This question or something similar cropped up on the uphill racers forum, I think it was to do with Pinto blocks but the theory behind the question is still valid.
Unlesss you start winning the class or someone complains its unlikely to be an issue, although I understand your concern.
Blue book does not specifically allow internal engine mods in roadgoing although it does not disallow them either. Modified specifically allows engine internal mods. None of this seems to prevent many roadgoing class cars having cylinder head and cam jobs etc etc. So you may well be OK depending on which championship you are going to run in. ASWMC is fairly relaxed, like I’ve said, just dont go winning the class!
It would be worth running the question by the MSA tech dept and your championship eligibility scrutineer. I did this for my turbo conversion and found them very helpfull.
All the best
Steve.
Edit… although ASWMC seem relaxed, your local championship may be much stricter. Werabouts are you based?
I’m based in Coventry, so I think my local course would be Shenley Walsh.
Ah I don’t think there’s much chance of winning, just want to go for a blast up a hill with some like minded individuals!
My 5 is my everyday driver, which I’m in the process of getting up to a decent spec. Hill climb struck me as a good way of getting into motorsport, without having to render my car impractical for everyday use. Just swap the tyres and off we go!
What series do you run in, and what do you compete against in a turbo’d 5?
I run down in the West Country mostly at Wiscombe near Honiton.
The ASWMC champ runs to the blue book classes with no additional rules, henceforth why I can run turbo. In class A3 I could possibly be reasonably competitive if running more boost and high horsepower, however my budget limits me somewhat at the moment!
Be aware some championships alter the blue book classes a bit sometimes and forced induction is disallowed by some.
The HSA do a great class for mx5 s although I believe mods are limited. The main thing is enjoy it and don’t take it to seriously! I like the technical side hence why I cant run with the HSA but they normally visit Werrington and its great to see plenty of mx 5 s out on the hills.
The uphill racers forum is good for hillclimb specific questions.
Hi Lizard, yes you are correct the head must be the same as what was fitted to the original model. So you can not fit a Mk2 head onto the Mk1 engine.
Some clubs will place a production class car into the modified class even if you only changed the shock absorbers for fully adjustable, but which is allowed in the Blue Book.
There is no problem going into the modified class if you just want a few taster runs.
Its quite usual at Anglesey for instance, to have to go into the modified class with mine, although mine is production class legal as per the Blue Book.
So it depends on the club running the event what they call production class. Mozza
I’m not going to worry too much what class I have to run in, whether I can get away with series production or have to run in modified.
I’ve a feeling it will be the fleshy bit in the middle that will let the side down! Just want to get some experience and have a laugh.
If I enjoy it and want to persue it in the future more competitively I would look to building a car specifically for the purpose, rather than the kind of hot street / trackable, but still usable on road kind of thing I’m intending for this car.
I’ll check with the relevant authorities when I have more bits sorted on the car.