General SCCA Solo Classing Rules

Auto-X Rules: Read this first, then ask questions.

Quick Reference:
Stock Evo X: B Stock
No engine modifications, boost, street tires, etc.: STU
Engine mods: ASP or SM
*Disclaimer* This is not a guarantee for each car. Please read all rules and ask for clarification if you have questions afterwards.

This is a summary of important SCCA Auto-X (Solo) rules, listing which popular mods are allowed in which class. It should answer the most common questions, but it does not replace the Official rule book, which contains the full details for all the points mentioned here, plus many more rules.

Classes

Which class you are running in is decided by the car you drive, plus a category depending on the modifications you make to your car. With increasing levels of modifications, a logical progression is from Stock category (cars with no or minimal modifications) up to Street Touring, Street Prepared, then Street Modified. There are categories beyond Street Modified (Prepared, Modified) that are not within the scope of this document.

One essential principle is common to all the rules: If a modification is not explicitly authorized by the rules, it is not allowed, no matter how trivial it seems.

Stock Rules

The following modifications are allowed in stock class:
• Appearance, comfort and convenience options, e. g. gauges, alarms, turbo timers, shift knobs.
• Removal of spare tire, tools and jack.
• Harness (seat belts cannot be removed), must be DOT approved.
• Any DOT approved tires (see rules for restrictions), including R-compounds, of any size (no modification of fender well, no rolling fenders, removing liners, tires can’t rub a hole into the liner either).
• Wheels (stock size only, offset within 0.25"/6mm of stock).
• Wheel spacers (resulting offset within 0.25"/6mm of stock).
• Lug nuts.
• Brake pads, speed bleeders.
• Shocks that maintain stock ride height, can be adjustable. See rule book for details!
• Front or rear sway bar, but not both.
• Different alignment using factory adjustments (no camber bolts).
• Spark plugs.
• Air filter element can be removed or replaced.
• Cat-back exhaust.

STU Rules

All modifications from the Stock rules are allowed, except for:
• Wheels of any width (tire width limited to 245 for AWD vehicles and with a tread wear rating of 140 or higher).

All modifications from the ST* rules are allowed. In addition, the following modifications are allowed:

Weight reduction/transfer
• Remove air conditioning.

Interior
• Pedal covers.
• Seat (fully upholstered seating surface, Seat + brackets & sliders must weight at least 25 lbs).

Exterior
• Removal of factory emblems (debadging).
• Rolling of inside fender lip.
• Addition of body kits.
• Surface area of all splitters, spoilers and rear wing (see 12.9) shall not
exceed 5 square feet in sum total. Substitution of rear spoilers or
wings must retain any original third brake light functionality unless
otherwise equipped. No under-body panels may be added or
substituted. The drilling of holes for the purpose of mounting these
pieces is permitted.

Brakes
• Cross drilled and/or slotted brake rotors (standard size).
• Brake lines, e. g. stainless steel.
• Air ducts for brakes.
• Disabled ABS (not removed).
• Brake rotors (diameter equal or larger than factory, ferrous or aluminum alloy).
• Brake calipers (original attachment point).
• Brake dust shield modifications to accommodate alternate rotors and calipers.

Suspension
• Shocks (fewer restrictions than stock). No electronic adjustment!
• Springs (can be height adjustable, e. g. coilovers).
• Any suspension bushings, non-metallic.
• Any differential mount bushings, non-metallic.
• Any subframe mount bushings, non-metallic.
• Adjustable camber plates (caster adjustment allowed).
• Camber bolts.
• Adjustable front control arms (only if no front camber plates or camber bolts are used). Must have non-metallic bushings, spherical bearings are not allowed.
• Adjustable rear lateral links (only if no rear camber plates or camber bolts are used). Must have non-metallic bushings, spherical bearings are not allowed.
• Rear sway bar, mounts, end links
• Strut bars (not triangulated).
• LSD may be modified or replaced.

