Formula Toy 2007 rules

[desertoy]

Updated 10-2-2006
Here is what we have. Not that many changes, just a few clarifications. Let us know if there is any discrepencies.

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FORMULA TOY 2007 RULES


The Formula Toy competition series is designed to be a low cost driver’s class and the rules are written in an effort to keep it that way. You start with a 4 wheel drive Toyota pickup. The point of the class is to replace the truck cab/bed with a tube chassis and compete with a basically stock frame and running gear. If you imagine you’re starting with a stock vehicle as your donor, the rules are more like guidelines as to what is permitted to be changed from stock. Don’t look for loopholes because there are none. If the rules say you CAN do it...then you can do it. If the rules don't address a particular modification, you can assume it's not going to be permitted.

Engine
• Toyota 20r, 21ru ,22r, 22re engines are allowed
• Propane, EFI, or Carb allowed
• All Motors Must:
• Must use factory head - for block
• Must use stock type carburetor
• Must use stock type intake manifold
• Must use pump gasoline
• Must be naturally aspirated
• Radiator must mount in front of engine
• Electric fans allowed
• Engine can be moved back 0"- 8" from stock
• Engine can be moved down 0"-1" from stock
Transmission /Transfer case
• Any Toyota make or model manual or automatic transmission
• Any Toyota gear driven mini truck case or combination of cases
• Any manufactures gear set.
• Any gear ratio
• Dual case adapter adapter must be commercially available
Cage / Chassis / Body
• Safety cage built by an approved vendor
• Frame must be Toyota Pickup or 4Runner frame, 2wd or 4wd
Steering
• Any manual or power steering box.
• Box must be attached to main frame rail
• Drag link must attach to pitman arm on steering box
• Ram assist steering is allowed
• Any aftermarket high/cross over steer kit allowed.
• Steering must attach to stock steering arm location using the stock method
Front Axle
• Front axle must be from 1979 - 1985 Toyota Pickup or 4Runner
• Aftermarket/custom housings are allowed
• Aftermarket birfields allowed
• Aftermarket inner axles allowed
• Must use Toyota 8" third members (FJ80, V6 or 4cyl)
• Any factory or aftermarket ring & pinion gear sets
• Must use oem Toyota Pickup/4Runner knuckles
• Differential shaving allowed
• Trussing and diff armored allowed
• Birfield eliminator kits not allowed, must use Birfields.
Rear Axle
• Rear axle must be from 1979 - 1995 Toyota Pickup or 4Runner
• Any Toyota 8" third member allowed (FJ80, V6 or 4cyl)
• Any factory or aftermarket ring & pinion gear sets
• Aftermarket/custom axle housings allowed
• U-bolt flip allowed
• Aftermarket axle shafts allowed
• Differential shaving allowed
• Trussing and diff armored allowed
Lockers
• Any aftermarket locker
• Open or welded differential allowed
Front Suspension
• Must be OEM style Toyota leaf spring suspension.
• Attachment methods must be oem style, fixed at one end and a single shackle at the other end
• Any aftermarket steel non take apart shock.
• Shock must attach to axle in oem fashion
• No traction bar or link type attachments
• Springs must be mounted so they are stock width apart
• U-bolt flip allowed

Rear Suspension
• Must be OEM style Toyota leaf spring suspension.
• Attachment methods must be oem style. fixed at one end and a single shackle at the other end
• Aftermarket inner axles allowed
• Frenched spring hangers allowed
• Rear leaf springs may be inboard of frame rail with a minimum width of not less than the front spring width.
• Single traction bar allowed (see clarification at bottom of page)
• U-bolt flip allowed

Brakes
• 1979 to 1990 style front disc
• Any year Toyota rear drum
• No cutting or turning brakes
• Functional parking brake or micro lock

Battery
• Any spill proof style battery
• Battery must be securely mounted, no bungee cords

Tires
• Any tire size or brand
• Any wheel
• Internal or external beadlocked wheels permitted

Fuel system
• Stock tank or fuel cell
• Fuel system must either be closed loop system or spill proof roll over valve.
• Vehicles that leak fuel will not be allowed to continue with competition until the issue is fixed.

