Class for a odd sentra..

[wishiwasfast]

Hello all! I want to get into autox and I have no idea what class my 06 Sentra would be in...

Its a 06 Sentra 1.8s chassis
-sr20de rr
-5-spd lsd trans
-specv Stock springs and struts
-specv Stock fstb
-specv front and rear brakes (EBC yellow stuf/USR rotors in the front)
-superpro front control arm bushings
-2jr rear solid bushings
-2jr anti-lift kit
-header/stock catback
-Either 205/55/16 Potenza S-04's or RE-11's. I have both.

I just want to know what class I'll end up in so there are no surprises for me when I go to a meet.

Thanks!

[Loren]

Welcome, Chris!

Under FAST rules, I'd just call it a "de-optioned" Spec V and class it accordingly. (none of the Sentras are specifically classed on our list, so they would fall under the "under 8 cylinder FWD" catch-all putting them in S5)

If you had started with a Spec V, nothing you've done is outside of our stock class allowances.

Except... the engine. I'm not up on my Nissan trivia. If that's not the engine that was stock in a Spec V, then you wouldn't be eligible for stock and you'd go to Modified where all Sentras are classed in M3.

FYI, we have no restriction on LSD, struts, sway bars, brakes, or bushings in our Stock classes. Springs, however must be stock... which is why I'm suggesting you just call your car a "Spec V", since that's mostly what you've created. Any aftermarket spring or spring that wasn't available as an option on your specific year of Sentra would not be eligible for stock.

So, the only real sticking point as far as I'm concerned is the Engine... and possibly engine management if it's not stock.

Having spent some time with a Spec V... I think it would probably be overkill for S5, and would be plenty competitive in M3 even with the stock springs. (you might want to fit a rear swaybar if you can find one, will do wonders for eliminating understeer)

But, don't get too worked up about classing and car prep and all that. Just get out there and start autocrossing!

[Solar]

If it has a SR20de engine than its a significant mod even without a turbo. I would hate to see that car in M3, that car would kill me.

If it's a SE-R or SE-R Spec V engine with the stock springs then I believe you would be in S5 or S4.

[Loren]

Oh, I may have misspoke.

The base mod class for the Sentra would be M3, but then an engine swap that nets significantly more (see the rules, I think it's 25%) power would bump it to M2.

[Solar]

I could be wrong, but I think the stock 06 SE-R and Spec V is a 1.8 stock engine, so wouldn't that place it in a "S" class ?

If he has a SR20 in than yea, he's in M3 or M2.

[Loren]

Actually, if I recall, the Spec V had a big honkin' 2.5 liter Altima engine under the hood.

But, if the engine in the car isn't an engine that could be had in a stock Sentra of that year, it can't be run in stock.

And if the engine he put in the car increased power output by more than 25%, it needs to bump up from its base M3 class.

[Solar]

I need to research my Nissan archives, I'm sure that Charles or Jeremy would probably know. I do know that a SR20 in any state, is most likely more than a 25% increase in power in a 06 Sentra. Those engines are monsters in the Nissan world; I just hope if he ends up in M3 he is a little behind in his driving.

[Loren]

I'm sure you're thinking of the SR20DET (or an SR20 with an added turbo). In stock form, the SR20 non-turbo maxed out at 169 hp/132 ft-lb.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_SR20DE#SR20DE

The Spec V had a QR25DE with 175 hp/180 ft-lb:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spec_V#SE-R_Spec_V

And the 2006 Sentra 1.8 was a QG18DE with 126 hp/129 ft-lb
(on the same page as above)

So, technically, a 1.8 Sentra with an engine swap yielding more than about 160 hp (being generous), would justify a class bump. But, again, if he calls the car a Spec V conversion (which I'd buy... because it sounds like it really is), then his base power number becomes 175, and an engine swap yielding less than 220 hp would be okay.

Don't worry, Brian, he still has to overcome front-wheel-drive and 2500 pounds.

Remember, you have Neon SRT-4's in your class, too.

[wishiwasfast]

To cl.ear the engines in sentra up.

00-01 sentra Se had the sr20de with 140hp.
00-06 sentra gxe/1.8 had the qg18de with 125hp.
02-06 sentra ser/specv had the qr25de with 165/175hp

[Loren]

Okay, so without even using any liberal "interpretation" of the rules:

You have a 2006 1.8 Sentra that came with 125 hp.

You did a simple bolt-in swap that brought you up to 140 hp.

Net HP gain = about 12%.

You're good for M3.

It's all right here:
http://drivefast.org/rules/modified-category/

Simplest rule set ever!

[wishiwasfast]

Ok sweet. So now I have to find the next meet to Autox!

[Loren]

That's even easier than classing.

[Solar]

Remember, you have Neon SRT-4's in your class, too.

Don't remind me, I also have issues with stock Neons, Civic Si's, Mini's......

[Loren]

Dammit, Brian, I thought I taught you how to suck less?