I can't find the answer to this anywhere - is the stock wing a factory option or a dealer option? Apparently, factory options are allowed under stock class for autox, but dealer options are not. I like how the wing looks, so I'd like to get it if I could, but if it'll take me out of stock for autox, screw it.

 

The standard wing is a factory stand alone option, added ours after we got the car. However the Mazda Speed, dealer wing, is not legal in stock or SP.

 

Someone else reading here may know this, and if not, I'm sure that a search would turn up the answer, but... If I remember right, the wing, appearance package and such are actually port installed options, which usually aren't allowed in Stock. But because the cars can be ordered "from the factory" with them, and thus appear on the invoice, Monroney sticker, etc they're okay. This is different from a number of port installed options that were (still are?) available for the WRX that are not Stock legal.

 

Most of the WRX port installed options are actually legal. I can't think of any that aren't with the exeption of the 17" wheel upgrade (which is no longer an issue as the '06 comes standard with 17s now). And the 17s used to show up on the Moroney Label since '02... and they were never allowed in stock even with that as evidence. For 5 years, many wrote in to the SCCA to have 17s allowed as they were an option... to no avail.

--kC

 

I'm puzzled by the rule against wings and body kits in Stock. Surely aerodynamics isn't a factor at autocross speeds?

Also the rule against aftermarket pedals just baffles me.

 

The fact that some street prepared and SM cars have monster wings on them suggests that they do something though less than in a true track situation. If you try to understand the rules or make them make sense, you will experience eternal frustration. Just know and abide by them.

 

I guess related to that, it sounds like the appearance package is a factory option too then? I ask because the only decently-priced 05 in the area has the appearance package, unfortunately, so I might end up with it.

 

if you generically allow "body kits," you'll suddenly see a lot of bumperless cars in stock.

 

"My body kit is... no body panels!"

 

Or all carbon body kits.

 

I have seen aero numbers for autox speeds, the SMAC is working on new rules for wings and have all kinds of down force numbers and programs to run them, and there are cars in SM and ST now with wings and front splitters making down force at autox speeds.

 

Do you think that this mod is Stock legal?

The comfort and convenience exclusion is kind of a gray area, but when you desribe it the way that you did, it sounds like you're making a case for the performance benefit.

 

I would say not legal.

 

Poke?

 

LOL so true... I guess it's kinda like the Income Tax code.

Yeah, I guess that would kinda suck either way.

 

Really?!? I thought aerodynamics was negligible at autox speeds? Then again, my knowledge of aerodynamics approaches the square root of zero, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

You mentioned SMAC (?) having down force numbers and programs to run them? Can you elaborate or provide a link? I'm more interested in splitter/spoiler/wing info primarily for track use.

 

The real answer is that ANY downforce helps. The bigger the wing, the more downforce. Look at the phantom - it virtually exists solely due to its massive downforce, for autocross. It just depends how big the wing is.

 

You would have to be on the SMAC or SEB to get at the info. I would have never thougth the stuff would work at autox speeds but a big enough wing with enough rake and you can make it work.

 

I don't see why it wouldn't be legal? I understand that in ST the rules say that "Pedal kits and other interior cosmetic accessories may be added." But that mod you referenced doesn't add other non-stock parts. It's just an adjustment to a stock part. Can people get away with having a wood block added to a pedal to make it easier to reach?

Of course, this is all academic since my driving isn't near to being competitive... yet.

 

You have created an adjustment that Mazda did not build into the car and is not in the shop manual so that you can heel and toe better, which would be a performance advantage.

No different that bending a part of the suspension to get more camber.

You can not modify the pedal in any way in stock. However you could add something to your shoe that would make it easier to reach.

 

it's only cheating if you get caught right?

seriously, I agree with the guy that said dont try to understand it, just try to obay it.

like the no MS wing in BSP thing. i mean come on like it helps more then the 8" spoiler.... what ever I wont get into that one again Jason is proly sick of hearing me compain about it.

thats funny add something to your shoe, but not the pedal...... so true.... so true.

 

If you beat me on Sun with your new 285s I will get you DQed for your wing.

There are some rules that seem silly to the guy that wants to put on the NOPI tuner crap wing that is just for looks. What you have to do is look at the big picture, if we open something like that up someone will take it to the extreme.

 

he he he, thats funny.... and not funny. 185's AND lighter wheels. i MIGHT be able to at least get close to you by now! I was only 1 second off your time last time (right?)


yeah thats true, but thats why there should be a limit as to how tall it can be.... liek say 6 or 8" i.
f its a 2 foot wing, I can understand the concern.



if you get me DQ'ed for the wing, I will get you DQ'ed for being a national champ.... thats as good as cheating.

 

One bad thing about the appearance pkg is that a cone hit to the front could kill it, that front part is thin.

btw you have a pm about a 06'' for sale.

 

Hmm... rats. Well, that helps me understand the "spirit of the law," so to speak. Thanks for the info.