SSM Exhaust rules ?

[Christos Adam]

I trying to find out if there are any rules for the exhaust system of SSM cars but I wasn't able to find anything other than the generic:
http://cms.scca.com/documents/Solo_Rule ... _Rules.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"MUFFLERS
Adequate mufflers are required for Solo events. The criterion of
“adequacy” is not what the exhaust system consists of, but the
sound level. Any car deemed by the Event Chairman or his
designated representative to be excessively loud shall not compete
without acceptable modifications installed on the car."

What about the length of the exhaust system? Can somebody put a side short exhaust and be legal (as long as it's not too loud)?

[Jonathan Lugod]

it needs to exit anywhere behind the driver.

[Craig Naylor]

Not familiar with the class specifics. Based upon your post.... and the rule you listed, yes it is very generic. Basically it's allowing for the local event sites need (rules) to be met without placing any specific restrictions on your design.

In SD at Qualcomm, there is a 93 db max. If you break 90db you will receive a verbal warning. Brake 92, something else happens, drawing a blank off the top of my head. Break 92 you your car must have a physical change made to it to bring it back under 93, and have the change approved by the event chair (or other assignees). Break it 3 times in a day the car is done for the day (no matter how many drivers). Brake it multiple events, the car can be tossed from running in the region.

In LA I believe there is a 95db limit. I have never seen a db meeter at an event in all the years I have run here.

Many other sights / regions have similar rules

[Steve Ekstrand]

In LA the rule effectively is don't be an asshole and make our ears bleed. Please, or we will dig out the sound meter and bust you. Otherwise, carry on, let's have fun.

[Aaron Goldsmith]

In LA the rule effectively is don't be an asshole and make our ears bleed.

ie. Don't be any more annoying than Bill's car.. we should just call it the Schenker Rule.

[Jayson Woodruff]

Not quite.

San Diego's limit is 93.0dB @ 50ft. You're suppose to get notice at 91+ just for your info, no penelty. 93.0 is a 'pass', 93.1 is a break. A break is a DNF and a required change to lower the sound. Three breaks in one day or a 99+ is a DSQ for the day and a "don't come back until it's fixed" notice.

Jay W

Not familiar with the class specifics. Based upon your post.... and the rule you listed, yes it is very generic. Basically it's allowing for the local event sites need (rules) to be met without placing any specific restrictions on your design.

In SD at Qualcomm, there is a 93 db max. If you break 90db you will receive a verbal warning. Brake 92, something else happens, drawing a blank off the top of my head. Break 92 you your car must have a physical change made to it to bring it back under 93, and have the change approved by the event chair (or other assignees). Break it 3 times in a day the car is done for the day (no matter how many drivers). Brake it multiple events, the car can be tossed from running in the region.

In LA I believe there is a 95db limit. I have never seen a db meeter at an event in all the years I have run here.

Many other sights / regions have similar rules

[Bob Beamesderfer]

16.1 ALLOWED MODIFICATIONS
A. All Stock, Street Touring, and Street Prepared modifications are
authorized. Except as noted by these rules and the referenced
rules, vehicles must be as originally delivered including all road
going components such as lights, wipers, interior, heater, etc.

That means the SP rule on exhausts applies:

15.10 ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN
I. Exhaust manifolds and muffler systems are free, except that they
must be quiet and terminate behind the driver. Exhaust heat
shields may be removed. Rear- and mid-engine cars without
exhaust headers/manifold systems may use any exhaust system
that meets the requirements of 3.5. This permits the removal of
“heater boxes” in order to install headers on such cars.

[Christos Adam]

In LA the rule effectively is don't be an asshole and make our ears bleed.

ie. Don't be any more annoying than Bill's car.. we should just call it the Schenker Rule.

[Christos Adam]

Not quite.

San Diego's limit is 93.0dB @ 50ft. You're suppose to get notice at 91+ just for your info, no penelty. 93.0 is a 'pass', 93.1 is a break. A break is a DNF and a required change to lower the sound. Three breaks in one day or a 99+ is a DSQ for the day and a "don't come back until it's fixed" notice.

Jay W

Is it always at 50 feet?
Even at the event on LA? (meaning 95@50 feet)?
That seems very high to me since the loudness of a sound is relative to the square of the distance...
I'm planing to get a short exhaust that will finish before the rear axle... btw is anyone aware of any rules regarding exhaust systems in California?
Meaning regarding the length of the exhaust...

[Christine Grice]

If you build an exhaust to the extent that the SSM rules allow, you will definatly never be anywhere close to California's laws.

[Steve Ekstrand]

At GGF in SF they used a 100ft rule I think.

Some cars still failed....

