THSCC Forums

To install the rear brakes on my WRX, a little trimming of the rear brake backing plates/caliper mounting brackets has to be done. Its about 2mm of trimming. The full instructions are here http://www.tomhoppe.com/stuff/ds411.pdf on the 2nd and last pages.

The STX rules state that "Brake rotors may be replaced with any rotor of equal or larger diameter made from a ferrous or aluminum alloy. Calipers are unrestricted, but must mount to the original attachment points."

Notice "Calipers are unrestricted, but must mount to the original attachment points"

Right now in the latest fastrack there is a rulechange, effective 01.01.2005 that trimming of brake backing plates will be legal.

What do you guys think of me doing this now to facilitate the install of my rear brakes? It is fully 100% within the "spirit" of the rules, as I am making a little trim to install a 100% legal modification on the car. It is impossible to make this modification w/o this little trim. Also, its "obvious" (according to a STAC member) that the wording allowing the trimming was just accidentally left out and the "INTENT" to allow it is there. Also, IMHO you can take the same liberty with the "caliper attachment brackets" as you can with "swaybar attachment brackets" in stock class? In stock class the swaybar is unlimited and the brackets are considered part of the swaybar.

I spoke to a STAC member, Doug Gill, and a couple of my competitors and they all agree that is within the "spirit" of the rules to make this mod and all agree that a) no should even protest me and b) if a protest is filed, then I should be ok.

Whaddya think?
-Tom

I can't wait to hear the responses...

I'd get a written clarification from the SEB prior to doing it, otherwise this may unfold:

1) You win Nationals.
2) You get protested for trimming of rear brakes by Todd Meade or the like.
3) Although it's in the 'spirit' of the rules, it isn't legal to the letter of the 2004 rules, and the committee agrees, even though Doug Gill thinks it's within the rules

4) You cry... a lot over something that probably didn't give you an realistic advantage.

With all the talk about brake dust shields and the like, I'd be pretty careful. That's why I got a clear confirmation from the SEB prior to sinking $1k into ECU work. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

Funny thing is, I was told if I submitted something now it *might* be reviewed before nationals but might not

Heyward mentioned that I should do the install, then take the car to oscoda and have a buddy of mine protest me in "good faith". Basically he said its been done before and my friend can ask the PC to not assign a penalty if they find the car illegal. They would just say either "its ok" or "its illegal fix it by next time" and that would set a precedent.

The thing that sucks, is if I do make this "trim" and its found "illegal" I have to get new rear hubs as its easier to swap those, then to swap the damn backing plates......

-Tom

That really won't cut it... What you should do is go to a Tour, where it doesn't matter, and have it protested. The 'in good faith' protests don't get looked at with the same scrutiny as an actual protest, and thus, you could end up with a different outcome. I'd risk the points to be assured legal, especially when you might have points to give. Pay someone $50 to file the protest. It would be worth it in the long run. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

From what Heyward told me, it would be the same as a regular protest, except that steve would ask the PC not to assign a penalty if found "illegal".....

Why couldn't they just do a damn tech bulletin on the thing instead of a "rule change". Then this wouldn't even be an issue.

-Tom

Yeah you'll have to do a protest against yourself (or a good faith competitor protest) at a tour instead of a pro as pros are run outside the SEB's domain.

Is Mark Chiles lurking on this board? Didn't he protest himself in the Neon about 5 years ago to get a definitive ruling on the trunk carpet/spare tire cover issue? Maybe he can give advice on the best way to handle such a thing.

--Kevin H.

_________________
2003 WRX (again!)

FYI,

Protests are NOT precedent AFAIK.

Dick

_________________
Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

I'd be more worried about this part. Do they mean "calipers must mount to a non-stock bracket that mounts to the original mounting brackets attachment points."

I don't see how the caliper mounting adapter that came with the brakes is legal at all.

I'd also do my best to bend rather than trim.

Scott

I definetly can't bend. Already tried. Have to trim a bit to get it on.

Every single aftermarket brake kit will mount to an extender bracket which mounts to the original mounting holes. Just like in the stock swaybar rules. Any bracket that is included in the aftermarket caliper is "part of the caliper" and the calipers are unrestricted. Thats why you can use aftermarket swaybar endlinks and aftermarket swaybar mounts even though only the "swaybar is unrestricted"





I did not know either of those things. I assumed (and mentioned it to others and have never been told otherwise) that once a protest is filed and its ruled on, that a precedent has been set. Thats really sucks. That means you could be protested for the same thing twice at two different events, and be legal in one and illegal in the 2nd one??? Thats screwed up.

I've got a call in to marcus meredith (SEB) and Vince Bly (another STAC) memeber to get their opinions as well.

Thanks for the replys so far
-Tom

What I want to know is what's up with ST / Subaru drivers trying to get permission to cheat. Any theories?

trim the backing plates and keep all the bits/filings/dust, put them in an evelope and then tape it to the inside of your trunk.

_________________
05 MCS

Oh thats easy. The STS ruleset and ESPECIALLY the STX ruleset weren't fully "finalized" and all the loopholes and stupid crap filtered out before the classes went national.

Rulesets for Stock, SP, P, and M have been around for a REALLY damn long time and crap like this has been filtered out over the years and allowances have been put in. Street Mod for example got tired of the crap and finally instituded the "pussy rule". Basically you can do whatever "within reason" to make a legal mod work. "Competitors are encouraged not to strech this rule" though

You absolutely cannot have a 1 sentence rule like "Calipers are unrestricted" and then say "If its not specified legal its not legal" and expect that to cover 100% of cases. Much like my situation here.

-Tom