wordingFF Kent 1600 compression ratio calculation clarified by moving bore and valve protrusion specs to separate sections.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.12.a.7, change as follows: "Compression Ratio Compression ratio must be calculated using the official FF Kent calculator, which can be found on scca.com at http://www.scca.com/pages/scrutineering-forms-procedures. Maximum compression ratio: 9.3 to 1 The following specifications are used in determining compression ratio: A. Maximum bore size: 3.200" See B.12.b.6 B. Minimum cylinder volume at Top Dead Center: 42.0cc (measured by cc'ing cylinder volume from top of cylinder block deck to
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area above top of piston at TDC) C. Maximum valve protrusion from head surface: .040" See B.12.c.4 D. Only approved head gaskets in B.12.c.3 may be used (see B.12.c.3)" In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.12.b, add the following: "6. Maximum bore size: 3.200" " In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.12.c, add the following: "4. Maximum valve protrusion from head surface: 0.040” "
Formula F Alternative Tire Rule Proposed Clarifications
wordingFF clarifies alternative tire eligibility for cars homologated 1989 or earlier with rocker arm or outboard suspension on all four corners.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.10.e, change as follows: "Alternatively, Formula F cars with rocker arm suspension (e.g., 1987-90 Reynard, Swift DB1,) and/or outboard suspension on at least one chassis end homologated in 1989 or earlier with any combination of rocker arm or outboard suspension on all four corners (e.g., 1987 – 1990 Reynard, Swift DB1) may use the following alternative tires. Note: This rule is intended to allow older cars with the described suspension design to use the alternative tires. It is not to be exploited by modifying cars with push-rods or pull-rods to meet the above requirements or by modifying either end of older cars to push- or pull-rod suspension to be eligible to run the alternative tires. Cars that were homologated in 1989 or earlier with push- or pull-rod suspension on no more than two corners may seek approval to run the alternative tire by utilizing the compliance process outlined in GCR section 8.1.4."
tyres & wheelsFF adds rocker arm and outboard suspension cars optional bias ply and VFF tires; removes front-as-rear rule, adds mixing restrictions.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.10.e, change as follows: "Formula F shall be limited to the following tires (front tires may not be used as rears): Dries: Front - Hoosier R60A Radial 43322 or F1600 Radial 43321 185/60R13 Rear - Hoosier R60A Radial 43327 or F1600 Radial 43326 205/60R13 Wets: Front - Hoosier Wet or W3 Radial 44421 185/60R13 Rear - Hoosier Wet or W3 Radial 44426 205/60R13
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Alternatively, Formula F cars with rocker arm suspension (e.g., Swift DB1, 1987-90 Reynard) and/or outboard suspension on at least one chassis end may use the following tires: Dries: Front - Hoosier H43130 R60A 20.0 x 6.0-13 or H43164 R60A 20.5 x 7.0-13 bias ply slick or Hoosier 44165 135/545-13 VFF Rear – Hoosier H43307 R60A 22.5 x 7.2-13 bias ply slick or Hoosier 44170 165/580-13 VFF Wets: Radial wets or VFF tires listed above or Front - Hoosier 44165 135/545-13 VFF Rear - Hoosier 44170 165/580-13 VFF Front tires may not be used as rears, and tires may not be mixed, i.e., radial tires may not be mixed with bias ply slick tires, bias ply slick tires may not be mixed with VFF tires, and radial tires may not be mixed with VFF tires."
