However, that may apply to the previous generation Type-S. The current generation is similar to the Infinity G35 Sedan and Lexus IS3xx in performance. Both of those are classed D Stock.

For me, I just want to have a little fun with the car in a safe environment; it really doesn't matter which class it gets put in. But I assume the Classifications are to level the playing field and I would not want to gain an unintended advantage by having the car "under-classified".

[Warp3]

Yep...G-Stock looks right to me (as noted above, those questions are more targeted for the STx category, not stock). And since you are apparently new to autocross, I'd recommending running Novice class, so your class would be NGS (or Novice G-Stock).

FWIW, if you wish to remain in stock, you can do the following mods without being bumped to a higher class:
- Catback exhaust
- Drop-in air filter
- Bolt-up struts / shocks that don't alter ride height and don't have more than 2 separate adjustments
- Front sway bar and endlinks (but no touching the rear bar or endlinks!)
- Alignment (whatever you can get using the unmodified stock hardware)
- Any wheel that is the same diameter and width as stock and within +/- 0.25 inches of the stock offset (i.e. you can go up or down 6mm in offset).
- Any DOT-approved tire that fits the aforementioned stock-class legal wheel.

[Warp3]

bearcat94 said:

That guide puts the TL Type-S in G Stock. However, that may apply to the previous generation Type-S. The current generation is similar to the Infinity G35 Sedan and Lexus IS3xx in performance. Both of those are classed D Stock.

Good point...lemme make sure the SCCA didn't reclass the 2007 TL Type S in a FasTrack somewhere...

Nope...no mention of the Acura TL in the 2007 FasTracks, so it's currently still in G-Stock.

[C4Shane]

BTW - when he says "any DOT approved tire that fits the aforementioned wheels" what he is trying to tell you is that most of those who play in the stock classes get a second set of wheels and mount DOT approved "R-compound" tires. Typically this includes Hoosier A6, Kumho Victoracer V710 or V700, Hankook Ventus, etc. These are really a racing tire, but with a sturdy enough carcass to meet basic DOT requirements (minimum of two tread lines, burst pressure, etc. etc...) Most do not move into these tires (they ain't cheap) until they have had some time on street tires.

Come on out and have fun. You can find me near the second ugliest car in the lot!!! LOL.

[trdriver]

saabstory said:

.

Come on out and have fun. You can find me near the second ugliest car in the lot!!! LOL.

Whats uglier than the Furd?

Jack Mc

[trdriver]

trdriver said:

saabstory said:

.

Come on out and have fun. You can find me near the second ugliest car in the lot!!! LOL.

Whats uglier than the Furd?

Jack Mc

wait..

I think I got it.

you must be planning on bringing the Saab out too.

Cheers,
Jack Mc

[philip1]

this sport is so fun you can have sucess in anything

[trdriver]

philip1 said:

this sport is so fun you can have sucess in anything

and this sport is so successful, you can have fun in anything!

Cheers,
Jack Mc

[C4Shane]

I'd have to agree considering we have had fun in an old Saab and a Fiesta.

[bearcat94]

Thanks, all, for the help.

Looks like I probably won't make this Sunday. :-(

Another household member, who has a stake in the car and is meaner than I am, is, uhmm, shall we say, ..... reluctant.

:-0 (Looking for Gaint Can of Milwaukee's Best to Crash through the Roof)


Maybe a little time to get used to the idea will do the trick. If so, see you at AX#9.

[bogner47]

Use the same thing that my wife makes fun of me for to get you permission:

You are driving the car around cones in a parking lot. You will be the only one in that parking lot. Out of an entire day sitting around said parking lot, you will drive around parking lot for a total of maybe 3 minutes.

If that still doesn't help, at least come on out and see how things run, meet a few people. I know I, for one would be happy to let you ride with me. I'm not fast, and my passenger seat is not comfortable, but just come out!

[tedebayer]

bogner47 said:

I'm not fast, and my passenger seat is not comfortable, but just come out!

Oh, King of Liars.... Shame on you.

Tell the truth...


















Your passenger seat IS comfortable!!!!!!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[markt]

bearcat94 said:

Thanks for the reply. I did find the SCCA classification guide by Make/Model.