Power
• Uppipe (can be catless).
• Air Intake.
• Headers.
• Reprogrammed ECU or piggyback that controls ignition and fuel by modifying inputs to ECU.
• Short-throw shifter.
• Crankshaft and accessory pulleys.
• Engine mounts (non-metallic).
• Any high flow catalytic converter(s) are allowed, but must attach within six inches of the original unit. Multiple catalytic converters may be replaced by a single unit. The inlet of the single replacement converter may be located no further downstream than 6" along the piping flow path from the original exit of the final OE converter.
• ECU reprogramming. Map must have unaltered factory boost maps.
• No changes to boost control are permitted.

ASP Rules

All modifications from the STU rules are allowed, except for:
• Removal of factory emblems (debadging).
• Body kits (only front and rear spoiler allowed).
• Non-standard brake rotors and calipers.
• Front control arms and rear lateral links.

In addition, the following modifications are allowed:
• Some updating/backdating with parts from different model years, see rule book for details.
• Modification (e. g. rolling, cutting) of fenders for tire clearance. Adding of fender flares.
• Seat (fully upholstered seating surface).
• Remove seatbelt for replacement with harness that meets safety restrictions.
• Any steering wheel.
• Front spoiler.
• Rear spoiler.
• Removal of radio/stereo.
• Any DOT approved tires (see rules for restrictions), including R-compounds, of any size.
• Wheels of any size and offset.
• Cross drilled and/or slotted brake rotors (ferrous, standard size, no two-piece).
• Brake cylinder.
• Fuel injectors and pump.
• Intercooler (including hoses).
• Intake water injection.
• Turbo-back exhaust (no cats required).
• Clutch (metal).
• Flywheel (metal).
• Shifter and shift linkage, e. g. short throw shifter.
• Transmission mounts (non-metallic).
• Differentials.
• Standalone engine management for non-turbo car.
• Boost controls may be used, but hardware must be stock.
• Port matching (see rule book).

Street Modified (SM) Rules

Consult the rule book for details of the Street Modified rules. Street Modified inherits all allowances from Street Touring and Street Prepared. The following does not attempt to list all additional modifications that are legal in this class, it just lists a few popular mods that are common in Street Modified, but not allowed in Stock, Street Touring or Street Prepared:
• Certain replaced body parts: e. g. carbon fiber hood, fenders.
• Removed rear seats.
• Suspension control arms, lateral and trailing links.
• Metal bushings, subframe bushings.
• Different/updated turbo.
• Blow-off valve.
• Intercooler water spray.
• Any kind of boost control (MBC, EBC).
• Any other changes to boost control, like the popular resistor mod.
• Standalone engine management.
• Internal engine modifications.
• Engine transplant with different Mitsubishi engine.
• Different/updated transmission.
• Steering rack.

Beyond Street Modified

Consult the rule book for Prepared and Modified categories. The following list is just a reminder of a few popular mods that are not allowed in Stock, Street Touring, Street Prepared or Street Modified, they will put you into Prepared/Modified classes where you will be competing with race cars:
• Replaced body parts not allowed in SM; including cf trunk
• Weight reduction not explicitly allowed in SM: e. g. gutted interior, removed heater, wipers, lights.
• Tires that are not DOT approved (racing slicks).
• Braces other than strut tower braces: triangulated braces (V-braces), lower arm braces.

Not Allowed In Any Class

The following are not allowed in any class:
• Nitrous (bottles not allowed on event sites for safety reasons).

Common Questions
• Why is my XYZ mod illegal? I ran with it all year, and tech never said anything!
Tech inspection is only responsible for checking if your car is safe. Properly classing your car is your own responsibility. Unless somebody files a protest, nobody will check if you have illegal mods for your class. Even if nobody ever protests, many people think that running with illegal mods is unfair and shows a lack of respect for your fellow competitors.

OK, so once you’ve done your research, and still don’t know the answer to a question let’s ask it here. This way, we can keep a running document so that others in the future can reference this. I may have left things out, and there probably are errors, so please let me know if you see anything and I will change it.

Again, if a modification is not explicitly authorized by the rules, IT IS NOT ALLOWED, no matter how trivial it seems. Now there are “creative” interpretations to some rules, but you should try and follow the “spirit” of the rule.

Additional Resources

Official rule book (available for download) (http://scca.org/Solo/Index.asp?IdS=00FE3B-2471600&x=050|070&~=)
FasTrack (official SCCA publication containing latest rule changes) (http://scca.org/Garage/Index.asp?IdS=017504-E43DA90&x=090|005&~=)
Solo information on SCCA web site (http://www.scca.org/)
SCCA Forums (message boards) (http://www.sccaforums.com/)

Good idea. Should I sticky this?

