Classification Help

[L8APEX]

I have been autocrossing for several years with the NY chapter of BMWCCA where we used a classification system that was not based on the SCCA system.  Now that I have moved to Virginia I need help with classifying my car.  

It is a 1987 BMW 325es modified with H&R sport springs, Bilstein sport shocks, Conforti chip.  I have been running Falken Azenis RT-615 tires (200 treadware) on stock basketweaves.  After looking at the rules it seems that this car should be in ST except that it has a LSD which was standard on "es" models.  If not ST than G Stock except that the H&R springs are not "standard".  

So where do I fit?  Can anyone clarify this for me?  Thanks for the help.

[skinsfn36]

I'm also a little confused on my class, which I would like to figure out before March 22   

2006 Honda Civic Si
-Intake
-Header (catless)
-Exhaust
-Tune
-Honda Factory Performance Suspension

[skinsfn36]

I think I'm STX right?

[blue06civic]

I haven't read the rules, but I think a chip/tune would take you out of ST classes?  You may be in Street Modified with the chip/tune.  My advice is to not worry too much about the class you are running in.  You'll have an idea of who you should be able to be quicker than which will give you something to aim for.

[L8APEX]

Thanks for the comments.  The rules I have seen allows reporgramming the ECU in Street Touring.  I thought that would allow the chip.  Does anyone know if that is true?

[pipefitter]

Without the rules in front of me I'm not sure, but I thought that changing computer parameters on turbo engines would bump you to SM, not NA ones. I'm thinking the BMW would be ST, F/SP,or D/SP. The Honda sounds ok for STX, or C/SP, but I need to look at the rules.

[L8APEX]

I'm the guy with the 325es and the rules say that reprogramming is ok by software or hardware in the original housing.  So I was thinking the chip is legal for ST.  This is a non-turbo engine. 

My original concern was with the LSD.  If it was stock from the factory does that make it OK for ST?  Looking at the type of cars that run in ST, my car would seem to fit based on my practical experience.

[pipefitter]

As long as that posi is stock, I'm all but sure it's legal. In fact haven't some Mini's had Quaifes installed in them? They may have been in STX, though.

[Conemasher]

Both would be in STX.

[pipefitter]

Why would the BMW be in STX?

[Conemasher]

From ST Rule Set:

Coupes/Sedans - 4 seats minimum except sports car-based
Engine size (maximum)
- 3.1L normally aspirated or
- small turbo/supercharged engines specifically listed
No Limited Slip Differentials except standard viscous-types
STS Rules (14.0 thru 14.10)

*I'm 99% sure the 325es LSD is mechanical and not viscous

Anyone know for sure?

[Mugami]

As long as that posi is stock, I'm all but sure it's legal. In fact haven't some Mini's had Quaifes installed in them? They may have been in STX, though.

I have no Quaife. Its a Phantom Grip and yes I Run in STX

Dont know if i can bring the MINI out for the first event. Thanks to the construction on 295. I have to replace the windshield, Exhaust some tie rod ends and other misc. parts.

Of course I welcome the thought of someone running with me in STX.
Then again I may have to bring out the Jetta from Time to Time so I can Defened my Maque.

[ccann26]

  Im not so clear on this either I guess i need to do some reading . I thought it was just raising boost levels or changing mechanical parts for power upgrades that bumped you up .

[L8APEX]

Thanks for all the responses.  Being new to the area I am looking for a place to Autocross and this seems like a real friendly group. 

But, it sure looks like I got the wrong car for this classification system if I gotta run in STX.  I know from years of auto-Xing that my 23 year old, eta-engined car is no match for an E30 M3, Integra R, RX-8 or WRX turbo.  But, hey, everyone needs a challenge, right!

Hope to see you guys soon.

[ahamos]

The system is kind of funny/broken in what it rewards and what it punishes.  But competing systems generally fare no better.

DSP is custom-tailored for E30 325i's.  If they show up, my co-driver and I lose by multiple seconds.  But DSP is where Spec Miatas are placed.  A 45mm-restrictor-plate Miata running against JCW Mini Cooper S's, Mazdaspeed3's, and big Bavarian sedans?  But them's the breaks.

STX and SM are the wild west of Autocross.  You can always class higher, if you want:  the same rules for STX will allow you to run in Street Prepared, if you're crazy enough to want the penalty (and some people actually DO, if only for the chance of a class-win).

[Conemasher]

Thanks for all the responses.  Being new to the area I am looking for a place to Autocross and this seems like a real friendly group.  

But, it sure looks like I got the wrong car for this classification system if I gotta run in STX.  I know from years of auto-Xing that my 23 year old, eta-engined car is no match for an E30 M3, Integra R, RX-8 or WRX turbo.  But, hey, everyone needs a challenge, right!

Hope to see you guys soon.

I read on some other Bimmer forums with experienced posters. Diff is a clutch type and thereby you would be in STX for sure. Bright side is the Civics locally are usually faster than STX, so You'll probably do better there anyway. (No offense Tony  )

This thread was the clearest..

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1393688

[Mugami]

none taken.

[L8APEX]

So it looks like STX is the place for me.  I think the best thing to do is to get to a few events and see how it goes.  The point is to have fun and wear out some tires.

[Mugami]

  The point is to have fun and wear out some tires.

you mean people do this for other reasons than that

[pipefitter]

The point I needed to make, (although I think it's foolish he can't run STS), is that Street Prepared is an alternative to Street Touring.

[L8APEX]

The point I needed to make, (although I think it's foolish he can't run STS), is that Street Prepared is an alternative to Street Touring.

Thanks for the suggestion for Street Prepared.  I am really looking for a class where I can run without R-compounds.