CSP air cleaner/intake rules and my 2006 MX-5 - opinions wanted!
I submitted a letter to the SEB/SPAC about modifications to my air cleaner/intake on my MX-5. Here's the letter, the original attachment, and some additional pictures. I'd LOVE to get the debate started here, just to gauge sentiment! Looking forward to your comments...
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2012 5:10 PM
To: Chris Robbins
Subject: SCCA SEB Letter Details
Request Details
Title: Intake modifications
Category: Street Prepared
Class: CSP
Car: 2006-2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Request: In a stock 3rd gen MX-5, just above the radiator and fan shroud in the front of the engine compartment, there is a plastic "insulator" (heat shield) and "air intake bracket", upon which the stock air cleaner system is fastened. The factory ECU sits between the air cleaner and insulator on a removable bracket attached through the heat shield (the heat shield is there to insulate the airbox from heat coming off the radiator). I have two (2) specific requests, both having to do with the same area. My "end game" - if approved - is to build an insulated airbox for my legally modified air filter, which would also house my ECU in the stock location.
In order to do this:
(1) I'd like to remove those two components that are related to the stock air intake/air cleaner system. Given that the Mazda Miata Air Cleaner Kit/Plastic Shroud (PN 56-181L) was deemed illegal to remove or modify as it had little or nothing to do with the air cleaner assembly/system itself, I'd like you to rule in my favor that the following components which DO show up in the factory manual under the air cleaner/intake system section will be legal to remove. Both can be removed by simply unbolting them from the metal structure of the car. Please see the attached document for clarification.
(2) As the "insulator" and "air intake bracket" which "sandwich" the ECU would be removed, and the ECU would still remain in the stock location, I'd mount it in the bottom of the airbox with the stock brackets/fasteners (in essence, the new airbox would be replacing the old "insulator" heat shield, and the ECU would not be moved).
Attachment: The 3rd generation "NC" MX-5 has several components connected with the stock air cleaner/intake system, including a "Bracket, Air Cleaner" (P/N LFG1-20-21XA - Item #13-325B in the attached picture) and an "Insulator" (P/N LFG1-13-3C1 - Item #13-370 in the attached picture). As all the other components on this page from the factory service manual (2006 : MIATA : GASOLINE-ENGINE 4-CYLINDER SUPPLEMENT : AIR CLEANER : SUBSECTION 1330A) are legal to be removed, per Rule 15.10.C.1, 15.10.E. Additionally, allowances for adding or removing "heat shields" are contained withing the SP Rules.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6...7b850407_b.jpg
Air Cleaner by rpmchris, on Flickr
letter number #7399
You can go here to track your letter:
http://www.sebscca.com/track.php
You can also sign up for email notification if you wish to receive emails from the Solo Events Board. Follow this link:
http://www.sebscca.com/email/submitemail.php
Thank you,
Solo Events Board
http://www.scca.com/
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Additional info and pics had to be resubmitted through the SEB Letter system, so #7409, 7410, 7411, 7412, & 7413 are also mine):
From: Chris Robbins [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 1:02 PM
To: Brian Harmer
Subject: RE: SCCA SEB Letter Details
Hey, Brian!
I'm attaching some additional photos to help clarify your understanding for my request.
According to my reading of the 2012 rules, I'm 100% certain that I can remove the bronze-colored metal "Bracket, Air Cleaner" and 99.98% certain I can remove the black plastic "Insulator" as they are both part of the air cleaner system in the factory manual under that subsection.
My main question (and why I went to the trouble of submitting this SEB Letter in the first place) is, can I remount the ECU inside my airbox that I'll be fabricating. If so, it will be in the exact same location, which is dictated by the ECU mounting bracket that will stay in the car...it's also what will anchor the lower part of the new airbox.
Anyway, here are the additional pics. Thanks!
Chris Robbins
CSP #198 2006 Mazda MX-5
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6...93af59be_b.jpg
IMAG0901 by rpmchris, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6...6c3d0784_b.jpg
IMAG0902 by rpmchris, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6...bafc0649_b.jpg
IMAG0903 by rpmchris, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6...2aa9dfea_b.jpg
IMAG0904 by rpmchris, on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6...cdbb0efb_b.jpg
IMAG0905 by rpmchris, on Flickr