Formula F Proposal to Invite Older Cars Via a Tire Rule Change
fasterFF allows older cars with rocker arm or outboard suspension to use bias ply slicks or VFF tires instead of radials.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.10.e, change as follows: "Formula F shall be limited to the following tires (front tires may not be used as rears): Dries: Front - Hoosier R60A Radial 43322 or F1600 Radial 43321 185/60R13 Rear - Hoosier R60A Radial 43327 or F1600 Radial 43326 205/60R13 Wets: Front - Hoosier Wet or W3 Radial 44421 185/60R13 Rear - Hoosier Wet or W3 Radial 44426 205/60R13
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Alternatively, Formula F cars with rocker arm suspension (e.g., Swift DB1, 1987-90 Reynard) and/or outboard suspension on at least one chassis end may use the following tires: Dries: Front - Hoosier H43130 R60A 20.0 x 6.0-13 or H43164 R60A 20.5 x 7.0-13 bias ply slick Rear – Hoosier H43307 R60A 22.5 x 7.2-13 bias ply slick Wets: Radial wets listed above or Front - Hoosier 44165 135/545-13 VFF Rear - Hoosier 44170 165/580-13 VFF Front tires may not be used as rears, and tires may not be mixed, i.e., radial tires may not be mixed with bias ply slick tires, bias ply slick tires may not be mixed with VFF tires, and radial tires may not be mixed with VFF tires."
fasterFF and FC cars with sequential gearbox must add 10 lbs. to minimum weight, down from 25 lbs.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.20.A.3, change as follows: "Cars running with a sequentially shifted gear box shall must add 25 10 lbs. to minimum weight." In FC, GCR section 9.1.1.B.20.B.4, change as follows: "Cars running with a sequentially shifted gear box shall must add 25 10 lbs. to minimum weight."
wordingFF Honda Fit allows Fast Forward 0.25mm oversize pistons PN FF800-110 as alternative; piston diameter spec clarified to 2.8835 inches.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.e.1, change as follows: "Honda Fit OEM standard size pistons, PN: 13010-RB1-000, or Honda Fit OEM 0.25mm oversize pistons, PN: 13020-RB7-Z00, or Fast Forward 0.25mm oversize pistons, PN: FF800-110, may be used." In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.e.2, change as follows: "a. Maximum standard piston diameter, measured at a point 16mm from the bottom of the skirt: 73.240mm (2.8834 2.8835 inches). b. Centerline of wrist pin to crown maximum: 26.21mm (1.032 inches). c. Maximum overall height from skirt to crown edge: 47.80mm (1.882 inches).
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d. Minimum weight: 198.0 grams (6.984 ounces). e. Minimum weight of piston pin: 66 grams (2.25 ounces). f. Combined minimum weight of piston, piston pin and connecting rod: 543.5 grams (18.85 ounces). g. Combined minimum weight of piston, wrist pin, and circlips: 267 grams (9.418 ounces). h. Centerline of wrist pin to crown edge: 26.289mm (1.035 inches). i. Ring groove widths: Top ring groove: 1.003mm (0.0395 inches). Middle ring groove: 1.016mm (0.0400 inches). Oil ring groove: 1.981mm (0.0780 inches). j. Ring groove distance from wrist pin center to bottom of groove: Top ring groove: 19.63mm (0.7730 inches). Middle ring groove: 15.29mm (0.6020 inches). Oil ring groove: 10.91mm (0.4295 inches)."
wordingFF VTEC activation valve must function; EGR blanking plate rule clarified with Fast Forward part numbers.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.r.1, change as follows: "All emission control devices must be removed and blocked off by the blanking plate provided by HPD or Fast Forward as noted below, except for the VTEC activation valve. The VTEC activation valve must be retained; and it must be functioning. No modifications are permitted. a. EGR Plate: Fast Forward PN: FF200-301. b. EGR Port Cover: Fast Forward PN: FF200-302."
wordingFF Honda Fit gains Fast Forward FF800-100 oversize piston ring pack option.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.e.3.a, add the following: "The standard ring pack, PN 13011-RB1-004 (Riken) or 13011-RB1-006 (Nippon), or the oversize ring pack, PN 13021-RB7-Z01 (Riken), or 13021-RB7-Z02 (Nippon), or FF800-100 (Fast Forward), may be used."
Add Fast Forward Part Numbers for Honda Fit Engine
wordingFF Honda Fit engine adds Fast Forward part number alternatives for intake, exhaust, oil system, and scavenge pump components.