[Bob Beamesderfer]

If you build an exhaust to the extent that the SSM rules allow, you will definatly never be anywhere close to California's laws.

Indeed, if you're going to drive on the street, you'll need more to avoid being ticketed. Plus fix-it ticket court fees went up this year. Now $25 to $100.

[Christos Adam]

If you build an exhaust to the extent that the SSM rules allow, you will definatly never be anywhere close to California's laws.

That's true... I'm currently looking for a compromise between "appear street legal" and have an SSM exhaust.
I believe in a turbocharged car a very good compromise is not impossible ... since the turbocharger slows down the exhaust gasses and you don't need a big and heavy resonator to be quiet.
I was initially thinking of running a straight 3" pipe all the way but I decided not to...just to be on the safe side and to make sure that FWY travel won't be a torture.

The main reason for building this car anyways is not to win the championship but to help me get more seat time, so I can eventually beat Mr. Schenker on his own car

[Sebastian Rios]

If you are going to have something done that terminates under the car, have a turndown made. I think they really help dissipate the sound without causing more backpressure.

[Christos Adam]

If you are going to have something done that terminates under the car, have a turndown made. I think they really help dissipate the sound without causing more backpressure.

Thank you Sebastian, I'm actually debating whether I need an extra V-clamp at the end with a tip that rotates (so you can aim it against the sound meter) or if I should just ask them to turn towards down the end of the exhaust ...

[Sebastian Rios]

I don't think it makes much difference when it's under the car, but yeah you could use a clamp and turndown and rotate it. Just remember that whatever you aim the exhaust at is going to get HOT! I burned off some undercoating on the civic that way...smells like burnt popcorn.

[Jayson Woodruff]

Not always, but San Diego, LA and many other regions use 50ft. Some regions use 100, most tracks use 100. The reason for 50 is to fit it on an autoX course.

Jay W

Not quite.

San Diego's limit is 93.0dB @ 50ft. You're suppose to get notice at 91+ just for your info, no penelty. 93.0 is a 'pass', 93.1 is a break. A break is a DNF and a required change to lower the sound. Three breaks in one day or a 99+ is a DSQ for the day and a "don't come back until it's fixed" notice.

Jay W

Is it always at 50 feet?
Even at the event on LA? (meaning 95@50 feet)?

[Steve Ekstrand]

The main reason for building this car anyways is not to win the championship but to help me get more seat time, so I can eventually beat Mr. Schenker on his own car

You just need to go to the ProFinale or the National Championships.

[Bill Schenker]

In LA the rule effectively is don't be an asshole and make our ears bleed.

ie. Don't be any more annoying than Bill's car.. we should just call it the Schenker Rule.

Go ahead, pass the rule: set it to what you are so sure is my dB and find that you'll have about 10-15 cars fail as well, given my dB is about 90-91dB in L.A. trim (there are days it will pass in S.D.)....

[Steve Ekstrand]

I heard the drag cars.....

You think they heard any of us???

[Christos Adam]

The main reason for building this car anyways is not to win the championship but to help me get more seat time, so I can eventually beat Mr. Schenker on his own car

You just need to go to the ProFinale or the National Championships.

No need to do that... I'll just lock Bill in the restroom when it's his time to run

[Steve Ekstrand]

Bill would get out if he had to flush himself.

[Christos Adam]

By the way I'm done with my exhaust!
I towed the car to the exhaust place on Saturday morning and then towed it back to "the Hobby Shop".
The exhaust is super short but it has a long and very quiet resonator. The resonator was 6 lbs and the rest of the exhaust is just 3" piping and a "CAT".
I haven't weight the exhaust yet but I'm expecting it to be less than 12lbs.
The tip is pointing all the way down.
Here are a few photos:

As you can see is very short:
Here is Sergio (the owner of the exhaust place)

Here is after polishing (The exhaust is fully SS)


Now that I'm looking at my old Borla twin tip exhaust I realize how long, complex, big and heavy it was ...just in order to look sport and fast...

[Jonathan Lugod]

By the way I'm done with my exhaust!
I towed the car to the exhaust place on Saturday morning and then towed it back to "the Hobby Shop".
The exhaust is super short but it has a long and very quiet resonator. The resonator was 6 lbs and the rest of the exhaust is just 3" piping and a "CAT".
I haven't weight the exhaust yet but I'm expecting it to be less than 12lbs.
The tip is pointing all the way down.
Here are a few photos:

As you can see is very short:
Here is Sergio (the owner of the exhaust place)

Here is after polishing (The exhaust is fully SS)


Now that I'm looking at my old Borla twin tip exhaust I realize how long, complex, big and heavy it was ...just in order to look sport and fast...

[Christos Adam]

Is it OK now?