ChampCar Endurance Series

ChampCar Tech Desk

Official channel for ChampCar technical questions, interpretations, and VPI requests.

Before you submit a ticket

The Tech Desk is for rules clarifications and technical questions. It is not a post race tech line, a place to protest results, or a place to fish for how other teams built their cars.

Most questions can be answered by reviewing the current BCCR Rulebook. Please read the applicable section before submitting a ticket.

If your question is already covered clearly in the BCCR, your ticket may simply be answered with a reference to the rulebook section.

VPI request checklist

For all Vehicle Performance Index (VPI) requests you must include:

  • Year, make, model, and trim level
  • Engine size and engine horsepower
  • Drive type: FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4x4
  • Transmission type: automatic or manual
  • Car weight and all factory options that affect performance
  • A link to the vehicle on automobile-catalog.com or another site with full specifications if it is not listed there

Requests that do not include all required info and research will be denied without review.

2022-12-31 - Engine Swap Components

Q.
When performing an engine swap what parts can be reused from the original engine?

For example a common ChampCar swap is to replace the 87-93 Mustang engine with a 96-01 Explorer engine. The desired parts are the short block, heads, and intake manifold.

What about the Mustang accessories, timing cover, pulleys, starter, and oil pan?
How about more functional items like the distributor, am I required to switch to the Explorer's distributor less ignition?
What about valve train components like the hydraulic lifter retainer tray, lifters, camshaft, valve springs?

 

A.
When swapping an engine you must use the complete assembly.
The only things you can change for no points are only parts to make it fit with documentation as to why the engine would not fit without the part change.
Example, oil pan if it clears the crossmember and fits you have to use the stock to your swap engine pan, if it will not you can use another pan.
Example, You can change front covers and pulleys to accommodate the accessories but no aftermarket without point add.

Verified by TECH 8-6-24