Discrepancy in GCR concerning wheels for my car...

[eMKay]

Here is the email I sent to the SCCA concerning my situation, I would much rather run the stock 14" wheel size because the tires are much cheaper, and the wheels are lighter.

"I am in the process of building a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS into an ITA racecar, however I noticed a discrepency in the 2004 GCR concerning this car. In the ITCS section 7.a.1 (wheels and tires) it states "All other cars shall retain the wheel diameter fitted as original equipment for their make, model, and type." My car came with 14" wheels as original equipment, however in the list of cars under 1995-98 Mitsubishi Eclipse the only wheel size listed is 16", this seems to contradict the wheel and tire rule, which tire size am I allowed to use on this car?"

[Geo]

Originally posted by eMKay:
Here is the email I sent to the SCCA concerning my situation, I would much rather run the stock 14" wheel size because the tires are much cheaper, and the wheels are lighter.

"I am in the process of building a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS into an ITA racecar, however I noticed a discrepency in the 2004 GCR concerning this car. In the ITCS section 7.a.1 (wheels and tires) it states "All other cars shall retain the wheel diameter fitted as original equipment for their make, model, and type." My car came with 14" wheels as original equipment, however in the list of cars under 1995-98 Mitsubishi Eclipse the only wheel size listed is 16", this seems to contradict the wheel and tire rule, which tire size am I allowed to use on this car?"

Did you include factory documentation with your e-mail? If not, you may want to follow up with a scan of factory documents (FSM, owner's manual) to support your request.


------------------
George Roffe
Houston, TX
84 944 ITS car under construction
92 ITS Sentra SE-R occasionally borrowed
http://www.nissport.com

[eMKay]

I have a picture of the doorjamb, and a scan from the factory service manual, think that will be enough?

[Geo]

Originally posted by eMKay:
I have a picture of the doorjamb, and a scan from the factory service manual, think that will be enough?

I would highly recommend sending the scan from the FSM.


------------------
George Roffe
Houston, TX
84 944 ITS car under construction
92 ITS Sentra SE-R occasionally borrowed
http://www.nissport.com

[Ron]

Not to steal this thread, however, I run a ITB Mustang and if I can run the wheels that came stock can I run a 15x7. The magic book already says 15". What about 7" if they are even stock rims?

[Knestis]

Diameter is spec'd by the ITCS book - width by the class. ITB is allowed 6" max width of wheel.

K

[eMKay]

Originally posted by Geo:
I would highly recommend sending the scan from the FSM.

Thanks, I sent a follow up with it included.

[Knestis]

Just anticipating potential hiccups, you'll need to make it clear from whatever you send that (a) you are working on a car that meets the dates and model of the spec line in question, and ( the documentation applies to all of those same years/models.

It is pretty common for the cars listed in the ITCS to not include all of the eligible years that a model was produce, for the trim levels to be incorrectly or incompletely listed, or for specs to be incomplete. But you knew that already, right?

Have fun!

Kirk

[eMKay]

I heard back from the SCCA today, they say the wheels size should be interpreted as the maximum size, so guess I can use 14, 15, or 16" wheels.

"Michael,
Take a look at page ITCS-37. If you look at the Mitsubishi's specs, it lists the wheel size as 16". The wheel size should be interpreted as a maximum wheel size.

Regards,

John"

[Jake]

WHAAAA???? Does that mean that we can all use smaller diam wheels?!? And all this time I thought....

[Jake]

Does that mean you could use 13"s?

Can you use 15's because your spare is a 15?

[Knestis]

No, no, no, no, no. That is wrong. I don't care what John thinks, it is just wrong.

K

[This message has been edited by Knestis (edited February 11, 2004).]

[Jake]

I gotta get a hold of this "John" guy. Maybe he'll let me run a Turbo!

[Banzai240]

Originally posted by Knestis:
No, no, no, no, no. That is wrong. I don't care John thinks, it is just wrong.

K

I agree with Kirk... there is no basis for this interpretation that I've ever read... Otherwise, why list multiple sizes and not just the maximum...



------------------
Darin E. Jordan
SCCA #273080, OR/NW Regions
Renton, WA
ITS '97 240SX

[Geo]

Originally posted by Banzai240:
I agree with Kirk... there is no basis for this interpretation that I've ever read... Otherwise, why list multiple sizes and not just the maximum...

Yeah, Darin is right.

Look, the last thing you want to do is to invest in some wheels and find out they are worthless for your purpose.

Keep in mind there has been a relatively recent change in the technical staff at SCCA HQ. There are a lot of rules to be up on. The interpretation you received is wrong.


------------------
George Roffe
Houston, TX
84 944 ITS car under construction
92 ITS Sentra SE-R occasionally borrowed
http://www.nissport.com

[RacerBill]

Was there a correction issued to amend the 2003 GCR? The copy that I have lists on page ITCS-33 Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon/Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.0L (no specific years) Wheel Dia. (inch) 13. Another reason why the rules should be available in updated form online!

[eMKay]

Originally posted by RacerBill:
Was there a correction issued to amend the 2003 GCR? The copy that I have lists on page ITCS-33 Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon/Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.0L (no specific years) Wheel Dia. (inch) 13. Another reason why the rules should be available in updated form online!

I don't know, I have the 2004 book and didn't notice what you see, it sounds like the 89-94 model you are talking about, mine is a '95

[eMKay]

Originally posted by Banzai240:
I agree with Kirk... there is no basis for this interpretation that I've ever read... Otherwise, why list multiple sizes and not just the maximum...

Yeah, good point...His name is John Bauer BTW, he copied Jeremy Thoennes on the message as well.

[Knestis]

Email him back (and cc Jeremy) asking for the court of appeals case information that establishes this change in ruling. The IT rules are based on the SS rules that specifically required (and continue to require) OE wheels.

This kind of thing is really irritating and should be added to the list of ways that rules creep happen.

K

[eMKay]

I emailed him back, his response was...

"Michael,
This is my observation from countless hours of reading the GCR. Anytime you can go to the dealer and pay extra for an upgraded package that includes larger wheels, it is ok to put the larger diameter wheels on the car without the upgraded package. I hope that made sense. If it didn't email me back!"

So here's what I'm going to do...Run 14's, if anyone whines, I'll have my service manual, the rulebook, and printed copies of the emails.