Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras - View Single Post

sperry · 2004-02-22, 02:50 PM

Kevin, IIRC it boils down to what SCCA defines as the "suspension". To them, the suspension is anything that's designed to move as the tires move up and down. Because the ALK is a fixed piece w/ a bushing, it is not part of the suspension, and therefore not unrestricted. Also, on the WRX, the ALK requires offset bushings to be installed on the U-shaped subframe for clearance purposes, and that's specifically not allowed.

It's a real shame it's illegal, since it improves the car's handling at a very reasonable price. The whole point of the suspension regulations are to prevent what Austin was talking about: removing everything and fabricating a completely new design at high cost that stomps everyone else. The ALK will neither allow you to stomp the competition, nor break the bank (you could even argue that it really doesn't make the car any faster, just more fun to drive). Disallowing it goes directly against the sprit of Street Mod rules.

My ALK is sitting in a bag in my garage just waiting for the rules to swing back into our favor.

See this thread for more arguments: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=491046

It looks like there may be some confusion still between the SMAC and the SEB... I guess SMAC (Street Mod Avisory Comittee) wanted them legal, but when SEB wrote the 2004 rules they made 'em illegal. Things may change mid-season like they did last year. I wouldn't spend the money on offset bushings. Just go stock for a while, then get the offsets or put the ALK back on if/when the rules are clarified.

2004-02-22, 02:50 PM	#4
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Kevin, IIRC it boils down to what SCCA defines as the "suspension". To them, the suspension is anything that's designed to move as the tires move up and down. Because the ALK is a fixed piece w/ a bushing, it is not part of the suspension, and therefore not unrestricted. Also, on the WRX, the ALK requires offset bushings to be installed on the U-shaped subframe for clearance purposes, and that's specifically not allowed. It's a real shame it's illegal, since it improves the car's handling at a very reasonable price. The whole point of the suspension regulations are to prevent what Austin was talking about: removing everything and fabricating a completely new design at high cost that stomps everyone else. The ALK will neither allow you to stomp the competition, nor break the bank (you could even argue that it really doesn't make the car any faster, just more fun to drive). Disallowing it goes directly against the sprit of Street Mod rules. My ALK is sitting in a bag in my garage just waiting for the rules to swing back into our favor. See this thread for more arguments: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=491046 It looks like there may be some confusion still between the SMAC and the SEB... I guess SMAC (Street Mod Avisory Comittee) wanted them legal, but when SEB wrote the 2004 rules they made 'em illegal. Things may change mid-season like they did last year. I wouldn't spend the money on offset bushings. Just go stock for a while, then get the offsets or put the ALK back on if/when the rules are clarified. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?