That guide puts the TL Type-S in G Stock. However, that may apply to the previous generation Type-S. The current generation is similar to the Infinity G35 Sedan and Lexus IS3xx in performance. Both of those are classed D Stock.

For me, I just want to have a little fun with the car in a safe environment; it really doesn't matter which class it gets put in. But I assume the Classifications are to level the playing field and I would not want to gain an unintended advantage by having the car "under-classified".

Welcome to the SCCA! I would like to give you a short primer on "The Rules" as they come out of Topeka. Any rule or car class must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. It must be convoluted.
B. It must be ambiguous.
III. It must defy logic.(This replaces subsection XXXV2c which was stricken without review, published in FastTrack; see blank space that says "this space blank" that said "It must be illogical")

Got it?

Seriously, come on out Sunday and enjoy the show, meet some folks(your wife can say "Hi" to my wife) and have a blast.

[damnyankee]

bogner47 said:

Use the same thing that my wife makes fun of me for to get you permission:

You are driving the car around cones in a parking lot. You will be the only one in that parking lot. Out of an entire day sitting around said parking lot, you will drive around parking lot for a total of maybe 3 minutes.

If that still doesn't help, at least come on out and see how things run, meet a few people. I know I, for one would be happy to let you ride with me. I'm not fast, and my passenger seat is not comfortable, but just come out!

Reluctantly.........I will ride with you, if you are scared

[bearcat94]

Hi guys. I did not unfortunatly make an event last year. I am determined to make one this spring. But my car has changed. I've posted this in the classing thread in the Novice Section:

" .... I have a 2007 Acura TL Type-S (same as last year). Stock it looks like it would be GS. BUT, I've made some upgrades:

- Throttle Body Spacer and Thermo Gaskets
- Upgraded Rear Sway Bar and Bushings
- Installed H&R Sport Lowering Springs.

All other Engine, Electrical, Catalytic, etc systems are still stock. Tires/Rim size and type are stock.

If I read the DIY and 2008 Rules correctly the mods plus that it is a 3.5L NA Engine, make me STX.

Can someone verify/confirm that is correct?"

ccrscca.proboards51.com/index.cgi?board=new&action=display&thread=1146178916

Any advice is appreciated.

[Warp3]

The throttle body spacer / thermo gaskets I'm not sure about, but the rest is definitely ST legal as long as they are non-metallic bushings.

[bearcat94]

warp3 said:

The throttle body spacer / thermo gaskets I'm not sure about, but the rest is definitely ST legal as long as they are non-metallic bushings.

warp3, thanks.

The Thermo Gaskets are the Throttle Body Spacer Gaskets. Pretty sure the TB Spacer and Gaskets are OK based on this:

".... The air intake system up to, but not including, the engine inlet
may be modified or replaced. The engine inlet is the throttle body,
carburetor, compressor inlet, or intake manifold, whichever
comes first. ...."

On this car it goes Intake-->TB Spacer/Gaskets-->Throttle Body-->Intake Manifold.

The quote is from 2008 rules in the Street Touring Category (Section 14.10) and carries forward for STU and STX.

I am just trying to confirm that I am NOT stock (GS) and that I AM Street Touring (X - based on 3.5L NA Displacement).


Oh, and the RSB Bushings are non-metallic (they're Poly).

[Warp3]

On this car it goes Intake-->TB Spacer/Gaskets-->Throttle Body-->Intake Manifold

Ohhhhhh...most of the TB spacers I've seen go between the TB and the intake manifold. If they are *before* the TB, then they are perfectly fine in STX.

I am just trying to confirm that I am NOT stock (GS) and that I AM Street Touring (X - based on 3.5L NA Displacement).

You are definitely not in G-Stock now and based on the info you've given, STX seems correct (assuming you are on 140+ treadlife tires, which it sounds like you are, and are on 8" or narrower wheels with 245 or narrower tires).

[bearcat94]

Warp3, you are the MAN!! Thanks.

Treadwear Rating >140: 300, check
Rim Width 8" or less: 8 x 17, check
Tires 245 or less: 235, check

I'm good on the classification. Thanks again.

[Warp3]

No problem. ;D