Ideas from letters received prior to FV Runoffs Meeting

[cendiv37]

Ideas from letters received prior to FV Runoffs Meeting

Issue
A Intake Manifold
Count - Ideas
4 - Develop and implement a spec manifold
5 - New rules to stop further escalation using real VW manifolds
1 - Put the genie back in the bottle: rewrite the rules to disallow the latest radical manifolds.
2 - Do not legislate the latest manifolds into obsolescence.
1 - Measure volume of manifolds as part of the dimensional limitations of new rules.
1 - Measure height of manifolds to the carb flange.
1 - Specify maximum dimension on all portions of the downtube and crosstube (each to have it's own limit)
1 - Use a go-no-go gauge to make these determinations in 4 planes at 3-4 points. If no-go in two planes at one location: disallow manifold.

B How to stop "escalation" in FV
Count - Ideas
1 - Rigorously (or at least more rigorously) enforce the second paragraph of 9.1.1.C.1.B
1 - Ad Hoc Committee's "charge": Keep the class stable and economically viable.
1 - Implement an engine claiming rule to reduce the incentive to cheat or to develop "killer" engines
1 - Use the Ad Hoc committee to evaluate legality issues in near real time. Be more proactive in questioning legality and give out warnings until a final ruling is obtained.
1 - Do not allow larger sumps: someone will take advantage of this.

C Rules Errors and emissions
Count - Ideas
1 - Be very careful with new rules. They might bring on unintended consequences
1 - Just do it. Fix the errors if there are any.
1 - Specify VW valve angles in the GCR.
1 - Specify "normally aspirated" rather than "no turbocharging"
1 - Spring pack wording clarification
1 - Airfoils vs. bodywork terminology
1 - 6 or 12 volt batteries only allowed: do we need more latitude?

D Future Class Direction
Count - Ideas
2 - Spec Tire for Regionals (Nationally mandated)
1 - Specify a single tire size for front and rear (no short rears)
1 - Single gearbox
2 - Evaluate 1600 engine seriously as the replacement: get engine builders input, etc.
1 - Deal with parts supply issues as they arise. Find or fabricate suitable replacements.
1 - FV ad Hoc Committee be officially recognized as the FV Advisory Committee
5 - Allow Disc brakes
2 - Move towards blending FV into FST over time (5 years)
4 - Rack and Pinion Steering
1 - Do away with the whole "Regional Racing" thing. Have only National races run for points towards the Runoffs
1 - Focus on reducing/eliminating high maintenance items (disc brakes and steering racks)
2 - NO spec tires
1 - Allow more experimentation with nonstandard parts to find replacements. Share knowledge gained with whole VW community.
2 - Slightly more powerful engine to keep up with other cars on the track. This is costing us drivers and causing accidents.
1 - Find an alternative engine to supercede the 1200 as parts supply dwindles.
1 - Advertise FV!
2 - Spec tire for Nationals and Regionals
1 - Fully spec engines (sealed)
1 - Develop and support a FV Drivers Association
1 - Move to SOME of the FST allowances: 1600 restricted engine, ball joint front end, stock 4 bolt wheels, etc. Stay within the concept of FV.
1 - Increase minimum weight to 1050
1 - Transition of FV to FST rules package, rename to FV once complete about 2014

Other Comments:
2 - Newbies choose FV due to the costs
1 - FV problems are costs, asthetics and horsepower
1 - $6 - $7000 1200 cc engines are ridiculous.
1 - The CRB blew it by not legislating against the latest manifolds BUT it is now to late to undo it.
1 - Concerns expressed about "too many recent rules changes" are not valid.
1 - Making custom parts for FV as we need them sounds difficult and costly. I prefer we move FV towards viable parts sources, modifying the rules and possibly performance as needed to make this work.