SOS - Save Our Strutbraces!!

[carmad]

The following clarification is from the latest issue of the electronic newsletter MSA News received today;

Suspension bushes in Speed events

The 2012 Competitors’ and Officials’ Yearbook contains new regulations regarding suspension in the Road-going category of Sprint and Hill Climb events. (S)11.7.6. states that “for Road-going Series Production Cars bushes may be changed for similar polymer materials but not to spherical or similar metal joints.” (S)11.7.2. states that “shock absorbers may be of any make and may be uprated from standard.” The MSA Technical Department wishes to clarify that if an uprated shock absorber had a metal top bush as part of the shock absorber assembly, it would be permitted because this bush would be considered part of the shock absorber assembly, which may be uprated.

I hope this now clears any doubts as to what suspension modifications are permitted.

Ron

[Avanzato]

Excellent news.

I have a 1990's car that you can adjust the castor through the front rollbar and adjust the camber through a camber bolt.

Two of my newer cars can't have any adjustment, bar toe, they are coming out of the factory now with completly fixed suspension to save the cost of alignment at country importer.

Its an issue when, like the new mini, pot holes knock the turret out of shape and affect the alignment.

Newer cars shouldn't be at a disadvantage to older cars in this area.

They are already at a disadvantage of being much heavier because all the additional crash safety protection lacking in older cars.

The sport needs to be inclusive for people with new/modern cars.

[Ian Johnson]

to be honest the 'adjustable top mount' issue has been know that it was coming into force for the last 2 seasons (rightly or wrongly), and as such has given plenty of time for lobbying/objections.

[Goosey]

good old MSA being as clear as mud haha.

still it's saving me some more pointless head scratching

[sprintcup]

Originally Posted by carmad

The following clarification is from the latest issue of the electronic newsletter MSA News received today;

Suspension bushes in Speed events

The 2012 Competitors’ and Officials’ Yearbook contains new regulations regarding suspension in the Road-going category of Sprint and Hill Climb events. (S)11.7.6. states that “for Road-going Series Production Cars bushes may be changed for similar polymer materials but not to spherical or similar metal joints.” (S)11.7.2. states that “shock absorbers may be of any make and may be uprated from standard.” The MSA Technical Department wishes to clarify that if an uprated shock absorber had a metal top bush as part of the shock absorber assembly, it would be permitted because this bush would be considered part of the shock absorber assembly, which may be uprated.

I hope this now clears any doubts as to what suspension modifications are permitted.

Ron

Sorry to bring this back up, but does this mean if the new Suspension unit does'nt come with them fitted as standard you have to use OE top mounts.
I ask as I've purchased Bilstein B14's for the Clio and they have the option of OE or Solid top mounts, they are not sold with any so again this is a grey area as I'd like to fit the Puremotorsport fixed top mounts with strut brace, they bolt in a fixed position in the strut top and are a sperical bearing instead of the OE which just rests on them.

Regards Russ............

[Ian Johnson]

Hi Russ, yes........i have the B14's on mine and put the stock rubber mounts on. The key wording is 'INTEGRAL'

[sprintcup]

Hello Ian thanks for the reply.
It seems a shame to have a good set of suspension units spoiled by OE mounts,I've purchased the new modified top mounts from Renault to stop the knocking when driving on the rd, so I'll just roll with the punches and hopfully not with the car as I don't run a cage.

Regards Russ...........

[Ian Johnson]

Originally Posted by sprintcup

Hello Ian thanks for the reply.
It seems a shame to have a good set of suspension units spoiled by OE mounts,I've purchased the new modified top mounts from Renault to stop the knocking when driving on the rd, so I'll just roll with the punches and hopfully not with the car as I don't run a cage.

Regards Russ...........

lol me neither