As printed in Fastrack
In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.a.6, change as follows: "For all Honda part numbers in these specifications, superc seding part numbers are considered equivalent. In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.f.5, change as follows: "Cylinder head breather restrictor must be used as supplied by HPD or Fast Forward, unmodified.: HPD PN: 15262-F21S-A200; Fast Forward PN: FF200-503." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.k.2, change as follows: "The upper manifold, air box and throttle body assembly must be used as delivered from Honda, HPD, or Fast Forward as noted below."
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In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.k.2, insert as follows: "a. Intake manifold: HPD PN: 17210-F21S-A210; Fast Forward PN: FF200-201. b. Throttle body: Honda Fit: PN: 16400ZZ5024; HPD PN: 16400ZZ5024; Fast Forward PN: FF200-104. c. Throttle lever: HPD PN: 17330-F21S-A210; Fast Forward PN: FF200-101." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.k.3, change as follows: "All gaskets and sensors utilized on the inlet manifold from head to throttle body must be Honda Fit OEM, or HPD supplied or Fast Forward as noted below. a. Gasket In. manifold: HPD PN: 17105-RB0-004, Honda Fit OEM. b. Gasket, EGR chamber cover: HPD PN: 17146-RB0-004, Honda Fit OEM. c. Gasket In. port: HPD PN: 17115-RB0-007, Honda Fit OEM. d. Gasket, restrictor: HPD PN: 17399-F21S-A200, (2 required) HPD; Fast Forward PN: FF200-109. Two required." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.k.5, change as follows: "The Honda Fit engine is required to have an HPD supplied air inlet restrictor supplied by HPD or Fast Forward: HPD PN: 17344- F21S-A201; Fast Forward PN: FF200-110, with internal diameter of 30.5mm and thickness of 3.175mm (0.125 inches) correctly installed within the intake system." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.m.1, change as follows: "The exhaust manifold must be as supplied by HPD or Fast Forward:, HPD part # PN: 18150-F21S-A200 or # PN: 1818 50-F21S-B200; Fast Forward PN: FF500-001 or PN: FF500-002." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.n.1, change as follows: "The oil pan, baffle plate, and scavenge pump filter fittings must be as supplied by HP or Fast Forward as noted below. No modifications are permitted. a. Oil pan: HPD PN: 11200-F21S-A210 or PN: 11200-F21S-C240; Fast Forward PN: FF100-201A or PN: FF100-201B. b. Oil pan baffle plate: HPD PN: 11221-F21S-A210; Fast Forward PN: FF100-202. c. Oil scavenge pump filter fittings (2 required): HPD PN: 15180-F21S-A210; Fast Forward PN: FF100-204." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.n.3, change as follows: "The scavenge pump and internal scavenge pump parts must be as supplied from HPD or Fast Forward as noted below." In FC/FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.n.3, change as follows: "b. Rotor outside diameter: HPD 44.400mm (1.748 inches):; Fast Forward 40.640mm (1.600 inches). c. Scavenge pump rotor set: HPD PN: 15450-F21S-A20; Fast Forward PN: FF100-110. d. Oil pump: HPD PN: 15100-F21S-A200; Fast Forward PN: FF100-100A. e. Scavenge pump cartridge: 15111-F21S-A21; Fast Forward PN: FF100-127. f. Scavenge pump port A: HPD PN: 15137-F21S-A20; Fast Forward PN: FF100-101. g. Scavenge pump port B: HPD PN: 15139-F21S-A20; Fast Forward PN: FF100-102. h. Scavenge pump shaft: HPD PN: 15510-F21S-A20; Fast Forward PN: FF100-103. i. Scavenge pump front cover: HPD PN: 15070-F21S-A21; Fast Forward PN: FF100-104."
wordingFF block relief permitted only as needed to fit allowed crankshaft.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.12.b, add a new section as follows: “5. The block may be relieved in those areas only as required to allow the fitment of a permitted crankshaft.”
