Steeda panhard bar

[Tom Beverly]

I'm aware of the rule:

8.36.2. A panhard bar may be added or substituted. It may be adjustable for length. One panhard mounting point may be height adjustable to allow for leveling of the bar, but the other mounting point must be of fixed height.

 

I was wondering if there is any way to make a Steeda panhard bar, (like the one that comes with the 5-link), legal for use in CMC. It doesn't meet the letter of the rules since it is adjustable at both ends.

I'm curious if one end, (or both ends), were tack welded in place, thus eliminating the adjustment feature, would this be enough to make it legal for CMC?

The reason I ask is because I'm considering building a CMC car to start with, then building it further into an AI or SCCA ASedan car later. I plan to use the 5-link in the future, for either AI, or AS. I would like to eliminate having to weld, then cut the PB bracket off, just to put another one on. I would also like to eliminate having to buy two different PB setups for the same car.

 

Thanks, Tom.

[bsim]

Actually Tom, I believe the rule you quoted is in regards to the Panhard bar mount, and that one 'end', or the mounting point, can be moved.

 

The panhard rod on the other hand, can be fully adjustable...

[Tom Beverly]

Sorry for the confusion. Both ends of the bar are not only adjustable for (bar) length, but for (bar) height as well.

I assume the reason for not allowing height adjustment is to keep a fixed rear roll center height, that can't be adjusted depending on track conditions.

The question still remains the same. What would it take to make this bar legal?

[Al F.]

To my knowledge, this is the first time that has come up. The PHB rule is quite nebulous, and just asking to be rewritten but as it stands now, I'd think it'd be pretty tough to argue against your thought of simply welding one side so it no longer adjusts. At that point it would fit the letter of the rules, and it has precedent (people make lower control arms with rod ends and weld the jam nuts so they're not adjustable).

 

One concern that could be brought up is that you're out adjusting PHB height for different weekends by griding off the tack welds and dropping new ones. It could then be argued that you have adjustments and handling advantages over your competitors, and there'd be no way to prove that it wasn't done (with LCAs you can take them off and prove they're the stock length, but there is no stock PHB height in a Mustang...)

 

Another concern is given the fact that you want to use Steeda parts, you must be a nut case

 

If you're serious, I'll start a round of emails w/the directors and get you an official answer

[Tom Beverly]

One concern that could be brought up is that you're out adjusting PHB height for different weekends by grinding off the tack welds and dropping new ones. It could then be argued that you have adjustments and handling advantages over your competitors, and there'd be no way to prove that it wasn't done (with LCAs you can take them off and prove they're the stock length, but there is no stock PHB height in a Mustang...)

I thought about that too. There are ways to adjust the PB height between events (weekends) even with one being of fixed height, and non-adjustable. Perhaps the rules need to be written more clearly, maybe they should set the required height of the bar in the rules. (Wasn't this one of the issues that came up not to long ago with someone’s Camaro that was asked not to return)?

 

I'm not afraid to use the Steeda 5-link setup, (or in this case the PB). We have done very well using it on two other ASedan cars that run both regionally and nationally. After all, Steeda didn't design it, they just bought the design, and then mass produced it.

 

I'm pretty serious about this, CMC east needs as much support as it can get. So if you could get a solid answer it would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[Al F.]

Yeah, I know, if you're creative enough you can modify a lot. In any case, the point you've made is right: the rule needs to be a little clearer, otherwise we gotta just quit worrying. If it makes you feel any better, this is on the list of rules to clear up for next season. That said, I'll bring this up for discussion with the rest of the boys (who read this anyway, so you guys now what's coming )

[Tony G]

Both of you have good points.

Here is the official answer:

You can use the panhard from Steeda,and just weld one end so it has no adjustment,and the other end may be adjustable to slide up and down.

We will clarify this by years end.

Tom,

I commend you for asking first and then doing it,rather than just putting it on and then getting a DQ in a post race inspection..

Thanks..well done!

Tony Guaglione

CMC National Chief Director

[Horsewidowers]

Thanks for bringing this one up. I also intend to use that 5 link set-up. My intent was to weld up one of the adjustments. The bummer on the 5 link kit is that you can't use the upper control arms.