STx Ignitions

[Chip42]

9.1.4.G.7
"Ignition system components may be replaced freely provided the type of ignition remains the same as stock."

I hate this rule. I read it as the installed motor's stock ignition system must remain, but you can throw whatever plugs/wires/coil(s) at it that you want.

1 - Since the class is weighted by displacement, why wouldn't swapping to COP or waste spark from a mechanical distributor be allowed? theoretically, this simply brings everyone closer to the potential of their swept volume, similar to the allowed removal of AFM/MAF etc...

2 - Regardless of #1 , does this rule allow for the instalation of non-stock pickups on the crank/cam for purposes of fuel and spark timing, or only the changing ("replacing") of sensors in stock locations?

[lateapex911]

9.1.4.G.7
"Ignition system components may be replaced freely provided the type of ignition remains the same as stock."

I hate this rule. I read it as the installed motor's stock ignition system must remain, but you can throw whatever plugs/wires/coil(s) at it that you want.

1 - Since the class is weighted by displacement, why wouldn't swapping to COP or waste spark from a mechanical distributor be allowed? theoretically, this simply brings everyone closer to the potential of their swept volume, similar to the allowed removal of AFM/MAF etc...

2 - Regardless of #1 , does this rule allow for the instalation of non-stock pickups on the crank/cam for purposes of fuel and spark timing, or only the changing ("replacing") of sensors in stock locations?

#2: Well, it says, "replaced" so. I'm thinking you can take a bendix crank sensor and replace it with a Motronic. But replace doesn't mean "add"

I hate that they said "freely". That word adds nothing, except confusion.

[Greg Amy]

"Ignition system components may be replaced freely provided the type of ignition remains the same as stock."

Define "type of ignition" and you have your answer. Is it "crank fired" versus "distributor"? "COP" versus "single coil"? Or maybe nothing more than "spark" versus "compression"?

I don't know the answer, just directing the question.

GA

[Chip42]

tGA - that's how I read it regarding type. my question is more based on philosophy - "why?". there are too many limits regarding stock engines for a displacement based weight system to work.

[RANT]
removing the restriction on ignition type might add cost (not a lot these days) but it also removes one of the barriers to equality. ditto the allowance of a crank trigger where none was present from stock (assuming jake's answer is correct, I think it probably is).

with stock TBs, intakes, heads, rotating assemblies, etc... there will never be perfect parity between all motors, that's understood. but the restrictions to such basic tuning modifications really only serves to further limit potentially competitive combinations. it's not good for class diversity.

in prod, 2 motors of the same displacement and same drivetrain layout (neon, sentra SER, etc...) could be spec'ed with the same cam allowance and have very different weights with no seemingly obvious reason for it, other than the inherant inequality between their motors by design. STx is effectively the same rule set (as the example cars, not the category overall), but adds additional restrictions to modifications (i.e. ignition) and makes NO allowance for the disperity of design between various mills. The evidence from production is that the CRB recognizes the effects of different designs that appear to have the same characteristics, and it should be expanded to the principles that formulate ST (though the instability of the production category rules is not desirable).

I don't "want" speclines for each allowed vehicle, but I do think that removing barriers to potential power should be a basic requirement in a class with this classification system.
[/RANT]

[DoubleXL240Z]

If my acme 2 litre had a distributor in it originally, than no COP, or coil pack??
But, I can remove the AFM and replace it with a MAF??!?!

[Chip42]

If my acme 2 litre had a distributor in it originally, than no COP, or coil pack??
But, I can remove the AFM and replace it with a MAF??!?!

correct. makes no sense. write a letter!!!!

[Eagle7]

If my acme 2 litre had a distributor in it originally, than no COP, or coil pack??
But, I can remove the AFM and replace it with a MAF??!?!

No, I don't think so. You can add the MAF but I don't think you can remove the AFM. All the intake air still has to pass through it.

[Greg Amy]

But, I can remove the AFM and replace it with a MAF??!?!

Yes. The limiting factor is the "air throttling device" (e.g., throttle body/carb). Everything outside of that is fair game.

See Jan Fastrack for the latest clarification.

GA

[Eagle7]

Yes. The limiting factor is the "air throttling device" (e.g., throttle body/carb). Everything outside of that is fair game.

See Jan Fastrack for the latest clarification.

GA

Oops, I should pay closer attention to which forum I'm in.

Greg, I can't find that FT reference (although I do remember it). Seems like it was STx specific. Is there reason to think that it also applies to IT? I hope not, because if it does I think I just found some HP.