IT rules changes from last year

[Streetwise guy]

Well, since I was whining at everyone who would listen (or was too polite to just roll their eyes and walk away) this past weekend at RCMP, I will fire off the opening shot.

First, let me explain that I do not like the new classing, although I was willing to accept it for cars that had not already been classed and weighted by the SCCA.  I think basing the classing of an IT car on engine alone is a woefully inadequate assessment of the potential of that car.  The engine computations, as far as I can tell, have been cribbed from the GT rules.  In a GT car, if its too heavy, or has undersized brakes, or has strut front suspension, or bad geometry, or a beam rear axle, or has front wheel drive, it is the fault of the fabricator.  These factors are almost completely out of the control of the IT builder, and solutions are generally a compromise.

I see no reason to abandon the experience gleaned from thousands of cars classed by SCCA.  If we must choose to be independent, then a scale of weight breaks/penalties for the design flaw/benefits must be included.

Personal examples:  My twincam Neon would be allowed to lose 70 pounds, while a single cam would have to gain 130.  My car is 18 hp up, and has another 7-800 rpm.  I would have to compete against a 2.5 liter rear drive E36 BMW in my FWD 2.0 liter Dodge.  I know from personal experience a well set up Civic or CRX can beat me- easily at Gimli, but  at Race City as well.  They are now IT3 cars.  I pity the IT3 drivers in anything other than a Honda.  In the interest of full disclosure, the rule does work if an R/T Neon single cam motor is installed in the early body- same horsepower as the twincam, so a car that would be sent to ITGT can fit in IT2, just at the higher weight.

Please don't take this as an attack on the rules makers that are trying to figure this out.  I'd like to start a conversation here, to open up the topic before the AGM.  Which, sadly, I may not be able to attend.  I am going to try to arrange it to be there, but ....

[gary]

To help us out could you list every possible engine choice for the Neons. also  could you  describe the type of valve actuation for each. ie; overhead cam, two cams etc. also exact cc of each, not just rounded off 2.0litre. thanks
Gary

[Streetwise guy]

Well, thats not really the point, but there are 3 1996 cc engines. 1- SOHC 16 valve, 132 hp,  2-SOHC magnum 16 valve, 150 hp,  3-DOHC 16 valve 150.