Yes, please. :)

Done

Looks like some re-classing is in the mix...

http://www.scca.com/documents/Fastrack/08/08-fastrack-oct-bod.pdf

Yeah, this and next month have the potential to throw a lock of stuff in the air. Should be interesting to see how it all settles out...

All I know is that I'm now allowed to go back to STS.

I'm holding off until next month:

Allegedly, the SEB made a mistake in sending some things to the BOD, and the BOD, as usual, made a blanket approval without knowing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Wynveen on SCCAforums
Before everyone's blood pressure spikes and we've got a bunch of heart attacks, I'll state there are a few (maybe more than a few) mistakes in what got passed to the BOD for approval. Certainly, if you previously saw in the Solo section of the FT that something was being passed to the BOD for approval, than it is probably correct. A few things (items 8 & 9 jump out at me) were not yet SEB approved and got mistakenly passed on for BOD approval.

This is not to say those items won't ultimately get passed on for approval, but we were waiting until after Nationals to get more data and make some final decisions. There are a bunch of teleconferences this week to discuss these things. All I can say at this point is those, and perhaps a few other things were not approved. So, please hang tight and watch for some sort of correction on what should have been passed to the BOD for approval. The SEB and committees will be working hard to get the correct information out there ASAP.

Sorry for the panic!

-Steve Wynveen

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Isley BS RX8 - on the SoCal Solo Message Board
A good portion of the Solo content is incorrect. Somehow the BoD took the out for member comment list and approved it. Look for a correction - hopefully soon.

Well...the only thing making me not quite legal for STS is my MSP front brake kit.

what class would a completely stock evo x mr be in? the tires are 245 width and 8.5" wide wheels?:confused2:

As of the May 2008 FastTrack:

TECH BULLETINS
2. Stock: the following new listings, effective immediately upon publication, have been recommended by the SAC and approved
by the SEB:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X A Stock

The stock wheel size for the Evo X is the stock Enkei/BBS wheel on the Evo X is 18x8.5 with an offset of +38. In stock class you can deviate up to +/- 6mm on the offset, any DOT Legal tire is acceptable and you have to keep the stock rim size.

ok thanks

thanks so much for letting me know, id fit into A stock. i have one other question, i want to remove the badging on my trunk just for a cleaner look. would anyone protest this, the car is 3,600 lbs, its not like id experience any benefit?

At the local level, no, esp. if you're not competitive. If you start winning, it may be an issue.

well, im pretty slow, so dont need to worry about winning.

Per the SCCA changes over the winter, the Evo is now in B Stock.

Guess a tune puts me in STU period since boost is altered,

Might as well keep the cat off...

I think when you alter boost it throws you into BSP but I need to check the BSP...

STX Rules

All modifications from the STS rules are allowed. In addition, the following modifications are allowed:
• Tires up to 245 width.
• Wheels up to 8.0" width.
• Brake rotors (diameter equal or larger than factory, ferrous or aluminum alloy).
• Brake calipers (original attachment point).
• Brake dust shield modifications to accomodate alternate rotors and calipers.
• Uppipe (can be catless).
• LSD may be added.
• Turbo-back exhaust. Must contain at least one (high-flow) cat placed not more than 6" after the original exit of the last factory cat.
• ECU reprogramming. Map must have unaltered factory boost maps.
• Piggyback, see STS. No changes to boost control are permitted.

STU Rules

All modifications from the STX rules are allowed. In addition, the following modifications are allowed:
• Wheels of any width (tire width still limited to 245 for AWD vehicles).

Street Prepared Rules (BSP, CSP, DSP, FSP)

All modifications from the STU rules are allowed, except for:
• Removal of factory emblems (debadging).
• Body kits (only front and rear spoiler allowed).
• Non-standard brake rotors and calipers.
• Front control arms and rear lateral links.