Safety
• D.O.T. approved helmet
• Five point seat harness
• Neck restraint collar
• Window net (5 point penalty per course if not used)
• Metal roof must cover entire roof opening
• Solid metal roof can be bolt on at least every 12" inches
• Expanded metal roof must be welded at each contact point
• First aid kit
• 2 Fire extinguishers
• The formula toy Competition Series has adopted all of the “General Safety” rules as published by WE Rock. Please go to their website for a current list www.we-rock.cc
• A full firewall constructed of metal sheet or lexan material from outer edge of chassis (inner edge of tubing) to opposite outer edge. The only exception is if you have a fully encapsulated engine compartment (inner fenders from shock midline to firewall, with a hood). You can then use expanded metal in the floor pan area of the passenger compartment.
• Transmission tunnels are not required but a driveshaft loop to protect the driver from the rear u-joint is necessary.


Rules Changes/Clarifications for 2007:
FRAME:

The frame can be stripped of all cab mounts and brackets but must have a minimum of 3 cross members including one in the very front and one in the very rear.
The frame length can be shortened in the rear only. The total frame length must not be less than the length of the chassis.

Frame notching is permitted for shock clearance in the rear, steering arm clearance in the front, and seat clearance below drivers and passengers seat.
REAR SUSPENSION:


An anti-wrap bar may be installed in the rear only. Anti-wrap can have 3 pints of attachment, 2 on the axle housing and one at the frame or chassis. Anti-wrap must not aid lateral stability.

WINCHES:
2 winches are allowed (any kind). Both winches must be mounted to the frame and can only pull from center of axle housing

VISUAL AIDS:
Up to 2 mirrors can be mounted as long as it doesn't compromise driver safety.

LOCKERS:
A Tacoma or FJ80 3rd member with Electric locking differential may be installed as long as the ring gear does not exceed 8 inches.
Building Tips:
Here are a few tuning tricks I know of that help let the carb do its job when at extreme angles.
• Lower the float level slightly
• Lower the fuel pressure with a regulator
• Vent the over flow that dumps into the venturi out of the carb.
• Use MSD ignition to increase the spark duration which aids in igniting excess fuel that does slosh in there.
1986 through 1995 Toyota rear axles are 3" wider then pre 86 axles. Swapping to this axle decreases the interference between the rear tires and frame. The 86 and later also have larger brakes and can be upgraded with heavy duty axle shafts.

[Brian Ellinger]

Just saw this!

Couple questions:
1. if the stock style steering is used, is a torque rod allowed (I think the wrights ran this?)

2. Any toy 8" ring geared diff is allowed, taco, fj, PU/runner, thats what Im reading, but I had thought elocks has been disallowed?

3. Brakes, I think theres a typo? Youve got single piston calipers in there. They were 4 piston. And from 79-90, do you want to go up to 95 (92-95 runner caliper wont work with the earlier fj vented rotors)

4. You may want to disallow FF entirely since its not legal. 8" ring gear, 1 ton duallies with drums are out there. (No I wont be trying to use one!)

5. For future, I read the answer to be no, but will 6 studs knuckles be allowed if/when they come out?

[desertoy]

1. Anything that came on a stock straight axle truck is legal.

2. I think the rules are clear on this

3. I fixed it.(I think)

4. I think the rules are clear on this.

5. I think the rules are clear on this.

[Beat95YJ]

Out of curiosity, are there any limits on the permissible width of a replacement front or rear housing?

[benttoy]

Originally Posted by Brian Ellinger

Just saw this!

Couple questions:
1. if the stock style steering is used, is a torque rod allowed (I think the wrights ran this?)

2. Any toy 8" ring geared diff is allowed, taco, fj, PU/runner, thats what Im reading, but I had thought elocks has been disallowed?

3. Brakes, I think theres a typo? Youve got single piston calipers in there. They were 4 piston. And from 79-90, do you want to go up to 95 (92-95 runner caliper wont work with the earlier fj vented rotors
4. You may want to disallow FF entirely since its not legal. 8" ring gear, 1 ton duallies with drums are out there. (No I wont be trying to use one!)

