Preparing to Period G2 regs

[Serge]

Hi everyone,

I’m fairly new here, been a long time reader, but as I have acquired a car that I want to prepare to appendix K regulations I’m going to need some guidance. I have some questions about some parts of the regulations. It would make my life a lot easier if some of you could help me understand what I can and can’t do to the car. I would like to prepare it to the exact appendix K regulations so that it will be 100% legal once it’s finished. Sorry for the long read but I’ll try to make it as easy for you to help.
The car was built in 1967, the model homologated in 1969 as a group 3 GT car, and the model was built until 1975. I would like to prepare it to Period G2 regulations. (G2: 1/1/1970 to 31/12/1971 for homologated Touring and GT cars)

I believe a have to conform to the FIA Safety Regulations (Appendix K) and the Appendix J of 1971.

7.3.2 Touring, Competition Touring, GT and GTS cars of period G2 (1/1/1970 – 31/12/1971) onwards must comply with the Appendix J international competition regulations appropriate to the final year of their period as defined in Article 3. This concerns in particular the possible coefficient and restrictor dimensions for turbocharged cars in Periods J1 and J2 respectively. For Competition Touring and Competition Grand Touring Cars of Period G2 onwards, only Original FIA homologation papers, with extensions and variations homologated in the period concerned are valid, as well as those modifications explicitly authorised in the period Appendix J rules applicable.
7.3.5 For Competition Touring and Competition Grand Touring Cars of Period G2 onwards, only Original FIA homologation papers, with extensions and variations homologated in the period concerned are valid, as well as those modifications explicitly authorised in the period Appendix J rules applicable.

Now on to my questions, sometimes I need some clarification and other times I might need some advice what would be the best way to go.

5.6.1 From period F onwards, fireproof bulkheads must be installed. They are recommended for other periods.

My car has a fiberglass body shell, so I need to get a fireproof bulkhead. What is the most used method? What do Lotus Elans use? An aluminium sheet the size of the bulkhead?

On to suspension, can I relocate the wishbone mounts? I know period F isn’t allowed to, so I’m not sure if it is in period G2. And as I understand it, I would be allowed to install a rear anti-roll bar, even if the car hasn’t got one to start with.

n) Suspension: it is allowed to modify the original parts of the suspension in compliance with the specifications of Art. 260 a) here above. The addition of a stabilizer is allowed, or the original one may be replaced by another one. In the case of a rigid axle rear suspension it is allowed to add locating arms and their mounting brackets. The fitting of joints and attachment points of a different type and/or material is authorized. The replacing of a stabilizer is allowed even if this stabilizer serves other purposes in the suspension. It is also allowed of increase the number of stabilizers per suspension.

a) Modifications of the original mechanical parts: the original mechanical parts having undergone all the normal machining operations foreseen by the manufacturer for series-production, except those for which the present article provides a freedom of replacement, may be subject of all perfecting operations by means of finishing or machining, but not replacement. In other words, provided the origin of the series-production part may always be ascertained undoubtedly, this part may be rectified, balanced, lightened, reduced or modified in its shape through machining, to the exclusion of any addition of material, mechanical extension or treatment which would entail a change in the molecular structure or the surface of the metal.

Would I be allowed to run aluminium bodied shock absorbers even if the originals where steel? I’ve read somewhere that from period G onwards you would be allowed to. What do most people use, the Koni 8112, Spax, or others?

o) Suspension-springs and shock-absorbers : complete freedom is left as regards springs provided the main type of spring is not changed. Yet, the fitting of other springs must not result in a modification of the mechanical parts beyond the limits fixed under Art. 260 a), and neither a change or a modification of the coachwork or the chassis. It is allowed to add auxiliary springs. According to the definition given under Art. 252 for chassis and coachwork, it is allowed to modify the non-visible parts of the coachwork. Complete freedom is also left as regards their number, type and fitting, provided no mechanical part be modified beyond the limits fixed under Art. 260 a). Nevertheless, mounting brackets may be added to the chassis and suspension elements.

Can I replace the heavy copper and brass radiator with an aluminium one with the same dimensions? I think it would be alright, but just checking to be sure.