Allow Optional Coolant Bleed Line to Correct a Known Problem
wordingFF class cylinder head may now have optional coolant bleed line fitting to top of head for air release.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.f.3, change as follows: "The cylinder head must not be ported, polished or machined. The original casting must not be modified in any way or polished, with the following exception: A pipe thread fitting may be installed at the top of the cylinder head with a return line to the swirl tower to allow any trapped air or overheated coolant to escape."
Clarification regarding Honda LC1 ECU implementation date
wordingFF Honda LC1 ECU by HPD permitted effective 12/1/2020, must use HPD lambda sensor.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.p.3, change as follows: "The LC1 ECU supplied by HPD will be is permitted on a date to be determined effective 12/1/2020 and must be used with a corresponding lambda sensor supplied by HPD. Implementation date is contingent on SCCA National office receiving necessary and sufficient quantities of support materials."
wordingFF Honda LC1 ECU implementation date changed from 3/1/2020 to pending availability of support materials.
As printed in Fastrack
date In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.p.3, change as follows: "The LC1 ECU supplied by HPD is will be permitted effective 3/1/2020 on a date to be determined and must be used with a corresponding lambda sensor supplied by HPD. Implementation date is contingent on SCCA National office receiving necessary and sufficient quantities of support materials."
engineFF allows Honda HPD LC1 low-cost ECU with lambda sensor; E1 ECU no longer supported but existing units permitted if sealed.
As printed in Fastrack
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.p, add new sections and renumber as follows: "3. The LC1 ECU supplied by HPD is permitted effective 3/1/2020 and must be used with a corresponding lambda sensor supplied by HPD. Implementation date is contingent on SCCA National office receiving necessary and sufficient quantities of support materials. 4. The LC1 ECU may be used with an LC1-specific chassis harness supplied by HPD or with a current chassis harness using an adapter supplied by HPD. 5. The current E1 ECU is no longer supported, but competitors may continue to use existing E1 ECUs provided that they are functioning as intended. The E1 ECU must remain sealed and unmodified."
fasterFF Honda Fit permitted to use 0.25mm oversize pistons, cylinder honing increased to 73.315mm maximum.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.b.2, make changes as follows: “Honing of cylinders is permitted to a maximum diameter of 73.065 73.315mm (2.8766 2.8864 inches). Fitting of cylinder sleeves is prohibited. Re-boring to over size is prohibited.” In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.e, make changes as follows: “1. Honda Fit OEM standard size pistons, PN: 13010-RB1-000, or Honda Fit OEM 0.25mm oversize pistons, PN: 13020-RB7-Z00, must may be used. 2. The use of over size pistons is not permitted. 3. 2. Piston dimensions and weights:
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a. Maximum standard piston diameter, measured at a point 16mm from the bottom of the skirt: 72.990 73.240mm (2.8736 2.8834 inches).” “4. 3. Piston rings must be as used in the Fit engine. Two compression rings and one 3 piece oil control ring must be used. a. The standard ring pack, PN 13011-RB1-004 (Riken) or 13011-RB1-006 (Nippon), or the oversize ring pack, PN 13021-RB7-Z01 (Riken) or 13021-RB7-Z02 (Nippon), may be used.”
wordingFF heat shield rule clarified: thermal wrap allowed on manifold exterior if easily removable for inspection.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.k.2, add a new subsection as follows: “b. No coating is permitted on the exterior or interior of the manifold. A thermal wrap may be used on the exterior of the manifold, but it must be easily removable for inspection of the manifold.”