5. For future, I read the answer to be no, but will 6 studs knuckles be allowed if/when they come out?

Brian I dont know why you think we ran a torque rod but we never have. Why cant you accept the rules the way they are written build your car and have some fun with us

[desertoy]

Originally Posted by Beat95YJ

Out of curiosity, are there any limits on the permissible with of a replacement front or rear housing?

Any width is legal.

[superpile]

No aftermarket rear disc brakes?

[Mustard Dog]

Originally Posted by superpile

No aftermarket rear disc brakes?

Nope.

[azyota]

Originally Posted by desertoy

Any width is legal.

Any width is legal, but you have to use the 8" R&P, correct?

[Tim Florian]

Did any of you guys read the rules before posting your questions?

[superpile]

Yeah, I read the rules but it did not have "No rear disc brakes allowed" so I asked. If you had ever competed in any kind of competive motorsports you'd know if it isn't in writing it's still legal. But since I'm not an a$$ about it I asked before I so up with my rear discs that are already on my donor rig.

[Im4yotas]

If you haven't figured it out yet, this class is different. That's why it is so great. But just look where it covers breaks -

Brakes

• Any year Toyota rear drum

Period, that's it, just Toyota drums. It's that easy.



Only thing that I find could be confusing is the 3rd members. Regular old 8" 3rds are allowed. But the Taco-Tundra-T100 3rds that are usually called 8.4" or 8 1/4" are not allowed. But those actually measure to 8", so that can get confusing to some, and the factory e-lockers are allowed.


Here's what ErikB has on this diff that is not allowed -

"All 2wd and 4wd T100's, Tundra's, and Sequoia's use a newer/stronger 8" 2-pinion diff. Tacoma 4x4's and Tacoma PreRunner's that don't come with the electric locker, as well as V6 Tacoma 4x2's also came with this diff. One easy way to identify it is by the larger mounting hardware (10mm studs w/ 14mm nuts) vs. the smaller stuff on the older diffs (8mm w/ 12mm nuts). It also has a different shaped diff cover. and a slightly larger diameter bolt pattern and flange (about 1/4" larger) than the 8" 4cyl or V6 diffs. It has a large one-piece carrier bearing cap (or "truss") that bridges over the ring gear to add strength. The axles that fit into these diffs are the same size as the earlier 8" diffs (30 spline).
In the past this diff has also been mistakenly called an 8.4" or 8.25" diff. The ring gear actually measures 8", but it is not compatible with the older 8" diffs at all. The extra strength of this diff comes from the bearing cap/truss and large diameter pinion gear shaft.
Aftermarket parts have so far been fairly limited for this diff. At this time, the only LSD available is the TRD/Kazuma clutch-type 3-pinion LSD, the OEM 4-pinion Tundra TRD LSD, and the only lockers available are the Powertrax "Lock-right," "No-Slip," and the ARB Air Locker (RD-89). Update- Tractech also now makes a Detroit Softlocker and Truetrac for this diff.
This diff cannot be fitted to an older style 8" axle because it uses a larger diameter mounting bolt pattern and because more space inside the housing necessary to accommodate the large bearing cap. The different bolt pattern also makes it very impractical to swap in an electric locking Toyota diff (the whole mounting flange would have to be re-done using a special jig).
Twelve 12mm ring gear bolts, 30 spline pinion shaft.
* 4Runners do NOT use this diff at all. Late-model 4Runners still use the V6 8" diff above."

Pic

[desertoy]

Originally Posted by superpile

Yeah, I read the rules but it did not have "No rear disc brakes allowed" so I asked. If you had ever competed in any kind of competive motorsports you'd know if it isn't in writing it's still legal. But since I'm not an a$$ about it I asked before I so up with my rear discs that are already on my donor rig.

I have competed in many kinds of competitive motorsports and what you wrote above is wrong. It is true in some, but not all, and certainly not true in this class.
Here's the firts line in the rules,

"The Formula Toy competition series is designed to be a low cost driver’s class and the rules are written in an effort to keep it that way. If the rules don't specifically allow certain modifications, assume they are not allowed. Trying to get around the rules is not what this class is about."

and then this;

Brakes
• 1979 to 1990 style front disc
• Any year Toyota rear drum
• No cutting or turning brakes

[Tim Florian]

Originally Posted by superpile

Yeah, I read the rules but it did not have "No rear disc brakes allowed" so I asked. If you had ever competed in any kind of competive motorsports you'd know if it isn't in writing it's still legal. But since I'm not an a$$ about it I asked before I so up with my rear discs that are already on my donor rig.

