Decisions, decisions

In any project you have to make a lot of decisions and this project is no different. We thought you might be interested in the things going through our minds at present.

The first thing to consider is what the rules allow us to do. Remember that we are targeting the Clubsport class at WTAC, so we started by reading the rules.

What type of car?

OK, this is not so much the brand or model, but the platform in general. We started out with one idea, which didn’t really pan out, and as a result, here’s the wish/shopping list:

• It can’t be considered to be a “supercar” (General Regulations, 3.1c)
• Front-Engine/Rear-Drive.
• Available with a manual transmission as an option. (Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 10f)
• Preferably a sedan/coupe, rather than a hatchback.
• Aftermarket options for suspension parts which can use the original mounting locations (Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 2c)
• Possibility to get brake upgrades from higher-spec model, or aftermarket. (Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 11.3f & 12.1)
• Manufacturer has practical engine options (Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 5.4a & b)

Engine

Here’s where it gets a little but tricky. Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 5.4a states that “…the vehicle must retain an engine from that vehicle OEM, and that it has the same number of cylinders…”. It also states we can’t convert a FWD car to RWD (but you can convert AWD to 2WD), so we can’t take an AE85 Corolla and put a 1UZ in it. This means our shopping list has to be pretty specific.

Safety Equipment

• A fire bomb system is better than a hand-held extinguisher
• A half roll cage is essential, even though the rules say it’s “recommended”
• Driver’s seat is going to be an FIA-approved item. No question.

Electronics

• Replacement engine management is permitted (Permitted Vehicle Modifications, 8a), so our first choice here is Haltech because of previous good experience. This is also much easier than trying to fool an OEM system into working when half it’s parts are missing or altered.
• The instrument cluster can be replaced, but the dashboard and materials need to be retained. We will be using a replacement dash which suits our ECU

Wheels and Tyres

• OEM sizes must be retained
• Yokohama AD09 or A052 tyres (We have a long and happy history there, so no problem)

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider, but these are actually very open rules compared to most competitions. More careful planning required!