In addition, the following modifications are allowed:
• Some updating/backdating with parts from different model years, see rule book for details.
• Modification (e. g. rolling, cutting) of fenders for tire clearance. Adding of fender flares.
• Seat (fully upholstered seating surface).
• Remove seatbelt for replacement with harness that meets safety restrictions.
• Any steering wheel.
• Front spoiler.
• Rear spoiler.
• Removal of radio/stereo.
• Any DOT approved tires (see rules for restrictions), including R-compounds, of any size.
• Wheels of any size and offset.
• Cross drilled and/or slotted brake rotors (ferrous, standard size, no two-piece).
• Brake cylinder.
• Fuel injectors and pump.
• Intercooler (including hoses).
• Intake water injection.
• Turbo-back exhaust (no cats required).
• Clutch (metal).
• Flywheel (metal).
• Shifter and shift linkage, e. g. short throw shifter.
• Transmission mounts (non-metallic).
• Differentials.
• Standalone engine management for non-turbo car.
• Boost controls may be used, but hardware must be stock (Unichip).

Boost controls may be used, but hardware must be stock...

A reflash is stock hardware

Boost controls may be used, but hardware must be stock...

A reflash is stock hardware

Correct.

So I'm reading boost control as changing boost, is that wrong?

No, you are correct. In fact, reading this, since I have a MBC on my VIII, that means I have to change to Street Modified.

Guess a tune puts me in STU period since boost is altered,

Might as well keep the cat off...
STX, STU – Any high flow catalytic converter(s) are allowed, but must
attach within six inches of the original unit. Multiple catalytic converters
may be replaced by a single unit. The inlet of the single replacement
converter may be located no further downstream than 6" along the
piping flow path from the original exit of the final OE converter.

changing the boost BY ANY METHOD puts you into BSP at the very least and is not STU legal.

To clarify goofygrin:

F. The engine management system parameters and operation may be
modified only via the methods listed below. Any and all modifications
must meet or exceed the applicable EPA tailpipe emissions standards
for the year, make, and model of the car. These allowances also apply
to forced induction cars, except that no changes to standard boost
levels, intercoolers, or boost controls are permitted. Boost changes
indirectly resulting from allowed modifications are permissible, but
directly altering or modifying the boost or turbo controls, either
mechanically or electronically, is strictly prohibited.

1. Reprogrammed ECU (via hardware and/or software) may be used in
the standard housing. Traction control parameters may not be
altered. Altered engine controllers may not alter boost levels in
forced induction engines. Alternate software maps which violate
these restrictions may not be present during competition, regardless
of activation.

2. Electronic components may be installed in-line between an engine’s
sensors and ECU. These components may alter the signal coming
from the sensor in order to affect the ECU’s operation of engine
management system. Example: fuel controllers that modify the signal
coming from an airflow sensor.

3. Fuel pressure regulators may be replaced in lieu of electronic
alterations to the fuel system. It is not permitted to electronically
modify the fuel system AND replace a fuel pressure regulator.

4. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory adjustable
distributor ignition systems.

5. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the
timing of factory standard electronic variable valve timing systems.

6. All vehicles must comply with the EPA tailpipe emissions test
requirements as a minimum.

I'm not sure what you're clarifying.

If you set the boost to be greater than stock with a MBC, EBC or the ECU then it isn't allowed. If boost creep happens because you have some weird exhaust setup (like STi's have happen) then that's allowed.

That's all that's saying.

changing the boost BY ANY METHOD puts you into BSP at the very least and is not STU legal.

I'm not sure what you're clarifying.

If you set the boost to be greater than stock with a MBC, EBC or the ECU then it isn't allowed. If boost creep happens because you have some weird exhaust setup (like STi's have happen) then that's allowed.

That's all that's saying.


By any method? like boost creep? She's helping clarify... Decaf!

Goofy is correct. You can tune the car and stay in STU, but if you change any boost maps, it is illegal.

Will you be caught? Probably not, but it is expected that you class yourself correctly.

you don't "build in" boost creep it just happens.

sheesh.

I was building my project car for drag racing but over the last year I'm thinking more of setting it up for auto-X / road racing . After 2 years of building I really want to make sure I enjoy the car for a while !

Well, you live in an area with fairly easy access to both excellent autox and track options. If you are tuned for BSP, it should be simple enough to transfer to road racing, unless you are trying to build for a specific class there. I'd probably stay away from R-comps until you feel confident in your skills and then decide whether to go with autox or track specific tires.

you don't "build in" boost creep it just happens.

sheesh.

