STX 240sx Questions

[Jay Tingzon]

With the disappearance of the STC class and those bloody fast civics moved to STS, my 240sx has a new place to play instead of just CST. But now I have to start caring about rules...ugh...

So I was browsing the rulebook in the ST section and I think my car complies for STX except for a couple points, which leads to my questions.

1.) Typical 240 swaps.
The car was originally an automatic and previous owner converted it to manual and did a 5 lug swap. I could not find anything in the rules about the legality of these things for STX. As long as the wheel and tire sizes follow section 14.3 and 14.4 the 5 lug swap should be ok locally, right?

2.) My sweet bodykit yo.
Rule section 14.2F regarding body mods I'm having trouble interpreting. Both points 1 and 2 sound like they are saying the exact same thing, that wings and stuff are allowed but it can't be anything aftermarket. It has to be specifically Nissan 240sx factory parts (or replicas of factory parts). Is this how I should be interpreting that rule? I don't mind changing the exterior back to stock. It would just be more work that I hoped to avoid.

[Craig Naylor]

1.) Typical 240 swaps.
The car was originally an automatic and previous owner converted it to manual and did a 5 lug swap. I could not find anything in the rules about the legality of these things for STX. As long as the wheel and tire sizes follow section 14.3 and 14.4 the 5 lug swap should be ok locally, right?

Auto to Manual swap...
May be ok, assuming all other associated changes were also preformed. Say different steering racks etc.
5 Lug swap
Unless 5 lug option was available from the factory, no. If it was, see above, if not, in SCCA Solo, unless the rules specifically permit a modification, they are not allowed.

2.) My sweet bodykit yo.
Rule section 14.2F regarding body mods I'm having trouble interpreting....

Does not look like you had any trouble interpreting 14.2F. Factory trim or accessory catalog parts only. (repelica parts if OEM spec: aka size, fit, shape, weight, materials etc)

[Alex Valencia]

For the mean time a gentleman's agreement may suffice locally so you can at least start jumping into a national class. You're on the right track otherwise. And...just as mentioned above, if it's not listed in the stock or ST rules, then it's not legal. I had a tough time interpreting the rules on my first (couple) of run-throughs too.

[Mark DeShon]

Good advice all around. I agree with Alex, too. Check with your local STX competitors and see if they have a problem with you running with them until you switch things over. I don't think they'll care unless you're regularly kicking their butts.
Lemme just add, don't be discouraged by the rules as some people tend to be. If your passion is building whatever you want to build and driving it fast occasionally, then STX is probably not for you. But if you're here to compete at a very high level, then you can't beat a competitive national class like STX. There's a lot of fun that comes with trying to build a faster car than the next guy when you're both operating under the same restrictions. Then it's up to your creativity and execution rather than just your wallet. Good luck with the build!
Mark D.
P.S. There is a lot of great advice (smart and experienced people) available to you in this region. Take advantage of that.

[Jay Tingzon]

I definitely will, thanks for the advice guys.

Checking results for the last event on Feb 8, I was off pace of the STX winner (actually, you Alex) by a little over 2 seconds. I'll ask some other STX people at the next event, but maybe that time is too close to being competitive? For the sake of learning, I think I should run TO in the STX group for the next event at El Toro to see how things compare.