Originally Posted by Kuhn74:
It has been a while since I looked through the ARDC rules and engine platforms in detail, but aren't they quite a bit different than USAC? They allow Gearte style engines (older push rod type) the same 174 displacement that they offer the Fontana engine (or used to). Esslingers are limited on displacement and cylinder head type (only 1of3 is allowed). Just seems like a bad move if you are trying to "grow" midget racing in your area. It is hard to grow your weekly base if you alienate their equipment. One of the ways ARDC was able to keep their steady membership in the past was by supressing the unlimited resources type mentality with regards to engines. This seems like a direct move away from what has made them successful.
I believe ARDC opened their rules up a year or two ago to allow everything. Below is their engine rules right from their rule book:
ESS-8
ENGINES
A.Engine type, size and configuration rules listed below are locked for the 2014, 2015, and
2016 seasons.
B.All cars must be equipped with a working tachometer.
C.RPM Limit
a.All push rod type engines have a maximum RPM of 8800
b.All Single Head Overhead Camshaft engines have a maximum RPM of 9800
D.All engines must be normally aspirated, internal combustion, four cycle, reciprocating
piston type, incorporating a maximum of six cylinders. Only one spark plug per cylinder
will be allowed.
E.ARDC reserves the right to disallow any engine for competition, which in its judgment
does not meet the spirit and intent of competitive racing, in regards to cost and/or
performance.
F.Any engines not covered by the specifications below must be submitted for approval prior to entering the competition.
Pushrod Type Engines
A. Four cylinder inline, two valves per cylinder, water cooled, utilizing an aluminum
block and/or head. Maximum 168 CID (2753 cc).
B.Four cylinder inline, two valves per cylinder, water cooled, IRON BLOCK AND HEAD
with intake and exhaust ports on the same side of the head. Maximum 184 CID (3016 cc).
a. Same as (b.) except utilizing a “cross-flow” cylinder head. Maximum 174 CID
(2852 cc).
b.Same as (b.) except using an Aluminum Block and an approved non-cross flow
aluminum “Fontana” cylinder head. Maximum 174 CID (2852 cc).
C. Four cylinders horizontally opposed; two valves per cylinder. Intake and exhaust
valves must be in-line and on the same axis. Maximum 174 CID (2852 cc).
D.Maximum of six cylinders, V-type, (maximum 90 degrees), two valves per cylinder,
water cooled, iron block and head. Maximum 174 CID (2852 cc).
a.Same as (d.) except utilizing Aluminum Block and/or head. Maximum 168 CID
(2852 cc).**
Single Overhead Camshaft Type Engines
A.Four cylinders in-line, aluminum block and head, “Pinto” engine. Alteration of the basic
design of the head or block is prohibited. Maximum of 106mm bore spacing, Maximum 161 CID (2639 cc).
B.Maximum of six cylinders in-line or V-type (maximum 90 degrees), water cooled two
valves per cylinder. Maximum 146 CID (2393 cc).
C.Four cylinders horizontally opposed, rocker arm actuated four valves per cylinder,
water cooled engine. Maximum 122 CID (2000 cc).
Double Overhead Camshaft Type Engines
A.Four cylinder in-line, water cooled, maximum of four valves per cylinder. Maximum 122 CID (2000 cc).
a.The stock production “Cosworth Vega” four cylinders, in-line, four valves per
cylinder, utilizing the stock production block and head. Alteration of the basic design of the head or block is prohibited. Maximum 127 CID (2082 cc).
