Interpretation of ST Class Rule

[Myz]

Riejo & I exchanged a few messages on this topic & we decided to post this on the forum to see how others would interpret the rules. This is specific to ECU tuning for ST classing. For those that aren't aware, 2018 rules now allow boost changes. I've pasted the rules below, & my question will follow at the end.

The engine management system parameters and operation of internal combustion engines may be modified only via the methods listed below. Any OE OBD2 or newer communications port functionally must remain. The Check Engine Light (CEL) or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be disabled via software. Only sensors equipped from the manufacturer may be used for engine management. Data acquisition modifications to the wiring and PCM/ECU are permitted.
1. For all model years, the following allowances apply:

• a. The standard PCM/ECU may be re-programmed without restriction.

• b. Fuel pressure regulator(s) may be replaced in lieu of electronic hardware or software alterations. It is not permitted to mechanically alter the fuel pressure regulation AND make other hardware or software changes to engine operation.

• c. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory-adjustable distributor ignition systems.

2. For 2005 and older model year vehicles:

• a. A supplementary (“piggyback”) PCM/ECU is permitted. It must be plug-compatable with the standard PCM/ECU (no splices) and must connect only between the standard PCM/ECU and its wiring harness.

• b. Electronic components may be installed in-line between the engine sensors and PCM/ECU. These components may alter the signal from the sensor in order to affect the PCM/ECU operation. Example: Fuel controllers that modify the signal from an airflow sensor.

• c. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the timing of manufacturer electronic variable-valve systems.

3. 1995 and older vehicles in addition may replace the standard PCM/ECU without restriction.

Does "without restriction" refer to parameters that may be adjusted or does it refer to the means/method of making the changes (ie. piggyback, flash tune etc).......Or does it refer to Both parameter & method

[94boosted]

The way I read it is, the parameters that may be adjusted are without restriction (i.e. boost, ignition timing, rev limiter, cam phasing etc.) however the method on 2006+ vehicles must be a flash tune aka no piggy back (i.e. JB1 or JB4 for your Golf R)

[Stuart]

The main question would be, which "without restriction" are you referring to?
For 1.a. it implies no additional hardware (piggyback for example) but you can change the software however you like.
For 3. it would allow for any hardware or software changes you like.

[PedalFaster]

I'm not an ST guy, but my interpretation is the same as Tom and Stuart's.

[Reijo]

As Stephen I'm not an ST guy and hence we thought it would be a good idea to put this out here for interpretation.

The big question was whether the boost was allowed to be increased. 

I seem to remember that the rules used to have a clause that you could change the ignition advance, fuel injection parameters, VVT, etc. but not the boost.

That clause does not appear to be in the rules now. 

So is boost now unlimited (as much as you can get) via the OEM ECU reprogrammming?

[Reijo]

From the old rules from 2017 (thought I'd look this up since I saved a copy onto my HD):

Section 14.10.F

F. The engine management system parameters and operation of internal
combustion engines may be modified only via the methods listed below.
These allowances also apply to forced induction cars, except that
no changes to standard boost levels, intercoolers, or boost controls are
permitted. Boost changes indirectly resulting from allowed modifications
are permissible but directly altering or modifying the boost or turbo controls,
either mechanically or electronically, is strictly prohibited. Traction
control parameters may not be altered. Any OE OBD2 or newer communications
port functionality must remain. The Check Engine Light (CEL) or
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be disabled via software. Alternate
software maps which violate these restrictions may not be present during
competition, regardless of activation. Only OE sensors may be used for
engine management.
1. Reprogrammed ECU/PCM (via hardware and/or software) may be
used in the standard housing.
2. Supplementary (“Piggyback”) ECU may be used subject to the following
restrictions:
74 — 2017 SCCA® National Solo® Rules
14. Street Touring®
a. Connects between the standard ECU/PCM and its wiring harness
only.
b. Must be plug-compatible with the standard ECU/PCM (no splices).
3. Electronic components may be installed in-line between an engine’s
sensors and ECU/PCM. These components may alter the signal coming
from the sensor in order to affect the ECU/PCM operation of engine
management system. Example: Fuel controllers that modify the signal
coming from an airflow sensor.
4. Fuel pressure regulators may be replaced in lieu of electronic alterations
to the fuel system. It is not permitted to electronically modify the
fuel system AND replace a fuel pressure regulator.
5. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory adjustable distributor
ignition systems.
6. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the timing
of factory standard electronic variable valve timing systems.

[Reijo]

The new 2018 rules, Sec. 14.10F reads as follows (note the italicized text signifying a change for the current year's rules):

F. The engine management system parameters and operation of internal combustion engines may be modified only via the methods listed below. Any OE OBD2 or newer communications port functionally must remain. The Check Engine Light (CEL) or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be disabled via software. Only sensors equipped from the manufacturer may be used for engine management. Data acquisition modifications to the wiring and PCM/ECU are permitted.
1. For all model years, the following allowances apply:
a. The standard PCM/ECU may be re-programmed without restriction.
b. Fuel pressure regulator(s) may be replaced in lieu of electronic hardware or software alterations. It is not permitted to mechanically alter the fuel pressure regulation AND make other hardware or software changes to engine operation.
c. Ignition timing may be set at any point on factory-adjustable distributor ignition systems.
2. For 2005 and older model year vehicles:
76 — 2018 SCCA® National Solo® Rules
14. Street Touring®
a. A supplementary (“piggyback”) PCM/ECU is permitted. It must be plug-compatable with the standard PCM/ECU (no splices) and must connect only between the standard PCM/ECU and its wiring harness.
b. Electronic components may be installed in-line between the engine sensors and PCM/ECU. These components may alter the signal from the sensor in order to affect the PCM/ECU operation. Example: Fuel controllers that modify the signal from an airflow sensor.
c. VTEC controllers and other devices may be used which alter the timing of manufacturer electronic variable-valve systems.
3. 1995 and older vehicles in addition may replace the standard PCM/ECU without restriction.

[Reijo]

Looks to me like whatever boost you can get out of the stock hardware via software is OK.  You are good to go.

[Myz]

Thanks for the input guys.

So If I were to run a piggy back (JB4 for example), is it acceptable if i switch to OEM tune for the event?
This means all parameters would be OEM during the race event.
Would Tech Officials find this acceptable?

[94boosted]

Thanks for the input guys.

So If I were to run a piggy back (JB4 for example), is it acceptable if i switch to OEM tune for the event?
This means all parameters would be OEM during the race event.
Would Tech Officials find this acceptable?

Map 0 on the JB1/JB4 is full pass-through aka the piggy back is doing nothing, should be fine for local events, at larger US events it may raise some eyebrows.

[Reijo]

Thanks for the input guys.

So If I were to run a piggy back (JB4 for example), is it acceptable if i switch to OEM tune for the event?
This means all parameters would be OEM during the race event.
Would Tech Officials find this acceptable?

Map 0 on the JB1/JB4 is full pass-through aka the piggy back is doing nothing, should be fine for local events, at larger US events it may raise some eyebrows.

Agree.  If you go to Packwood etc, remove the piggy back altogether.

R

[Myz]

Thanks guys.
I'm now better equipped to make a decision.
Time to do some thinking

[JCS]

3. 1995 and older vehicles in addition may replace the standard PCM/ECU without restriction

love it.  Just when I think i've maxed out STS they throw another expense at me to obscenely further over capitalise in a corolla.