What you understand and what other people may understand are two different things. BY ANY MEANS can mean intentional or UN-intentional. Just as the SCCA rules are specific and, to some, overly complicated, they are definitely not ambiguous.

There was a time in SCCA, iirc most of the 90's, where CAT-back exhausts were not permitted on turbo'd cars just because it altered the boost profile. Well they were permitted, but that modification would move a car out of stock class.

Curiious that modified exhaust systems are allowed now even when it is known to change boost profiles while the rules are pretty specific that boost cannot be changed.

And trust me - if you're running at a National event and aren't legal, someone will protest you - especially if you are close to winning something. Then it's up to the SCCA Technical Staff to instrument your car and find if it is legal or not, which they are very good at.

However most local club events are much more laid-back. Just a bunch of car-crazy folks having fun. Safely.

I think blow off valves are allowed in BSP

You can adjust MIVEC, Timing, and AFR in STU, you just can't change the factory boost curve. Nobody would know if you did, but there's plenty of power without changing it.

It should be noted that although water injection is allowed in BSP, it has to be plain H2O, no washer fluid or HEET with methanol in it.



The 2010 Mitsubishi Tune makes 40whp more than the 2008 tune. I'd assume you can have your dealer update your 2008 tune and still run "Stock"

You should get rid of the ST/STS stuff that doesn't apply to Evos. Or maybe bold everything and keep that in plain or smaller font. Evo's can't run ST, STS, or STX

Actually, we should update this per the 2010 rules.

Updated, let me know if anything is missing or should be added.

Is running in STU really better than B Stock?
It seems you can run 265s if B Stock, but only 245s in STU.
What gives you the EVO the better edge
Some extra torque with MIVEC tunining, or the wider tire?

Is running in STU really better than B Stock?
It seems you can run 265s if B Stock, but only 245s in STU.
What gives you the EVO the better edge
Some extra torque with MIVEC tunining, or the wider tire?
B Stock is just that, stock. You can only change the front sway bar and your shocks, but not springs. In exchange you can run R-compound tires on stock wheel sizes.
In this class, the Evo runs against the likes of:
Pontiac Solstice GXP
Subaru STI
Chevrolet Corvette
Honda S2000
Porsche Boxster S

If you change your springs, put on coilovers, an intake, swap wheels, any change along those lines, you are out of stock class. At that point, you start looking at STU or BSP.

General Solo Classing Rules

BSP Rules

All modifications from the STU rules are allowed, except for:
• Cross drilled and/or slotted brake rotors (ferrous, standard size, no two-piece).



I was just reading through the rule book and am wondering where it says no two-piece rotors?

From the Street Prepared rules:

D. Alternate brake rotors are permitted, subject to the following restrictions:
1. Rotors must be ferrous metal except for standard parts. Aluminum
rotor hats are allowed. Rotor dimensions (diameter and thickness)
must be equal to or greater than standard parts. Cars originally
equipped with solid (non-vented) rotors may utilize vented rotors.
2. Cross-drilled and/or slotted brake rotors may be used. Slots/holes
are permitted only in the braking area of the rotor. Rotors featuring
a drum-type parking brake in the hat area of the rotor may not be
drilled or slotted in the parking brake area.

When it comes to SCCA Solo Rules, the general guidance is that unless the rules explicitly allow you to do something, its illegal. In this case, cars that come with two-piece rotors are allowed to use upgraded versions of the same. Or you can write a letter asking to have the rules changed.

I understand that. And your posts have been very helpful. I hope you didn't take my question personally.

It more stemmed from the fact that the wording explicitly permits alternate brake rotors, as long as they are limited to the listed restrictions. As far as I can tell, two-piece rotors aren't in violation of those restrictions?

Or are you saying that two-piece rotors wouldn't be considered an "alternate" brake rotor and instead a "new" or "upgraded" brake rotor?

Nope, no offense taken at all. SCCA Solo rules generally define alternate as OEM equivalent in design with the listed allowances. Where this become an issue is for very old vehicles, but this does not affect the X. Do you have an example of the brakes that you are considering?

Yeah, I was thinking about getting the girodisc 2 piece.

