1. general provisions
All vehicles competing in Classic rallies must conform to the following:
- Comply with Appendix 2, Schedule A and Appendix 3, Schedule R of the current Motorsport NZ manual and amendments thereto with specific adherence to compliance to the additional requirements of rally vehicles contained in that schedule.
- No 4-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted.
- The vehicle must be a model that was either in series production before 31st December 1983 or homologated by this date.
- A vehicle with a Motorsport NZ COD, that was in series production before 31st December 1983 that was homologated, vehicle is permitted to run later variable options as per homologation papers.
2. PERMITTED MODIFICATIONS FOR CLASSIC VEHICLES
2.1 Engines
- The engine block & head must be from either an engine available in series production before 31st December 1983 and/or as per Schedule T & C article 3.6.1 of the current Motorsport manual.
- Cylinder Head (s) and block may be changed but must appear visually standard and be of standard material.
- The number of cams must be as per the original or substituted engine.
- Pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and associated parts are free.
Explanatory note 1:
This provision allows for – say – the transplant of a V8 into a Ford Escort provided that the V8 was obtainable before 31st December 1983 and retains its original or replacement block (as per note 2 below) along with the same number of camshafts. It can, however, have modern pistons and con rods.
Explanatory note 2:
It is allowable to use a more modern engine component (eg. block) to obtain greater reliability under the following conditions:
The replacement component:
- is made of the same material(s)
- uses the same technology e.g. the same number of valves, and cams, the same normally aspirated intake, no computers etc.
- (if an engine block) is limited to a capacity of 6 litres.
- is roughly similar in appearance.
2.2 Induction
No forced induction is allowed unless this was standard on the vehicle at the time of manufacture.
2.3 Fuel injection
The vehicle must retain its original system. Fuel injection is not allowed unless standard on the vehicle before 31st December 1983. The computer is free provided it is housed in its original computer box. Anti-lag & boost control are prohibited.
2.4 Gearbox
The gearbox type & year is free provided it has a maximum of five forward gears. Ratios are free but sequential and electronically activated gearboxes are prohibited.
2.5 Differential
The differential type & year is free
2.6 brakes and suspension
Brakes and suspension are free.
2.7 wheels and tyres
- Wheel sizes are free provided they can be housed inside the wheel arches or flares (ref 2.83).
- Tyres are free but must comply with the provision of Appendix 2, Schedule A.
2.8 body modifications
2.8.1 preamble
Competitors are strongly encouraged to maintain the original appearance of their vehicle.
2.8.2 body panels
May be lightened per Appendix 2, Schedule A however Carbon Fibre and Kevlar are prohibited.
2.8.3 wheel flares
May be fitted providing they do not protrude from the original line of the bodywork by more than 150mm.
2.8.4 wings
Wings or other aerodynamic appendages are not permitted. “Bobtail” or boot-mounted spoilers are acceptable if it can be shown that these were common on the car as rallied before 31st December 1983.
3. proof of eligibility
The competitor must carry written proof that their car or any of its components are eligible for the classic rules and must show the Mainland Rally Championship coordinators or rally organisers on request.
4. eligible vehicles
The North Island Rally Series coordinators have made every effort to identify the series production date of a couple of cars at the changeover point.
- Nissan 240RS homologated 01/01/1983, was available in 1982
- Celica TA64 Turbo was released to the Japanese market in October 1982
- Toyota Corolla AE86 & or 4AGE engine with the standard head configuration and injection of the era are now eligible to enter this class.
If you have a car that you are unsure about, please ask first.