FORMULAVEE.ORG

"Since many heads came from VW with this area already machined and since there is no dimension for the
valve guide, the area is un-techable."

This is a CRD quote from the June Fastrack Prelims.

How many other areas of a Formula Vee are un-techable?

Brian

In the absence of definitive dimensions it is virtually impossible to consider a part non compliant. On several occasions, the ad hoc committee has provided dimensions to the CRB where non existed or were incomplete. Their work was based on researching and measuring several components and arriving at a consistent and reasonable number. It's likely the valve guide bosses will go through the same process for future clarification.

The valve guide issue was further complicated by modifications made by some dealers to reduce oil consumption by machining the boss and installing valve guide seals. The factory added o rings in later model 40hp engines as an upgrade but never performed or authorized the machining operation.

As I have said, relying on tortured interpretations to justify modifications just leads to rule creep and more problems. In the April notes, the AD HOC committee mentioned piston tops that were machined to reduce weight, a long time practice, but were intentionally machined with a dished configuration. The thinking was if the deck clearance was .039 somewhere, it's legal. Reality tells us that's phony logic and using an average of measurements across the piston will deny that approach. Others think intentionally machining wear grooves in the cylinder mating area of squish area of the heads will give them higher compression and will argue it's just wear. Close examination will show these heads have been intentionally machined that way.

We all work hard to win, and it's near impossible for scrutineers to keep up. It's up to the professionals and members in this class to police themselves.