There is complete freedom as regards the water radiator and its capacity. Its location may be changed provided no modification is entailed either to the outside or to the inside (cockpit) of the coachwork.

Am I allowed to use an oil thermostat?

h) Engine-lubricating system: the oil sump may be modified or replaced by another one of different shape and capacity. The oil pump may be modified or replaced by another one. Yet, the number of oil pumps originally fitted cannot be changed. Oil filters and oil coolers are free (type, number and capacity).

Removing the carpets in the car would surely be legal? Just the fire hazard alone would pose a problem?

Trimmings of the passengers' compartment, of the door panels, of the cover of the glove-box, etc, which are normally provided for cars of the series-production, must not be removed.

I hope I didn’t ask to many silly questions, but I’d rather ask a stupid question and be sure than do the wrong thing.
I would be very pleased if some of you took the time to read through my post and give your view on the regulations and maybe help me with some of the questions I have.

Thanks in advance,

Serge

[limjamrace]

I guess that everyone would like to know what type of vehicle it is Serge!

The MSA regs are bad enough for me let alone obtaining papers and such like.

I wish you well in your build and super duper intelligence of comprehending the rule book for a start!

[Serge]

A 1967 Lotus Europa S1, lightweight (614 kg homologated) with (limited) renault power. Not very popular, but something special and should be good fun.

[John Turner]

Can anyone help Serge with his questions here?

[terence]

Oooops!

[terence]

Nice choice Serge,excellent handling will help with a relative lack of power.
I think that regarding the firewall,possibly you dont need to do anything,Granturas certainly dont!,just make sure that you have no gaps around wiring harness's/throttle cables etc. Any other large gaps/holes should be covered in a fireproof material such as ally sheet.
Not too sure on moving suspension mounting points,I would be very sure on if you are allowed to do it. As for Alloy bodied Shockers,were they available in period? Likewise the Water Radiator? Oil Cooler no such problem though,obviously.
Perhaps you should be talking to the likes of Paul Matty or Tony Thompson,or any other lotus Specialist's you may know of?
Hopefully you may get the correct answer's for all of your questions,good luck with your project though,be interesting to see the car out at some time.
There would no problem removing the carpeting,transmission cover etc,door panels obviously need to stay though. When you say 'Lightweight',is/has the car been factory modified? If so,surely Lotus would have 'optimised' the suspension pick up points? Being a Europa,do you actually need to move anything?Perhaps just a little extra Negative Camber and going slightly heavier on Spring Rates and shocker settings would improve things enough.

[Serge]

Thank you John for helping to bring this thread to the attention of others.

And thank you Terence for your help!

Interesting the firewall should be fine in fibreglass.

The reason I ask about the suspension pickup points is, when you lower a Europa beyond a certain point, a bit too much negative camber is the outcome. Maybe the amount of camber will be OK.

I found the passage in Appendix K that speaks of aluminium bodied shocks. I guess it will be fine for Period G2.

6.3.4 Aluminium bodied and/or gas filled telescopic dampers may only be fitted to cars in Periods G onwards or to cars whose period specification allows them. Friction shock absorbers may have the friction levels adjustable.

Also I started looking around and I found that most if not all currently racing Lotus 47's (the racing version based on the Europa, with a TwinCam and Hewland FT200) in Period G1 use an ally radiator (which is exactly the same one as in a Europa). So I guess they were available in the period.

With 'lightweight' I just meant that it is a very light car, especially the S1 version of the Europa's, they were a very minimalist design (they were meant to replace the Lotus 7). My car was not supplied as a racecar from Lotus, it is actually the second Europa ever built. I found it in a barn in the Netherlands, where it stood still for 19 years. I'm starting the restoration as we speak.

For those who are interested, there are some pictures on my website: http://www.medicinal-motorsport.co.cc

Thank you very much for helping me, if some one has any extra information or thinks I'm wrong about anything within the rules, please point out my mistakes!

[terence]

Thats an interesting project Serge,as you say in you'r text,no rust! There are various people who specialise in the Renault unit,you should be able to turn the car into something that will out handle similar period vehicles. Dont go too low on your suspension mod's though.