wordingFF catch tank minimum capacity rules clarified: coolant catch tank now one U.S. pint minimum, oil catch tank one U.S. quart minimum.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.3.14, make the following changes: “Cooling systems shall be equipped with coolant catch tanks with a minimum capacity of 1 US Pint to prevent the spillage of coolant onto the racing surface. An oil catch tank with a minimum capacity of one U.S. quart may also serve as the coolant catch tank, except for cars that are equipped with working OEM pressurized coolant reservoirs, which may use an additional catch tank. If the coolant catch tank is separate from the oil catch tank, the coolant catch tank shall have a minimum capacity of one U.S. pint.” In GCR section 9.3.37, make the following changes:
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“Oil holding tanks and engine breathers, whether directly or indirectly ventilating the crankcase, and all transmission/transaxle breathers shall be equipped with oil catch tanks. The oil catch tank may also serve as the coolant catch tank. Minimum catch tank capacity shall be one U.S. quart for the engine, and transmission/transaxle, and cooling system. Oil holding tanks and oil filters may be mounted in the driver/passenger compartment.”
In FF, GCR section 9.1.1.B.14.n.1.a, change as follows effective 10/1/26: "Oil pan: HPD PN: 11200-F21S-A210 or PN: 11200-F21S-C240; Fast Forward PN: FF100-201A, or PN: FF100-201B, or PN: FF100- 201C."
Resend: Kent 1600 GCR Compression Ratio Analysis Error
The Road Racing Competition Committee appreciates the submission of the supporting documentation on the issue of measuring the compression ratio of the Kent 1600 cc engine. The RRCC has carefully reviewed the information in the GCR on the FF Kent 1600 head and cylinder/piston configuration, the calculation of the compression ratio, and the means for determining the compression ratio. Please see the response to Letter #40293 in this Fastrack's Technical Bulletin.
The Road Racing Competition Committee appreciates the submission of the FF Five-Year Strategy and the effort which the class's stakeholders put into developing the plan. The RRCC believes the plan coordinates well with the SCCA's strategic plan and objectives.
Thank you for your letter. Please bear in mind that the members of the Formula and Sports Racing Advisory Committee and the Club Racing Board are volunteers who spend countless personal hours reviewing letters, data, and requests from members and stewards, determining what if any changes should be made, and crafting language for the GCR when appropriate. Please see the response to letter #36738 in this Fastrack.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Without data, the CRB is unable to determine whether the requested change would provide a meaningful addition (or perhaps even a detraction) to side protection or maintain performance equivalent to that of cars with the current bodywork parameters. If data exists that supports the request for this bodywork, please feel free to submit it to the CRB via the letter log system.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Please see the responses to letters #34847 and #34719 in the November 2023 Fastrack.
Cockpit Safety Barrier Request
#34595 from Formula/Sports Racing Committee · Recommended to the Board · Minutes (2023-11 Fastrack)
In Roll Cages for Formula Cars and Sports Racing Cars, GCR section 9.4.5, add a new section as follows: "H. Cockpit Safety Barriers (CSBs) Any cage or device shaped as a wishbone or otherwise that is affixed to the Main Hoop and a low Front Hoop must comply with FIA Standard 8869-2018 (Technical List n62) and must be affixed only to chassis/tubs that have been certified by the FIA for installation of such devices. CSBs that are not FIA-approved may be considered by SCCA’s Technical Department on a case-by- case basis following development and adoption of crashworthiness standards. "
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board appreciates the opportunity to work with you to find sources for the Honda 30520-RB0-003 coil. An alternate coil is not recommended at this time. Although the 30520-RB0-003 coil may currently be backordered at some Honda dealerships, it remains available at other Honda dealerships as well as from vendors that support the FF class.
Ambiguity in the compression ratio spec for the Kent engine
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change because the GCR's standard for calculating an engine's compression ratio already includes the volume above the top ring and below the top of the piston. Please see the definition of compression ratio in Appendix F (Technical Glossary) and Appendix G (Facts, Formulas, and Measurement Standards).
Thank you for your letter. Please see GCR sections 9.1.1.B.2 through 9.1.1.B.7 for the corresponding construction specifications applicable to cars registered on or after January 1, 1986.
