[BAD STI]

I found out today what many of you probably already knew... that the SCCA does not allow alcohol injection in any of their events. This news greatly upset me as I have been looking forward to autocross ever since I purchased my STI and I don’t have a non alcohol injected tune.

I was discussing my mods (in an attempt to determine my class) with a director today through email when he informed me that I cannot run alcohol or nitrous due to the safety risks of fire. I replied to him that I am running 50/50 alcohol and water and that it will not catch fire and is safer for my engine than running without it. At this point in our conversation I figured my chances of participating in any SCCA events were none. I was supprised when he replied that he thinks there is a chance that I could run my 50/50 set up under the category of water injection (which is legal) and that he belives the no alcohol rule is to prevent 100% methanol . He told me he will bring up the issue at the board meeting next Wednesday (Feb. 3rd) and try his best to get them to allow its use. I had already planned on attending the meating to get acquainted with the local SCCA members and asked him if I should bring any material supporting the safeness of a 50% or less alcohol and water mixture and its injection. He liked the Idea and said he has been racing WRX’s and STI’s for the past 6-7 years and would love for me to be able to compete.

I know my chances of getting them to approve the use of alcohol injection (even in 50/50 form) are slim as the safety section of the rule book clearly states it is not allowed. I do however feel that is worth my effort to attend that meeting and present my case in an attempt to get the rule changed. I feel that like a lot of rules this particular one has a good intended purpose but is poorly written and could stand for revision. To put nitrous and an inflammable mixture of water and alcohol in the same category is as bad as the federal government labeling marijuana and heroin in the same drug schedule. LOL

It would be of great help if you fellow IWSTI meth heads could help me compile this data to present to the SCCA board as well as offer any advice. Links to credible sources would be great. I am a brand new SCCA member but I feel that if I can get the support of my local leaders (I already have the support of one) some good can come of this.

Thanks guys,

-Jared

[Turbineguy]

You could always bring a little of the mix with you and toss a lit match in it to prove it doesn't burn. I would also lean towards calling it an anti-detonant and make every effort to steer away from the power potential aspects. FWIW the local chapter in Alabama that I ran with for awhile allowed straight water injection but not water/meth. Sucky part about that is that it requires a slightly different tune for each.

[BAD STI]

Originally Posted by Turbineguy

You could always bring a little of the mix with you and toss a lit match in it to prove it doesn't burn. I would also lean towards calling it an anti-detonant and make every effort to steer away from the power potential aspects. FWIW the local chapter in Alabama that I ran with for awhile allowed straight water injection but not water/meth. Sucky part about that is that it requires a slightly different tune for each.

Yeah.. all chapters are allowed to run water injection. Im not balsy enough to do my own tunes yet (like some people ) or else I'd just run water lol. I was thinking about bringing some and attempting to light it. I plan on getting an AP V2 and having a no meth map made but not untill November when I upgrade my turbo.

[RONIN]

Tell them it is windshield washer fluid... In all reality the windshield washer fluid in your car should also be considered illegal.

[BAD STI]

Originally Posted by RONIN

Tell them it is windshield washer fluid... In all reality the windshield washer fluid in your car should also be considered illegal.

Haha nah man. Im all for lieing and cheating but not when it comes to communities that support my interest (NRA, SCCA, ect). Worse case I'll have to sit this season out and wait for next season when I have a new turbo and an alcohol and pump gas tune.

[HowertonEngineering.com]

We had a different but somewhat similar situation in NASA Time Attack last year. IIRC, we were running 100% meth in the SE division and wiping the class and setting track records. Car was passing tech with no issues. As soon as we entered the car for the National Championship the rule book was "clairified" so as not to allow methanol injection of any type. This was due to clear burning, safety issues, etc. To try to keep it short, after lobbying and some clarifications it was deemed we could run denatured alcohol, and the entire system had to be brought up to a NHRA spec(the closest similar thing NASA could find) for supplement fuel/alcohol fuel system. So we put in a fuel cell, braided lines throughout, and put a sheet metal enclosure("bulkhead") around the whole tank system in the back of the car (hatchback). Tech was very tough on the car but deemed it OK, and went on to win the national championship, beating all but one car in the two classes above.

Funny thing is, the denatured alcohol at Home Depot is 50% ethanol and 50% methanol. It was legal to run by the rules. Not cheap at close to $15 a gallon, but did the job.

Good luck getting in and approved, if there's any details I can clarify to help out let me know.

[BAD STI]

Originally Posted by HowertonEngineering.com

We had a different but somewhat similar situation in NASA Time Attack last year. IIRC, we were running 100% meth in the SE division and wiping the class and setting track records. Car was passing tech with no issues. As soon as we entered the car for the National Championship the rule book was "clairified" so as not to allow methanol injection of any type. This was due to clear burning, safety issues, etc. To try to keep it short, after lobbying and some clarifications it was deemed we could run denatured alcohol, and the entire system had to be brought up to a NHRA spec(the closest similar thing NASA could find) for supplement fuel/alcohol fuel system. So we put in a fuel cell, braided lines throughout, and put a sheet metal enclosure("bulkhead") around the whole tank system in the back of the car (hatchback). Tech was very tough on the car but deemed it OK, and went on to win the national championship, beating all but one car in the two classes above.

Funny thing is, the denatured alcohol at Home Depot is 50% ethanol and 50% methanol. It was legal to run by the rules. Not cheap at close to $15 a gallon, but did the job.

Good luck getting in and approved, if there's any details I can clarify to help out let me know.

Thanks bud. Yeah its not cheap at $15 a gallon but it works good and is easy to find. I'm not even trying to run it in nationals, just my region.

[HowertonEngineering.com]

See if they let you up the safety level of the system if it will be allowed in some form.

[BAD STI]

I forgot to update this thread. The tech cheif said that I'm ok to participate with a 50/50 mix.

[Got2Boostit2]

Originally Posted by BAD STI

I forgot to update this thread. The tech cheif said that I'm ok to participate with a 50/50 mix.

I'd be curious to hear how they are going to police that you are running 50/50 at tech. Keep us updated.