1. cam timing
I assume cam timing is "fixed" to factory specs other than what can be changed via the ECU. (i.e. you cannot mechanically advance/retard the intake or exhaust cam.)

2. fuel starvation kits
The rules state that you must run the correct fuel pump for the make/model/year of the vehicle. BUT, you can add a fuel starvation kit. What if the fuel starvation kit is an early E36 fuel pump setup? does that not contradict the above? And if it does, why is it ok to install replacement/aftermarket pumps, but not other stock pumps?

3. brakes
It does not specify, but are bits like brass guide bushings allowed?

4. Windshield wipers. Must remain intact/stock? any modifications allowed?

5. Differential and transmission venting/catch cans?
am I allowed to modify the housing of either? i.e. can I drill the vent hole oversized and tap it so I can install a fitting and run that to a catch can?

I've noticed a lot of diffs *venting* fluid during track sessions. I'd prefer that go into a catch can and not on the back of the car, on the track, etc..

6. Steering rack.
I assume "must be stock for the year/make/model of the vehicle", but it doesn't specify.

7. tires.
I'd love to see a good inexpensive "spec" tire. Possibly even a "good street tire" as opposed to an inexpensive R compound.

6. Steering rack.
I assume "must be stock for the year/make/model of the vehicle", but it doesn't specify.

7. tires.
I'd love to see a good inexpensive "spec" tire. Possibly even a "good street tire" as opposed to an inexpensive R compound.

Micheal, all this stuff has to go to the rules committee otherwise here it's just a discussion that may not go anywhere. I don't have the email address of the committee either. Big help eh? :stickoutt

-Carlos.

I'm not a rules expert, but the intro section on p. 45 does mention wiper blades under the consumable items section. It allows replacement with OEM equivalent but that would imply to me that you can't remove them. I thought it was a "If it doesn't say you can, you can't" system anyway.

P.48 section 4.B specifies that brake bushings must be stock so no brass guide pin bushings.

WRT fuel starvation I'd read the rule as allowing any kit that is comprised of an additional pump or plumbing, not just any kit at all. Basically, the intent seems to be allowing additions to the stock system but not replacing it. Then again, I'm usually a good little boyscout and don't tend to look for 'creative' interpretations ;)

- Bret

Micheal, all this stuff has to go to the rules committee otherwise here it's just a discussion that may not go anywhere. I don't have the email address of the committee either. Big help eh? :stickoutt

-Carlos.
Of course. Rules committee is always the final word. The tire thing was just a "general suggestion". I'm sure plenty of others will disagree with me.

On the steering rack thing, its more of a concern for compliance. With a 13 year old car, especially a BMW, chances are it'll have a power steering leak. :stickoutt When ordering replacement parts, be it a new one, remanufactured, or a junkyard part, how specific do we need to be.

I'm not a rules expert, but the intro section on p. 45 does mention wiper blades under the consumable items section. It allows replacement with OEM equivalent but that would imply to me that you can't remove them. I thought it was a "If it doesn't say you can, you can't" system anyway.
Which brings me to other clarifications. it says that "the original factory wiring harness must be retained, but unused portions of the wiring may be removed." On the wiper front, since the wipers may be used, does this mean the factory wiper switch (on the steering column) must be retained? Or can one mount a switch on the dash that is an on/off swtich for the wipers? the latter would require "modifying" the stock wiring harness and moving a couple wires.

P.48 section 4.B specifies that brake bushings must be stock so no brass guide pin bushings.
I somehow missed that one. Noted. Thanks. :)

WRT fuel starvation I'd read the rule as allowing any kit that is comprised of an additional pump or plumbing, not just any kit at all. Basically, the intent seems to be allowing additions to the stock system but not replacing it. Then again, I'm usually a good little boyscout and don't tend to look for 'creative' interpretations ;)

- Bret
But the TMS fuel starvation kit *IS* the early fuel pumps.
So, it's a "fuel starvation kit" and thus legal, but its also a "not correct for that particular make/model/year" and thus illegal?
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TEN3630010

I don't understand how adding a pump would be legal, but swapping to an older pump/siphon tube would be illegal.

