coolant bottle

[StephenB]

Can we change this and the plumbing to use one or does it need to remain stock?
I don't have a GCR with me and my phone is HORRIBLE to try and find it. :)

Thanks,
Stephen

[Vance]

I use mine as an oil overflow catch can.

[StephenB]

OK So I got my answer... NOT legal to remove or use an alternate overflow bottle in IT. Bummer I kinda wanted to run an aftermarket one as they are much less expensive and I could mount it near the firewall away from the front of the car.

Oh-well Stock it shall stay!!

Stephen



3. Engine Cooling System
a. Any radiator may be used, provided it is mounted in the original
location, maintains the same plane as the original core and
requires no body or structure modifications to install. No new
openings created by fitting an alternate radiator may be used
for the purpose of ducting air to the engine.
b. Oil cooler(s) may be added or substituted. Location within the
bodywork is unrestricted, provided that it/they are not mounted
within the driver/passenger compartment.
c. Cooling fans may be removed or replaced. Electrically operated
fans with manual or automatic actuation may be fitted.
d. Thermostats may be modified, removed, or replaced with
blanking sleeves or restrictors.
e. Air conditioning systems may be removed in whole or in part.
f. Screens of one-fourth (1/4) inch minimum mesh may be
mounted in front of the radiator and/or oil cooler(s) and
contained within the bodywork.
g. Engine coolant fluid, coolant/heater hoses and clamps may be
substituted. Heater hoses may be plugged or bypassed (looped)
or removed. Heater water control valve(s) may be added or
substituted. Heater core shall not be removed.

[ShelbyRacer]

Unfortunately, *functional* replacement coolant overflow tanks are extremely rare for my car. I have substituted one (actually, the car builder did...) that is made of the same material (plastic), and is of the same*critical* dimensions (working volume) as stock. Whereas the stock bottle was designed based on working volume, and was formed irregularly for packaging reasons only, I would cite 9.1.3.C as a basis for the substitution. Keep in mind, I'm not saying this isn't a very tortured interpretation of this rule, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I would much prefer we allow it, as I would expect that if I were protested on this specific item, I'd likely be found non-compliant.

9.1.3.C

Stock replacement parts may be obtained from sources other than the
manufacturer provided they are the exact equivalent of the original parts.
The intent of this rule is to allow the competitor to obtain replacement
parts from standard industry outlets, e.g., auto-parts distributors, rather
than from the manufacturer. It is not intended to allow parts that do not
meet all dimensional and material specifications of new parts from the
manufacturer.

[Matt93SE]

Matt, I would argue in your favor given the information you've stated and the rules as posted. Going from a 20lb coolant bottle to a 2lb bottle, I could understand. (i.e. my F250 holds a couple gallons of coolant and is quite thick to hold system pressure.)
a non-pressurized expansion tank doesn't weigh much to begin with and are prone to rot. Good luck finding one in good shape for a 20 yr old car, and they're stupid expensive at the dealership- If you can even get them.
If the factory bottle held 2qts and your replacement held 2qts and was mounted in the same location (oh noes!! he moved 2LBS in his engine bay!), then I'd argue that your replacement is within the intent of the rules and IT philosophy, and contains no competitive advantage.

[joeg]

Remember, GCR overides ITCS. 9.3.15 states that OEM is kept when it is pressurized and working.

My resvoir is not pressurized, so I went aluminum.

[CRallo]

Remember, GCR overides ITCS. 9.3.15 states that OEM is kept when it is pressurized and working.

My resvoir is not pressurized, so I went aluminum.

Same here.

[Ron Earp]

I don't think I've ever seen a stock coolant recovery bottle on an IT car. I hope I don't see a stock recovery bottle either - who wants a 10, 20, or even 30+ year old plastic catch bottle on an IT car just waiting to fail and dump water? Make your motor, drive line, suspension, safety equipment all legal and race your car.

[jumbojimbo]

Remember, GCR overides ITCS. 9.3.15 states that OEM is kept when it is pressurized and working.

My resvoir is not pressurized, so I went aluminum.

I was using a gatorade bottle for a while because it is clear and I can actually see what is in it. But now I'm back to the stock plastic. :)

We're pretty sure my coolant leak was in the solid pipe that runs from the water pump to the thermostat. Bad O-rings. Only happened when things were bouncing around so we couldn't recreate it in the garage. Jr recreated it by accidently touching the pipe.

[ShelbyRacer]

Remember, GCR overides ITCS. 9.3.15 states that OEM is kept when it is pressurized and working.

My resvoir is not pressurized, so I went aluminum.

Absolutely not.


1.2.3. Interpreting and Applying the GCR
A. Interpreting the GCR shall not be strained or tortured and applying
the GCR shall be logical, remembering that the GCR cannot specifically
cover all possible situations. Words such as “shall” or “shall
not”, “will” or “will not”, “can not”, “may not”, “are” or “must” are
mandatory; and words such as “may” and “should” are permissive.
B. References in the GCR to the SCCA Operations Manual and the
SCCA Insurance Manual are for informational purposes; these
SCCA documents may not be protested or appealed.
C. Conflicts among or between portions of the GCR are handled as
follows:
1. The Category Rules take precedence over the General Technical
Specifications.
2. Specific class rules in the Category Section of the GCR shall
take precedence over the general Category Rules and the
General Technical Specifications.
3. Any item not addressed in the Category Rules is controlled by
the General Technical Specifications.
And then, the Category tells us that you can only do what's listed, and coolant bottles are not mentioned.

Yes, I realize it's ironic that I just helped make the case for someone who'd protest my coolant overflow.

Honestly, I'm not sure what the point of 9.3.15 mentioning pressurized containers is. Are there pressurized ones smaller than one pint?

So, who's going to write the letter?

[StephenB]

Matt,

I see this looks like it may have passed for 2014. Just NOT the pressurized systems...

congrats,
Stephen