Are PASM equipped cars allowed to run in SS "Street Sto

[UKAYMAN]

Hi,

I’m seeking some clarification on the eligibility of Porsches equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Stability Management) being allowed to run in SS street stock classes at Autocross events. Does anyone know if they are or do they have to run in the next class?

As PASM lowers the ride height by 10mm when switched on, and has stiffer spring rates than the standard steel-sprung suspension, my interpretations of the rules are that they would not be allowed. Please correct me if I am wrong. I've included below the information I have used from the Zone 8 Rules, and from Porsche in order to gain my opinion.

Incidentally my car doesn't have PASM, hence my interest.

Thanks,

Hassan



1. STREET STOCK CLASSES (0-2 Points)
Any car having 0-2 penalty points inclusively (as determined in Section III)
except that the following modifications are not allowed in Street Stock:
a. Modification or Removal of catalytic converter
b. Modification or replacement of factory airbox or filter to increase
flow
c. Headers
d. Any non-stock suspension improvement (i.e.: shocks, springs, torsion
bars, etc)
e. Aftermarket Mass airflow kits
f. DME chips - in some cases modification to require 100+ octane fuel
g. Lightweight flywheels
h. Removal of weight, and/or redistribution of weight (other than for
safety reasons)
i. Any change which makes the car not street-legal in the state which it
is registered
j. Any tire with a treadwear rating less than 140 (even if delivered as
stock factory or OEM equipment)



“Stock” is intended to be defined as US-specification base model Porsches. Most
equipment available on a “Stock” car is not penalized. However, any equipment on the
following points list is assessed penalty points. This typically is equipment considered to
improve or enhance performance. “Non-stock” equipment includes both factory optional
equipment and aftermarket products.


Cayman Spring Rates:

Front Spring Struts
Basic chassis Spring Rate 27 N/mm ~> 154 lb/in
PASM chassis Spring Rate 33 N/mm ~> 188 lb/in

Rear Spring Struts
Basic chassis Spring Rate 40 N/mm ~> 228 lb/in
PASM chassis Spring Rate 46 N/mm ~> 263 lb/in

[mrondeau]

Hassan,

That's a great question. I know that at Parade here last year in the 987S class, the top three Caymans all had PASM and it seemed to give them a huge advantage. That being said, PCA National does not penalize them for having PASM and I don't believe that our rules do either. That would be something for the rules committee to decide on.

[kurquhart]

This is my interpretation, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is right.

For S models that come standard with PASM, there are no additional points assessed since they are already in a higher base class than the non-S models.

For non-S models that add PASM as a fatory option, 2 points would be assesed for non-stock springs. They could still run in SS if they had no other point assessments.

One clarification: PASM does not change the ride height dynamically "when switched on". A PASM equipped car is 10mm lower from the factory, always.

[harnishclan]

PASM is not standard nor is it common on any Caymans, S model or otherwise. It is an option for all. For the record there is only one PASM car at Pioneer (drove it last weekend). Would have liked to have more choices with PASM but very few cars come across that way.

Oh by the way-the one at Pioneer would be a fun car! GT seats, 19" wheels and PASM.

I am Brian Harnish and I approved this message.

[mrondeau]

This is my interpretation, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it is right.

For S models that come standard with PASM, there are no additional points assessed since they are already in a higher base class than the non-S models.

For non-S models that add PASM as a fatory option, 2 points would be assesed for non-stock springs. They could still run in SS if they had no other point assessments.

One clarification: PASM does not change the ride height dynamically "when switched on". A PASM equipped car is 10mm lower from the factory, always.

The PASM is an option on ALL of the 987's and base model Carrera's. On Carrera S and above, it's standard. It's a definite advantage in handling, IMHO.

[944 boy]

My Base 987 has PASM. I was not looking for it in particular and kind of leery of electronic wizardry. But after driving with it for a while, I see the benefits. Even with the 17" conti's it sticks quite well. With it on it does tend to bounce around a little bit though.

It seems like it is the whole M030 debate on the 944's. It would be interesting to find the import numbers on cars with PASM and see how close it is to the 10% (or whatever percent) rule it is to qualify for SS.

[mrondeau]

Greg - I think you need to update your signature to go with your new job/life/car. How do you like the Boxster?

[944 boy]

All fixed.

I love the boxster. It's comfortable, fun to drive and looks good.

[ChuckS]

The word "comfortable" is strange coming from someone who who has driven across the country several times in a gutted, roll caged, stiff suspension, no A/C, race 944 with rock hard Kirkey seats without sliders.

He must be finally getting old!

[mrondeau]

The word "comfortable" is strange coming from someone who who has driven across the country several times in a gutted, roll caged, stiff suspension, no A/C, race 944 with rock hard Kirkey seats without sliders.

He must be finally getting old!

Comfortable is a relative term.

[UKAYMAN]

It seems like it is the whole M030 debate on the 944's. It would be interesting to find the import numbers on cars with PASM and see how close it is to the 10% (or whatever percent) rule it is to qualify for SS.

It is interesting you mention the whole M030 suspenion set up. It was this set up which carries points on some cars, or all cars which started to get me thinking is PASM the modern day version of M030 option?

I have emailed the rules and tech guys for zone 8 for clarification.. Still awaiting a response.

I'm sure other people must have highlighted this situation before me, so my guess is PASM is allowed. It'll make it all the more satisfying to beat a driver in a PASM car now though. I haven't driven a PASM equipped car myself, so I cannot really say if holds an advantage or not??

[993Panzer]

PASM aka the "Please Save Me" button.

[kurquhart]

PASM aka the "Please Save Me" button.

PASM != PSM. The first is active suspension, the latter is stability control.

[UKAYMAN]

That would be PSM you're referring to I think? PASM ... Please Assist Some More?

[Jad]

I am not official, but I don't think there is anything in the rules that dis-allows PASM. This is partially because, at least until the most recent version, it clearly was not a benefit for a good driver as it slows you down way before the limit is reached. On the Cayman S especially, the biggest benefit I see is the limit slip effect it provides at the expense of cornering speed. That is the only car I have driven to date, that I may not turn it off to go fast at the track. I would need a few runs to compare if it is better to be fast in the corner with a slower exit(off), or slow in the corner with a faster exit(on).

That said, until recently, it was a 'Please Save Me' button, now it provides a better suspension to start with, so if you can completely turn it off AND have the better suspension, the rules may need to be looked at.