With regard to the wipers. Put it this way, I just gutted the column, thought about it, and re-installed the wiper switch only, and plugged it back in. The rules don't say you can do it, so........

There are a lot of loose ends in the rules that could be addressed but the basic set we have now looks good as a package. I would like to see the rules guys address items not needed like w/s washer bottles, cruise control, horns etc., these items would be a help with min. weights and cost nobody anything. I would like the option to remove the hood and trunk latch in favor of pins and I would also like to see them eliminate or make the ABS optional.

Just me, still happy with what we got...

There are a lot of loose ends in the rules that could be addressed but the basic set we have now looks good as a package. I would like to see the rules guys address items not needed like w/s washer bottles, cruise control, horns etc., these items would be a help with min. weights and cost nobody anything. I would like the option to remove the hood and trunk latch in favor of pins and I would also like to see them eliminate or make the ABS optional.

Just me, still happy with what we got...


Agree, I have numerous parts right now that are off the car that I could sell, but won't until I see things further clarified.

Adding to the list of "things I'd like clarified":
Diff bolt reinforcements. My favorite is the welded bit onto the front of the diff to make the front diff bolt double shear. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499460

As we are gutting our car another few items came to mind: eliminate fender liners, splash panels, exhaust heat shields, and hood insulator pad. Again, these items would not cost anybody and would help with weight. I hope the CR guys follow these threads !!

As we are gutting our car another few items came to mind: eliminate fender liners, splash panels, exhaust heat shields, and hood insulator pad. Again, these items would not cost anybody and would help with weight. I hope the CR guys follow these threads !!

On the few occasions when we do it's not for tidying up the rule book, that's what the clarification and rules change processes are for. Follow those and you will be heard, do it here and you may or may not hear an echo at best.

Regarding the discussion about cleaning things up and questions about what is and is not ok, I HIGHLY recommend using the clarification process which is available for the remainder of this season (2006) as well as for the 2007 rules, especially since people are building cars.

I would also say that those who take liberties on the "it's probably ok" side with SpecE36 are likely to receive little if any tolerance. This is a new series within our program, it is spec. The rules are already clear about what can be done (if it doesn't say you can....) so if you're buidling a car why would you even consider erring on the side of wrong? Makes no sense to me. Tech will be more and more strict as we grow, become more capable, and continue to practice consistent procedures. I would not push if I were you (and that's a general "you").

Regarding the discussion about cleaning things up and questions about what is and is not ok, I HIGHLY recommend using the clarification process which is available for the remainder of this season (2006) as well as for the 2007 rules, especially since people are building cars.



Jack, Thanks for the feedback! As a SCCA guy ( not well versed in CR procedure ) what is the method of clarification? I am not advocating doing things outside of the rules package, just hoping for some additional allowance for these items we have discussed before the start of '07

Jack, Thanks for the feedback! As a SCCA guy ( not well versed in CR procedure ) what is the method of clarification? I am not advocating doing things outside of the rules package, just hoping for some additional allowance for these items we have discussed before the start of '07

Yup, I think most do not wish to violate any rules, it's simply the mindset of a racer in general that finding loopholes and pushing the limits is ok. Our rules are typically not as specifica as say SCCA so the more competitive racers get the more the rules may be, uh, abused. I like to remind people that this is not the point and I would also suggest that those who find loopholes in the SpecE36 rules can expect them to be closed quickly. Best thing is to remember that it's best to ask and be told it's ok rather than do it and get caught for a violation. Better to be conservative rather than liberal here.

You can visit the BMW CCA website and log on. Once you do that you will have a list of options on the left side, here is where you can submit a rules clarification request.

Note under the 2006 Series Information, there is a link for the 2007 rules.

Cheers.