Brakes
• 1979 to 1990 style front disc
• Any year Toyota rear drum
• No cutting or turning brakes
• Functional parking brake or micro lock

That's not clear enough for you???

It doesn't say "No third axles mounted to the roof either so should I think that I can mount another axle on my roof. Or would you think that I should ask?

I don't mean to be a dick hear but it's getting really old that whenever somebody has a part that they want to use, they come on here asking 5 different ways if the rules are really the rules.

[superpile]

Third axles on your roof? Does that really sound as reasonable as a question about disc brakes? You misspelled here by the way. Anyways I thought this post was to get questions out of the way before ppl show up with parts that aren't legal. So I'll let it go now and move on now that I know I can't run them.

[mtbrjon]

This rules thing is almost getting funny. I think it should be mandatory for buyers of Ftoys to go to a competition to see several of these rigs and talk to the drivers before you can buy a Ftoy chassis. If you see these things in action and talk to the drivers it will become more clear what this whole thing is about. I'm not really serious about this but it would help potential buyers/builders and keep them from having to ask so me redundant questions.

Socal guys: I'm just wondering why you guys feel it necessary to beat the shit out of everybody that asks a question about the rules. You guys have seen this class develope from the start. Hindsite being 20/20 and all, it's easy for you guys to know what is acceptable or not. Other areas of the country and/or people that have come from other forms of motorsports have a difficult time grasping the concept of "drivers class" or "spirit of the class". As has been said before, if you don't like the rules just build it the way you want, show up at a comp, be prepared for penalties and or not being able to compete or run exibition.

Trail Gear: How about a video in the TGTV series where you guys actually go over your rigs and explain what components you used, why, and the legality of various components. It might help the folks who need a show-n-tell to figure it out.

[a2b]

Originally Posted by superpile

Third axles on your roof? Does that really sound as reasonable as a question about disc brakes?

"a reasonable question" wasn't the point of his statement and it wasn't a reply to your "disk brake" portion of your post. i'll let you figure out what he meant and then maybe you can make a proper response to his post concerning what you posted about rules.

[a2b]

Originally Posted by mtbrjon

This rules thing is almost getting funny. I think it should be mandatory for buyers of Ftoys to go to a competition to see several of these rigs and talk to the drivers before you can buy a Ftoy chassis.

i think that is a good idea. it does really help when you see one before you build. and it helps all the more to actually talk to someone who competes

Socal guys: I'm just wondering why you guys feel it necessary to beat the shit out of everybody that asks a question about the rules.

nice statment. are u prejudice alot, or just now? do you always speak in false absolutes or just now? that kind of communication will kill a marriage, btw. also, the profiling on your part is offensive. any person with commen sense can see right thru your extreme statement. you over-exaggerated so much that now your point is a lie. this type of communication will kill relationships between you and anyone to whom you are speaking. and now that you have brought me into your socal statement. i will now profile you: you are a crybaby just like all the others. all crybabies are not welcome in the ftoy class. (and i will throw an absolute in there as well) why do all crybabies always have to be wining abouting about whats not fair. stop crying and bring it

b

[Nissan Recovery Team]

Originally Posted by mtbrjon

This rules thing is almost getting funny. I think it should be mandatory for buyers of Ftoys to go to a competition to see several of these rigs and talk to the drivers before you can buy a Ftoy chassis. If you see these things in action and talk to the drivers it will become more clear what this whole thing is about. I'm not really serious about this but it would help potential buyers/builders and keep them from having to ask so me redundant questions.

Socal guys: I'm just wondering why you guys feel it necessary to beat the shit out of everybody that asks a question about the rules. You guys have seen this class develope from the start. Hindsite being 20/20 and all, it's easy for you guys to know what is acceptable or not. Other areas of the country and/or people that have come from other forms of motorsports have a difficult time grasping the concept of "drivers class" or "spirit of the class". As has been said before, if you don't like the rules just build it the way you want, show up at a comp, be prepared for penalties and or not being able to compete or run exibition.