Thank you for your letter. Please consider purchasing parts from an engine builder. If ordering parts from the manufacturer, please consider assigning a VIN to the order to get priority.
Recently concerns have been raised about the sufficiency of GCR 9.1.1.B.12.k – Crankshafts for the Kent 1600 engine. This is a rule that has been in place for approximately 18 years and is adequate as written; however, some clarification is warranted. SCCA Enterprises sells a crankshaft that is manufactured by SCAT. This particular crankshaft has the SCCA logo on the front counterweight; it also carries the Formula Ford International (FFI) logo. This crankshaft is legal per the GCR in both dimension and weight as supplied by SCCA Enterprises. The critical dimensions are cited in the aforementioned section of the GCR. The crankshafts may not be re-profiled (knife-edged). See GCR 9.1.1.B.12.a.6. In some instances the blocks may need to be trimmed slightly for fitment; this is not a new issue, but rather something that was common with the prior uprated OEM crankshafts. The rules also permit “other” cast crankshafts which meet these dimensions and weights. While all of the dimensions of the
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crankshaft are not cited in the GCR, a known stock specimen can be utilized for comparative purposes if necessary.
Thank you for your letter. Discussions were held with a number of professional Ford Kent 1600 engine builders who report that they have not experienced any significant failures with the allowed crankshafts when they are shot peened and properly prepared. The author’s suggested change to the rule would permit forged crankshafts which would be significantly more expensive and possibly be perceived as a competitive advantage.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Please see the response to letter #23681 in the Board of Directors’ Minutes, March 2018 Fastrack.
Mr. Joseph Marcinski, Letter #28133 Thank you for your letter of January 6, 2020 concerning an alternative piston, rings, wrist pin and valves for Formula F. Although your letter failed to designate what engine these parts were intended for, we will assume that it is the Ford Kent 1600 cross-flow. First, your letter provides no detail concerning the Manley valve(s) you propose for use. No part number, drawings, part(s) or dyno comparison. It is not possible for this part to be evaluated on what has been submitted. Be advised that JE submitted a request for approval of a piston on or about November 9, 2018 for the
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Ford Kent 1600 cross-flow engine through SCCA’s letter system. That request included an engineering drawing of the piston, but did not include dyno comparison results or a sample part. It was further unclear to the FSRAC at that time, and to this day, whether JE has actually manufactured a piston or has simply produced a drawing and will produce such if asked to do so. The FSRAC recommended to the CRB that the request be denied. The CRB accepted that recommendation and published notice thereof in the January 2019 Fastrack. A follow-up inquiry was made by JE’s Jim Irwin concerning the request and a response was provided by the FSRAC Chairman, David Locke, on February 1, 2019. The letter advised Mr. Irwin that the FSRAC did not see evidence of a need for an alternative Kent piston, but assuming that such need could be demonstrated a dyno comparison to the currently approved piston would be required. Locke welcomed further submission of dyno test results and a sample piston; to date JE has not made further inquiry or submission on this matter. As you may or may not be aware, about twenty (20) years ago parts for the Kent engine were in very short supply and the quality of those available were questionable. Since that time members of the Formula F community have worked to produce parts, including a block, which have proven to be of good quality and provide a useful engine life many times that which existed previously. In the absence of a proven shortage of parts, or valid reason for approving “alternative” parts, we do not believe it prudent to introduce such into the stream of competition. Even “if” the proposed parts are dimensionally the same, differences in material composition and processing could result in a part that would not produce the same power or worse yet, longevity. It would at a minimum introduce a variable into the class that could result in “perceived” performance differences which we believe would have a negative impact upon its overall health. Thank you for your continued support of Formula F and the SCCA.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board appreciates your comments. Please see the response to letter #25810, February 2019 Fastrack Technical Bulletin.
Thank you for your letter. Please see the response to letter #25737. If you have a proposal regarding alternate valves for the Kent engine, please submit a request and the CRB will consider it.
Request Approval of New Piston for Ford Kent Engine-Std. Bore