PCA SDR

Does the event chair waive the minimum height rule (XIII.Q) at Qualcomm for aluminum control arm 944's since it is in a parking lot?

Brian:

The rules state:

Q. All 944/924/968 cars with aluminum A arms should have the ball joint
inspected before each event. In addition, the dimension between the wheel
center and the lowest portion of the top fender edge shall be greater than 13.0
inches. If an entrant wishes to lower the car below this, Fabcar or equivalent A
arms shall be fitted. The Event Chairperson may waive this requirement for
parking lot courses.


So, the event chair CAN waive the requirement for events at Qualcomm. The real important issue is the safety of the driver and the other drivers and cornerworkers at the event. So, we have taken the approach to deal with this exeption on a case by case basis. If the car in question is well set up and appears safe, then there should not be a problem as the stresses in a parking lot event such as ours is much less than on a track. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call on my cell at 858-449-1502 or PM me.

Just to be sure this is for aluminum A arms only?

ronaldtrotter wrote:Just to be sure this is for aluminum A arms only?

Ron-
Yes, the rule states clearly that it is only for the aluminum control arms.
TT

I look at the title of this topic with curiosity as there is nothing in the rule that states it is for TT/DE only. It is for all events. Therefore, if you autocross the car, nothing about this should be new to you.

ChuckS wrote:Brian:

The rules state:

Q. All 944/924/968 cars with aluminum A arms should have the ball joint
inspected before each event. In addition, the dimension between the wheel
center and the lowest portion of the top fender edge shall be greater than 13.0
inches. If an entrant wishes to lower the car below this, Fabcar or equivalent A
arms shall be fitted. The Event Chairperson may waive this requirement for
parking lot courses.


So, the event chair CAN waive the requirement for events at Qualcomm. The real important issue is the safety of the driver and the other drivers and cornerworkers at the event. So, we have taken the approach to deal with this exeption on a case by case basis. If the car in question is well set up and appears safe, then there should not be a problem as the stresses in a parking lot event such as ours is much less than on a track. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call on my cell at 858-449-1502 or PM me.

From experience:

The purpose of the rule is to ensure that lowered 944's don't shear/snap the balljoint shaft or damage the A-arm (aluminum ones) from the altered geometry caused by lowering the car.

Interestingly enough, when I replaced my ball joints in the Great White Wonder, I purchased the newer ball joints with shafts specifically designed for a lower ride height (longer shafts). This eliminated the angled balljoint effect of lowering, and made the front suspension capable of handling the stresses of "tracking" on sticky tires without undue risk of failure due to changed geometry. I was able to run my 944 at a 12" measured distance from spindle to fender without risk. I had to explain this repeatedly at Tech Inspections, but a single jack-and-view of my car satisfied the Tech Inspectors if anyone contested my ride height. All the shops that do TT pre-inspections allowed my height after reviewing tthe new ball joint system.

Mirage has done a great job of installing these ball-joint systems and I would recommend anyone driving a lowered 944 to check this system out. I was very happy with the results.

My 2-cents.

Dan