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Hi Guys, I'm new here but have been in autox for a few years. I build my cars thus here I am. I am running a 1989 240 SX coupe, SR20DET. I run 275/35/15's. I have been fairly successful locally. Traction is a problem. I am trying to relocate weight all I can. I want to locate the radiator slightly behind the rear seat, gone rear seat, and blow air into the trunk to cool it. The air needs to go somewhere, problem. Can I legally vent the trunk somehow? I believe rules allow holes to be drilled, 1 lb. weight reduction max. Can I use that to vent the trunk?  Would reverse scoops on the side or rear be legal?  One final question, am I wasting my time? Thanks in advance, hope to see some of you guys this year. Mike

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I may be a novice but I'm a novice with Hoosiers and a Turbo.

I've never seen anything on adding ducting/ venting for the radiator, so I would think it would be illegal.  Most likely, the overcomplication and added weight of extra water lines would make the modification more hassle than it's worth. 

If you need more traction, I'd start with improving the basics.  What tires and shocks are you using? 

16.1 in the rulebook says engine and related components are unrestricted EXCEPT for certain things, none of which is moving the radiator. I'm not sure whether it's worth it either but a couple of lines to a radiator with an elec. fan is pretty simple. This is an autox only car. Coupes are lighter in the rear than fastbacks. Hoosier A6 275/35/15, Koni yellows, GC. The car is 200lbs lighter in the rear and at minimum weight, 2480lbs. I'm thinking a down window in the passenger compartment will let air in but out? Thanks for the input. Mike

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I may be a novice but I'm a novice with Hoosiers and a Turbo.

Roll the windows down and add some ducting to send the hot air fan exhaust out one of the windows.

There is a proposal out right now that would allow modified trunk lids. You may want to write a letter voicing your opinion on that. ;)

Can the car get lighter? There's always the possibility of losing another 100# off the car and adding it back as ballast in the back.

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Randy Noll

logrmyk:

16.1 in the rulebook says engine and related components are unrestricted EXCEPT for certain things, none of which is moving the radiator. I'm not sure whether it's worth it either but a couple of lines to a radiator with an elec. fan is pretty simple. This is an autox only car. Coupes are lighter in the rear than fastbacks. Hoosier A6 275/35/15, Koni yellows, GC. The car is 200lbs lighter in the rear and at minimum weight, 2480lbs. I'm thinking a down window in the passenger compartment will let air in but out? Thanks for the input. Mike

I don't think anyone will argue against the radiator being moved as an engine related component, but the ducting approaches gray area.  There's also a big movement towards retaining a useable passenger seat, which may be compromised with a lot of ducting out of that side of the car.

 

rnoll98:

There is a proposal out right now that would allow modified trunk lids. You may want to write a letter voicing your opinion on that. ;)

Can the car get lighter? There's always the possibility of losing another 100# off the car and adding it back as ballast in the back.

I'm surprised an S13 was already able to get that low in weight.  The last I checked, they weren't THAT much lighter than S13 fastbacks or early S14's.

The scale I'm using is for logging trucks so it may not be completely accurate but for comparison, my S13 SR'd hatch weighs 2880 on the same scales. I have done quite a bit to lighten the coupe. Since I first posted this thread, I have reweighed the car. It is 300 lbs lighter in the front and I MIGHT be under weight. I always figured I would rather put the weight where I want it if I did end up too light. I have rejected the rad. movement at this time due to possible track days and problems with venting. 55/45 % isn't too bad and it turns great. We'll see but I think my driving needs more help than anything. Mike

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I may be a novice but I'm a novice with Hoosiers and a Turbo.