<CORSA Chapters> Econo rules

[Gary Swiatowy]

Weight restrictions do not make sense unless you want to start renting a 
scale.
Heavy spare parts left behind can assist.
When I do an economy run I leave weighty items behind, like spare, tools, 
wheel covers etc. Run with top up, windows up, tires pumped up to 35 #.
Of course I haven't scored 40 MPG.

In Buffalo I know a competitor who ran his low HP early with top down, no 
changes in tire pressure, late wire spinner caps on, but ran without a 
navigator..................scored second with around 34 MPG!\

There are tricks to this, but I still cannot fathom Turbo cars getting over 
40 mpg.................


Gary Swiatowy




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tim mahler" <flat6vair at insightbb.com>
To: <chapters at corvair.org>
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: <CORSA Chapters> Econo rules


> Dropped VV.
>
> To maximize fuel economy,  you want to run around 45MPH.   That is legal 
> on the interstate in Illinois. May not be safe but it is legal.  Also 
> legal on side roads.   Again,  may not be safe.   Traffic tends NOT to run 
> at the speed limit.  It is sometimes not safe to run the legal speed limit 
> without fear of being run over.   2 lanes can be more dangerous in this 
> regard than 4 divided -- no place to veer.
>
> Turning the engine off,  and knowing when to turn the engine off is,  or 
> has become,  part of the competition.  Coasting downhill at 60mph --  
> engine off. knowing when and where to turn engine off/on is part of the 
> challenge.
>
> tire pressures -- do the autocrosser recommend that you increase your tire 
> pressure for the autocross -- to say 45PSI on STOCK tires;  to firm up the 
> sidewalls?   against the rules for an econo-run ?  doesn't make sense.
>
> donuts -- the mini spares -- legal in all 50 states.  Think about the 
> scenario Brian mentioned.  If it is dangerous to have 4 corners with these 
> tires,  what happens wen one is on the right front of a front wheel car 
> <stock option from the factory,  could, does happen>   and some one cuts 
> said car off at 70 mph (legal speed limit in many states)  just prior to a 
> merge zone,  heavy braking required ?    two different size tires with 
> different tread size and design, to me,  would be more problematic than 
> two or four of the same type, even small as they are.   Who is liable? 
> the car company for supplying the mini?
>
> Accelerator pumps working?   why?   if the car runs OK without them,  why 
> enforce it?  all four?  stock secondaries do not have accelerator pumps.
>
> Flagstaff enforced the time limit.   We need to remind everyone of the 
> time limits -- to maintain 45 (plus) the highway.
>
> Weight vs car style -- makes sense -- but requires a weigh in to start. 
> an AC car MAY be lighter than that non AC coupe.  Depending on other 
> factors --  stereo, seats, non stock items,aftermarket vs stock AC
>
>
> Some of these same concerns also apply to the rally -- SCCA or CORSA. 
> trying to make time may mean slowing or speeding.
> We just need to remind everyone to be safe -- the trophy is not worth that 
> much.
>
> just an opinion,  in part,  to present another side to the discussion.
> tim mahler
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