Reclassifing a car?

[gran racing]

I submitted a request to have the 1987 Honda Prelude si reclassified into ITB (currently in ITA). All of this discussion has me wondering if there is something else I can do to strengthen my request. Does it matter if the board only receives one request for this versus several? Is the request based upon its merits or quantity received?

In case you are curious...
During the fall of 2002, the 1987 Honda Prelude si was newly classified into ITA.

Min. weight - 2,450
HP - 110 stock
HP at the wheels - unknown (not sure I really want to know)
LBS / HP - 22.3
2.0 L

One of the very strong supporting facts for my request is that in 2003 the 1993+ VW Golf (2.0 L, 8v) was reclassified from ITA to ITB. It has 115 HP, min. weight of 2,350.
LBS / HP - 22.3

It was interesting to look at the cars in ITA and ITB. Even if the 1987 Honda Prelude si moves into ITB, there are still many cars that a fair amount more HP and weigh less.

Unfortunately I am not too optimistic about this request.

Other than the letter which I wrote, is there anything else I can do? Thanks for the help!
Dave

[p.keane]

I guess you will be in line behind the Accord.

Min Weight: 2550
HP: 110
Smaller brakes
4 less valves

I think it is a long shot.

[gran racing]

How did I know you would chime in here. When is the last time you sent a request in? I thought once the golf was moved, there would be more to follow.

Hey, it is worth a shot! Besides, aren't you a SM guy now? You still have the Accord?

[Jake]

Correction: The Accord Engine is actually stronger:

Both the 86-89 Accord LXi and the 87 Prelude Si use Honda's A20A3 12V FI 2.0L enigine (also called the "BT" in older models). In 1988, Honda boosted the performance of the A20A3 engine from 110hp to 120 in the Accord. Since the Accord classification includes the 88 Accord LXi with the more powerful 120hp enigine in the same spec line as the 86+87 Accords, that engine is legal for all of those listed Accords. However, since the 87 Prelude never used the 120hp A20A3 engine - it is stuck with the weaker 110hp versions.

Therefore, as classified, the power/weight ration of the cars are:
Accord: 2550/120= 21.25 lbs/hp
Prelude: 2450/110= 22.27 lbs/hp

[This message has been edited by Jake (edited February 16, 2004).]

[Jake]

<---- waiting for other rule nazi's to check my work. http://Forums.ImprovedTouring.com/it/smile.gif

[p.keane]

From my research, the '88 has 110 HP. The '89 was the car that was rated at 120 HP and was not classified.

[Jake]

Nope, a dual stage intake manifold and a .5 c/r increase in the 88 bumped up the hp to 120hp:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations...09/article.html (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/46009/article.html)

http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~wstef/hist.html

http://www.geocities.com/honda_club_egypt/engines.htm

[gran racing]

Do I get to cut in line now? Besides, I thought you were a reformed man now and running in SM?

------------------
Dave Gran
NER #13 ITA
'87 Honda Prelude