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obvious and visible being the key words there! the art of cheating

the engine is free apart from some restrictions on its location, keeping the same number of cylinders and being from the same manufacturer, and some restrictions to how much you can modify the x-member and body to fit it, plus some specific rules for rotary and turbocharged cars. So you can do all those things you mentioned above.

Ahh, it really is production spec racing...thats good though. I suppose the rule don't allow any obvious or visible lightening either, like drilling door hinges. and spring hangers. 1200s are light to start with which makes the challenge greater. The engine could be dealt to though with the crank getting knife edged and an alloy flywheel and front pulleys. Shave all the #### off the block like redundant mounting bosses etc. On my car I even drilled the wiper arm mechanism.

the Improved Production rules seem to be much more restrictive than NZ's SS200.

We have to retain all steel panels, and cannot cut the supports under bonnets etc. No-one said you have to use every bolt to hold the gaurds on though... Cannot even cut radiator support panels to suit bigger radiators! steel bumpers must remain (if they were originally steel) and their mounting brackets cannot be modified. There are only a few areas where metal removal or even reshaping is allowed.

All glass must remain, all lights operable, window winders, door locks etc all must remain. Same with wipers. heaters can be removed though. Dash must remain and any openings (from removed radios, heater controls, glovebox etc) must be covered. Interior trim below windows must remain, excluding floor coverings.

Springs must be of the same type (ie coil or leaf) and remain in the same location as standard, but are otherwise free. There was some talk here in the past of fibreglass leafs from the US... Struts and brakes are basically free. Steering must be from one variant of the model (some cars have optional power steering for example), so we're stuck with the steering box.

that's the short version I guess...

this would help handeling if setup right but the prob is the rules dont allow

sounds good though

I know Dattoman has this setup in his green sedan. He has eliminated the leafs and has 2 trailing arms originating from the front leaf carriers to the axle carrier. The shocks are at approx 45 degrees and are a coil over design. (very nice setup mind you) however I dont know if it helps in A) weight and B) and most importantly handling on the racetrack.

The other idea i had was to make alloy replica bumpers but i dont think this is within the idea of the class

Sound like similar rules to our SS2000 series. Though I would argue with a scrutineer that the only added component to the rear suspension was the coil spring.......the shock and single leaf will support the lightened car enough to allow it to be driven ...

Oh PS put a set of coupe springs in your ute you will be amazed at the difference

but make sure you still retain the over riders as it does compromise there abillity to carry wieght

ahh, no problems there then

when im not sitting in it my coupe is 52 48 splits