Now I'm trying to figure out if I would be allowed to run the MR two-piece, and if so, if the girodisc would be considered an alternate to the MR's.

In theory, if the MR is on the same line as the GSR, then you should be able to run the MR brakes. And AFAIK, that is the case.

I have a Perrin 3 port boost controller. Currently at 26psi so that bumps me into the BSP class. If I get a retune for stock boost would I be good for STU? Or does the fact that I have a boost controller automatically keep me in BSP? No matter what pressure I'm running.
We can run R compound tires in STU correct? They just have to be 245.

^^ I'm pretty sure that you can't run r-compound in STU. But as you said, any boost mods automatically bump you into bsp. Especially if you're not using the stock hardware.

Actually, even BSP requires you have the stock boost control solenoids. However, rules don't say you have to use them. So people just leave them on the car and disconnect them and run other boost controllers. It's a goofy system.

Nope, no R-comps in STU. Locally, I would imagine you shouldn't have a problem running STU if you are running a stock retune. Nationally, not so sure.

STU is tough nationally. BSP seems to be a good fit for the evo. I'll be running SM next season. Should be good locally, but nationally tough as well.

Looks like we just got bumped to ASP

http://www.scca.com:8080/assets/11-fastrack-nov-solo.pdf

Under STU on the first page of this thread it mentions body kits are allowed. One of the guys at my last autocross told me this is no longer true. Aftermarket body kits are no longer allowed on STU cars. It has to be purchased from and installed by the dealer and be a U.S. spec part. I technically have to take off my vortex generator to run STU.

The stock class mentions a harness can be used so does that mean we can install a harness bar?

I know harness bars are legal in STU. As for the VGs I'd just leave them on unless you make it to nationals then someone might complain. but locally i doubt anyone would care. Especially when they probably, if anything, are worse for the aerodynamics of the X.

Hey, are 275's allowed in BSP?

Hey, are 275's allowed in BSP?

any tire (and wheel) width, so yes

fyi 2012 Evo X's will be ASP ;)

any tire (and wheel) width, so yes

fyi 2012 Evo X's will be ASP ;)

Thanks

I just read the 2011 rulebook, and it says evo 3-10 will be BSP

What's different about ASP then BSP?

Thanks

I just read the 2011 rulebook, and it says evo 3-10 will be BSP

What's different about ASP then BSP?

we'll be competing against higher-level cars

each class has a - I don't know the "official" word for it - "sub-class".

For example -
only Street Prepared+ allows coilovers. A Toyota Camry and an Evo X has coils, making them Street Prepared - but the Evo X is in A-class and the Camry in...well idk, D or lower; you get the idea

ironic, apparently the STi got to stay in BSP - even SCCA officials thinks the Evo performs that much better

I'm still anxiously awaiting the 2012 rulebook as well, but I don't expect many changes. so far my SSP-TX sponsored car is 90% ready for the 2012 season ;)

Oh well. Time to pwn some different cars.

Oh well. Time to pwn some different cars.

depending on your region, you might go un-contested lol. ASP is getting into expensive cars, and some areas I've seen - the Porsche's, Vette's, etc stay stock or ST since they're already so expensive ;)

Well the vettes in my area are either all stock and they suck, or are SS class still suck. Haha

Any idea what class my car would be in? I didnt see anything about fuel type.

Any idea what class my car would be in? I didnt see anything about fuel type.

I think the built engine and upgraded turbo would put you in at least Street Modified

I think the built engine and upgraded turbo would put you in at least Street Modified

:+1:

I think a pontiac sky was placed like second in nationals in BSP. Evo's do well because soo many people auto-x them. It's not that it's really that superior of a car to an STI (except it is). But it isn't enough, in terms of suspension geometry and other factors, to warrant the upgrade to A where it will be competing with cars way out of its class. You're basically getting screwed because you have an evo. However, at least you can feel cool having an A class car.

A bunch of the current ASP cars are moving to Super Stock at the same time, i.e., Lotus.

I just looked over the National 2011 competitors in ASP and ASP-L, and every single car that was entered last year in ASP/ASP-L was bumped to SSP. Thus the 2011 top finishers in BSP would have finished in the same positions in the new ASP.