I was wondering if an Optima yellow top battery would be allowed per Stock class rules. It weighs a bit less than a stock battery but it is the same size and shape. The weight is the only thing I am concerned about being illegal. Anybody have a definitive answer?

 

Sections 14.9 and 15.9 (2005 Solo Rules) indicate that replacing the battery is Okay for Street Touring and Street Prepared.

On page 61 (2005 Solo Rules) in the discussion of Stock Category it states "Alternate components which are normally expendable and considered replacement parts (e.g., engine and wheel bearings, seals, gaskets, filters, belts, bolts, bulbs, batteries, brake rotors, clutch discs, pressure plates, suspension bushings, drivetrain mounts, etc.) may be used provided they are essentially identical to the standard parts (e.g. have the same type, size, hardness, weight, material, etc.), are used in the same location, and provide no performance benefit."

The way I read that, no you can't replace the battery with an Optima because it is not the same "type" and does have a performance benefit since it's lighter than stock (like 15lbs IIRC). I have seen people do it, but would not swear that they were running in stock classes. By no means should you take this as "definitive".

 

I was just hoping maybe......... but it looks like no

 

i doubt local events would care for 'stock' but regional/nationals will probably gripe. which is why i think solo2 is just plain old lame when it comes to being competitive. don't get me wrong, autox is great for learning and a ton of fun but talk about rule *****... ugh

 

? The rules are there to keep it competitive. Heres the thing though you only have to follow the rules if you win. You can put 6 turbos on your car and run in stock clas and never get protested, until you trophy that is. Don't take that the wrong way though. I'm sure everyone would appreciate that you try to follow the rules and not deceive anyone.

 

anti rulez folks are usually those who just can't compete *tongue in cheek and flame suit on*

 

how about those who were told by the local tech chair that a crank was ok after sinking nearly 80k into a car only to find out that i was in DM not BP. yeah. not so thrilled there... not that the car was built for autox primarily but the contradition and absolute **** position annoys me. a friend's BEAT old crx was put in SM or CP or something stupid like that because he'd removed the bottom half of his airbox after an accident.......

i autox to compete / better MYSELF not vs. anyone but it's nice to be able to compare raw times. pax is total complete utter BS imo... *dons my own flame suit*

 

Unfortunately, it's not the Tech, or anyone else's responsibility to properly class a car except for the driver.

The rulebook is even available for free online nowadays, so it's just a matter of reading it

 

I run an Odyssey battery in BS which is more than 3 times lighter than stock. Nobody ever give a sh$t about it. And I go to different clubs. If you go to Nationals, than you should warry about things like that, I guss.