The 'What the hell is the Blue Book on about?' thread
Discussion
There have been a number of threads (including mine) about starting club racing and sprinting/hill climbing. A recurrent theme in these has been questions regarding what the Blue Book in fact means with a regulation - because as 'bibles' go, it is pretty ambiguously worded in places.
Whilst this may be an opportunity to the next Colin Chapman, to someone starting out, a bit of prescriptive guidance is equally helpful to be honest!
So this is an opportunity for newbies to ask questions, and for the more wisened members to share their experience!
I will open the batting with Section S 11.7.1 - Specific Regulations for Roadgoing Series Production Cars
The book states 'The suspension type and mountings must remain the same as that fitted by the vehicle manufacturer'.
My reading of this does not preclude the use of strut braces. However....in section 11.3 it says 'Roll cages must not accept or assist any direct suspension loads'.
Now I know a suspension brace is not a roll cage - and that is what it is specifically referring to. However, would it be in the same spirit as it is an additional part assisting the suspension, and therefore prohibited? Or is the literal interpretation of 'roll cage' the one to go with on that?
Just don't want to go wasting my money!
Whilst this may be an opportunity to the next Colin Chapman, to someone starting out, a bit of prescriptive guidance is equally helpful to be honest!
So this is an opportunity for newbies to ask questions, and for the more wisened members to share their experience!
I will open the batting with Section S 11.7.1 - Specific Regulations for Roadgoing Series Production Cars
The book states 'The suspension type and mountings must remain the same as that fitted by the vehicle manufacturer'.
My reading of this does not preclude the use of strut braces. However....in section 11.3 it says 'Roll cages must not accept or assist any direct suspension loads'.
Now I know a suspension brace is not a roll cage - and that is what it is specifically referring to. However, would it be in the same spirit as it is an additional part assisting the suspension, and therefore prohibited? Or is the literal interpretation of 'roll cage' the one to go with on that?
Just don't want to go wasting my money!
Don't you just love it - they don't call it the 'blur book' for nothing. 
Wrt your questions - suspension must remain the same type as OE and use the original mounting points. So for example, you couldn't replace leaf springs with coils, but you can replace non-adjustable dampers with adjustable ones including coilovers.
The second point refers to extending a roll cage to the chassis in such a way that it adds rigidity to the shell. Fitment of strut braces is fine - I have them both front and rear.
Wrt your questions - suspension must remain the same type as OE and use the original mounting points. So for example, you couldn't replace leaf springs with coils, but you can replace non-adjustable dampers with adjustable ones including coilovers.
The second point refers to extending a roll cage to the chassis in such a way that it adds rigidity to the shell. Fitment of strut braces is fine - I have them both front and rear.
There is a specific mention of strut braces in the road going production rules somewhere if my memory serves me, stating they're allowed but must not be adjustable (confusing in itself as the adjustable types make sod all difference and the adjustment is only there to help with fitment IMO).
Struts/dampers and springs can all be changed and upgraded to coilovers, but the top mounts must be retained as per the original type (I.e. No spherical mounts where rubber is OE). Although I am aware that some clubs have taken a relaxed approach on this in the past...
There's plenty of room for interpretation! Just keep within the spirit of the rules, don't go too far and you should be ok! I managed to build a very successful class winning car without flying close to the sun; I think you'll find that many of the record holding cars in road going tread a very fine line!
Struts/dampers and springs can all be changed and upgraded to coilovers, but the top mounts must be retained as per the original type (I.e. No spherical mounts where rubber is OE). Although I am aware that some clubs have taken a relaxed approach on this in the past...
There's plenty of room for interpretation! Just keep within the spirit of the rules, don't go too far and you should be ok! I managed to build a very successful class winning car without flying close to the sun; I think you'll find that many of the record holding cars in road going tread a very fine line!
With the suspension rule:
Would something like this be ok or not?
http://www.customcages.co.uk/Rollcage/LoadRollCage...
its the second cheapest Puma cage you can get but also the most substantial and the most difficult to fit. Only their "clubman" cage is cheaper but if I'm gonna fit one I may as well go the whole hog!
Would something like this be ok or not?
http://www.customcages.co.uk/Rollcage/LoadRollCage...
its the second cheapest Puma cage you can get but also the most substantial and the most difficult to fit. Only their "clubman" cage is cheaper but if I'm gonna fit one I may as well go the whole hog!
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