Being from "SoCal" or having hindsite has nothing to do with the ability to properly digest the given rules.

If you imagine your starting with a stock vehicle as your donor, the rules are more like guidelines as to what is permitted to be changed from stock.

You guys are looking for loopholes and there are none..if the rules say you CAN do it...then do it..Quit looking for ways to do things the rules don't address. That right there, should be the clue it's not going to be permitted.

[mtbrjon]

Originally Posted by a2b

b

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally apologize to anyone that was offended by my Socal comment. My point was not to piss you off but it appears that if guys have questions or misunderstandings and they post them here they are just as likely to get ripped than get help. I thought the rest of my post would clarify that i'm not against anyone in Southern Ca. but thought you guys weren't aware how this thing looks from the outside. I thought the TGTV thing was a good idea to help answer some of these questions that appear to be pissing you guys off. I don't know how I should refer to you Ftoy gurus in the future. I'm just telling it like I see it but probably should have chosen my words more carefully. Truely sorry for the offensive comment. I'm not a prejudice guy and don't want to be labeled as such. Hell look at what time I posted. I wasn't really awake.

Hobie: I don't see me crying about anything? I was trying to convey that after seeing you guys in action I am much more knowledgable about what this class is about and what it takes to be successful. It's driver and spotter skill first and a well prepared rig next. My background is in motorsports that have VERY detailed rules and the vagueness of the Ftoy rules is taking a little getting used to.

I think i'll give this forum a break for a while and work on building my rig.

over and out

[Nissan Recovery Team]

Originally Posted by mtbrjon

I think i'll give this forum a break for a while and work on building my rig.

over and out

No need to give the forum a break...stay in touch with whats going on especially now that your building.

[Tim Florian]

Originally Posted by mtbrjon

Socal guys: I'm just wondering why you guys feel it necessary to beat the shit out of everybody that asks a question about the rules. You guys have seen this class develope from the start. .

So you think we should just continue to let everybody that doesn't agree with the clearly stated rules come on here and try to tear them down? We (the so cal guys as you call us) are the guys that have been to comps competing and having fun, we've seen and experianced the fun of this class. In my opinion this is the best class in rockcrawling right now. It's the simplicity of everything about this class that makes it fun. So very simply build withen the rules or build your rig how you want and don't compete.

I much prefer the "comp vets" to the "so-cal guys". But call us what you want, we'll be at the comps having fun, where will you be?

[desertoy]

Originally Posted by Nissan Recovery Team

.

If you imagine your starting with a stock vehicle as your donor, the rules are more like guidelines as to what is permitted to be changed from stock.

I keep hearing that the F-Toy rules are Vague and I keep asking myself "what am I missing?" because they are perfectly understandable to me.

I think the statement above is what everyone is not hearing. I think this statement makes it more clear. I will use this in the future to explain it better. Thanks Mark.

[superpile]

Good lord what a hornets nest...
I just wanted to say I agree this is the best class to compete in and now that it is coming to MY side on the country I WANT to compete. My comments about the rules are just that, mine. I'm used to rules that more or less state what you can't do. So I consider these rules to be vague. I'm not looking for loop holes, I'm really just trying to reuse parts, I like the idea it's the team not the rig that wins. Parts are just parts, ppl make them great or just parts.
My donor rig has a lot really good parts on it that I would like to reuse. That is why I asked here, in a post about the rules. I stay off pirate as much as possible due to the non constructive comments made that should be deleted by the moderater's in my opinion, but anyways either way if these questions are seen as redunant or annoying, don't read them, don't post go on with your web surfing.
I had another question and now I forgot it... I guess it wasn't important.

[Mustard Dog]

Originally Posted by superpile

I stay off pirate as much as possible due to the non constructive comments made that should be deleted by the moderater's in my opinion,

There's a neat little icon called "report this post", I have yet to see you use it. There's not a single sentance in this thread that that could possibly be considered for moderator intervention, maybe you're more accostomed to the light-weight PC boards out there.

The rules of this class are so basic and obvious it's almost laughable. The reason you're seeing some heat is that you're about the tenth guy to ask the same questions and demand the same answers. Read the rules, quit trying to read INTO the rules