Vintage Engines & new rules clarification??

[4-barrel Mike]

Thank you.  I think that for the moment I'll plan on following the Rich Fox example/advise & KISS.

Mike

[RidgeRunner]

"Starting to look like the Vintage classes will have to be opened up a bit [much as I hate to see the original vintage intent diluted] "

How about making it simpler - do the opposite of the above quote.

DW

     I have no problem with that approach either, sometimes you just gotta back up to get a good start on the hill.  After safety,most important things for rules for any class are having the lines clearly drawn upfront and maintaing control of the length of the everpresent shadow.
                                               
                                                      Ed

[38flattie]

So, are the programable MSD's. like the MSD 7535, allowed in the XXO/BVG, or not?

[RICK]

Back in law school, my professor said, "look for the intent". I BELIEVE the intent of the rule is to allow ignition controllers, of any kind, BUT, they should only control ignition.  Also the original post was in 2006 when traction control was a hot topic. Most all OEM computers control fuel injection and ignition, together.   I believe the rule was to keep fuel delivery 'vintage'.  It is my belief that your MSD should be legal, but,,,,,,,,, you are best to contact the rule chair. Back in 06 I think that was Roy, and his e-mail address should be in the rule book.


    Good luck,  RICK

ps, I dropped out of law school to build hot rods,,,,, no regrets!

[jimmy six]

As I understand it, and I've run vintage engines in vintage cars since 1975, you can run any ignition that does what ever function you DIRECT at a set RPM. The engine can not change its setting by something in the engine other than at a set RPM. IE spark knock, wheel spin, (unless the RPM goes to a number that is preset in the "box"), EGT temp etc.

When I ran nitrous I could NOT have the spark retard by a "box" when I hit the button. I still belive by these rules. I could have had a cable you can adjust while driving.

I believe that you can use a MSD, Electromotive, Mallory, ETC or one like it that does things you direct it to prior to the run and that you can change it but not on the fly.

IMO I believe this should stay this way. If you want all the new gadgets, run them in a later model vehicle or in Special Construction. There are those that are problbly already doing "questionable" stuff with vintage engines in vintage cars and either have not been caught or not gone fast yet.

Let's keep some sanity with the these engines and classes.................JD

[Glen]

JD, right on.

[38flattie]

Thank you. It is a blown carb engine, and I simply want the box to control timing with the changes in boost. As I understand it, as long as it is preprogrammed for the set points, it is legal.

This is my first go around, and I don't want any surprises during tech!

[xxobuick]

So lets see. 

Is it LEGAL In XX0 or X0 or XF in VINTAGE bodies to run a micro processor controlled spark, ie.  MSD, Electromotive, etc. as long as the microprocessor does not recieve any other imputs from the engine, other than a RPM signal? 


Are we to belive that we cannot even have a vacuum line hooked up to a conputer controlled ignition box?

[Stan Back]

 "Are we to belive that we cannot even have a vacuum line hooked up to a computer controlled ignition box?"

The way I read 2.A.1 -- page 17

"2. Computers are allowed for data collection purposes only."

No.  But I don't count - and the rule seems clear to me.

Stan

[RichFox]

See what a mess this is? The old rule that disallowed computer controlled ignitions was easy to understand, enforce, and provided workable results. As Dave pointed out, years ago, Turbochargers are much more legitimate in Vintage classes than computer chips. This rule should never have been changed and should be changed back. What was the good side for the change?

[NathanStewart]

So lets see. 

Is it LEGAL In XX0 or X0 or XF in VINTAGE bodies to run a micro processor controlled spark, ie.  MSD, Electromotive, etc. as long as the microprocessor does not recieve any other imputs from the engine, other than a RPM signal? 


Are we to belive that we cannot even have a vacuum line hooked up to a conputer controlled ignition box?

If I'm reading it right, the rule says the only time a computer is allowed on a vintage body car with a vintage engine is to passively collect data.  This would lead me to believe that a microprocessor (computer) controlled ignition system is ILLEGAL by default even if you're not using the processor to manipulate ignition timing based on engine load.

The MSD BTM is not microprocessor controlled so I don't think it can be considered a computer which should make it legal to use as it falls under any ignition system while also meeting the no computer rule.

[jimmy six]

38Flattie. As I originally understood it; what was controlled manually was all you could control electronically. IE centrifual weights or set RPM which you could pull or push on a manual lever.

To me changing ignition it at different boost may bring questions but perhaps you can ask all of the current blown vintage engine in vintage classes record holders are doing now and you may find some who are doing questionable things...who knows.

The easiest thing I ever did was run 75% in the tank naturally aspirated and lock in the mag at 38 degrees. Now I run a stock HEI and everything is fine....But I don't run a blower..........Good Luck

[38flattie]

Wow, and I thought it was a pretty sraight forward question!

I'll send it of to the tech boys, and see what they say.

[4-barrel Mike]

The solution is simple. 

Everyone in Warnerville should be trained to be able to verify the exact functioning of the "black box" connected to this current record-holding distributorless-ignition system equipped V4F.





Mike

[38flattie]

The official answer is no.