2007 dB Drag Racing Rules: Section 6 - Installation Regulations

dB Drag Racing

2007 Rules & Regulations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Term-PRO Home
Rules Master Index

Section 0 - Introduction
Section 1 - General Rules
Section 2 - Competitor Classification System
Section 3 - Passenger Compartment Regulations
Section 4 - Vehicle Regulations
Section 5 - Auto Sound Equipment Regulations
Section 6 - Installation Regulations
Section 7 - Points Accrual
Section 8 - Certified SPL
Section 9 - World Finals
Section 10 - World Records
Section 11 - Vehicle Audits, Rules Infractions, Penalties
Section 12 - Competitor Code of Conduct
Section 13 - Miscellaneous
Section 14 - Q&A
Section 15 - Definitions

Section 6 - Installation Regulations
6-1	Sound producing devices must not interfere with the measurement equipment. This includes, but is not limited to; horns, wave-guides, vents, or other devices that are deliberately placed in close proximity to the measurement sensor. (Intent: Nothing shall interfere with the measurement equipment.)
6-2	All loudspeaker enclosures, and / or baffle boards, with the exception of those mounted in the kick-panels or doors, shall be located behind an imaginary plane that stretches from the trailing edge of the driver's door to the trailing edge of the passenger door. In this rulebook, the terms "B-Pillar" and "Doorjamb" are sometimes used when referring to this imaginary plane. Additional Guidelines: Compliance with this rule may be verified by using the following test: Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open doors of the vehicle. Both judges pull the string so that it is taught. Next, the judges move the string in unison so that the string slides along the trailing edge of each judge's respective doorjamb. If the string does not touch the enclosure (or loudspeakers), then the test passes. Any components that are attached to the loudspeaker enclosure, including speakers, amplifiers, signal processors, etc., are considered to be a part of the loudspeaker enclosure. If any portion of the competitor's installation interferes with the judge's ability to perform the "string test", then the interfering obstruction must be easily removable. Additional Guidelines Related to Pickup Trucks Only: If the vehicle is a standard pickup truck (not an extended-cab or king-cab) and the subwoofer enclosure is mounted behind the front seat, compliance with the "string test" (rule 6-2) is not required. If the vehicle is a standard pickup truck (not an extended-cab or king-cab) and the installation incorporates a "cut-through" to the bed of the truck, then compliance with the "string test" (rule 6-2) will still be required. If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pickup truck, then compliance with the "string test" (rule 6-2) will still be required.
6-3	The maximum voltage of the vehicle's electrical system shall not exceed 14.0 volts DC in the Street and Street Max divisions or 18.0 volts DC in the Super Street and Extreme divisions at any time during the 30-second SPL metering process. Additional Guidelines: The sound system in the vehicle must be powered by the vehicle's primary electrical system. This system, which is comprised of the alternator(s), battery (or batteries), and distribution system, must in turn be powered by the vehicle's engine. Exception: Compliance with this guideline is not required provided the vehicle's engine is not running while the vehicle is being metered. External generators, fuel cells, battery chargers, etc. may not be used in the judging lanes.
6-4	All of the components in the sound system (with the exception of an external podium or source unit) must be located within the external OEM "skin" of the vehicle. (This includes, but is not limited to alternators, batteries, amplifiers, enclosures, and speakers.) Additional Guidelines: If the vehicle is a pickup truck, then equipment may be installed in the bed of the truck provided the bed is covered by a commercially available bed cover or camper. Alternately, the equipment may be installed inside of a tool box. In classes where a no-wall restriction exists, compliance with the "wall test" will still be required.

6-5	The dBDRA defines a speaker wall as any subwoofer enclosure and / or baffle board that exceeds the height of an imaginary plane that stretches horizontally from the lowermost point of the window opening in the driver's door (where the side window enters the door frame) to the lowermost point of the window opening in the passenger's door on the opposite side of the vehicle. Additional Guidelines: Compliance with this rule may be verified by using the following test: Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open window on the driver's side, through the interior of the vehicle, and out of the open window on the passenger side of the vehicle. Both judges should then pull the string so that it is taught while resting against the lowest point within the window opening. If the enclosure in question does not exceed the height of this string, then the enclosure is not considered to be a wall. If any part of the enclosure exceeds the height of the string, then the enclosure is considered a wall. Any components that are attached to (or resting on) the subwoofer enclosure, including speakers, amplifiers, signal processors, etc., are considered to be a part of the subwoofer enclosure. Competitors may not deflate their rear tires or otherwise change the normal attitude of the vehicle with respect to the ground in an effort to circumvent this test. Exceptions: If the subwoofer enclosure is installed in the trunk of a vehicle, then compliance with the "wall test" is not required.
6-6	Additional installation limitations are determined by the division a competitor is competing in.

Street Division Installation Restrictions
6-7a	Speaker walls are prohibited.
6-7b	Subwoofers mounted in the rear-deck are acceptable.
6-7c	All loudspeaker enclosures and/or baffle boards with the exception of those mounted in the kick-panels or doors shall be located behind the trailing edge of the REARMOST side door(s) on the vehicle. Exception: If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pickup truck, then this restriction does not apply. This waiver only applies to pickups that have "jump seats" located behind the front seat. The dBDRA defines a "jump seat" as an OEM seat that was designed to be folded up against the side or back of the pickup's passenger compartment.
6-7d	Podiums are prohibited. External "burp" buttons, mute buttons, or any other type of remote control, with the exception of the source unit's remote control, is prohibited.
6-7e	The source unit must be installed completely into the dash of the vehicle.
6-7f	All auto sound equipment must be located below the plane that is used to determine compliance with the "wall test". Additional Guidelines: Source units, CD changers, video displays, and signal processors are exempt. If the vehicle is a 2-passenger (driver and passenger) hatchback, then all non-exempt auto sound equipment must be located behind the B-Pillars with the exception of amplifiers that are installed completely under the seat.
6-7g	Commercially available center consoles are acceptable provided they displace less than 2 cubic feet of air. "Custom" or homemade center consoles are prohibited.
6-7h	The sum total of "stiffening" capacitors in the Street A and Street B classes is limited to a maximum of 1 Farad. The sum total of "stiffening" capacitors in the Street C class is limited to a maximum of 2 Farads. Additional Guidelines: If an amplifier has an integrated "stiffening" capacitor, then the capacitance of the amp's capacitor will be included when determining compliance with this rule.
6-7i	Competitors in the Street A and Street B classes are limited to 1 battery. Competitors in the Street C class are limited to 2 batteries. Additional Guidelines: Aftermarket batteries are acceptable. Batteries must be of the 12-volt variety. Hybrid (ie 12/16 volt) and/or custom-made batteries are prohibited. The physical size of each battery is limited to 800 cubic inches (13110 cubic cm) or less. (Height x Length x Width. Excluding the battery terminals.) The physical shape of the battery is irrelevant. The primary battery must be located in the same general area as the OEM battery location. (For example, if the OEM battery location is under the hood, the primary battery must be located under the hood as well. Aftermarket battery trays and/or custom fabricated battery brackets may be installed provided no other applicable rules are violated.) The secondary battery (if installed) may be mounted behind the B-Pillars or under the hood provided no other applicable rules are violated. Batteries may not be mounted underneath the vehicle. (Underbody battery boxes, racks, etc. are prohibited.) Batteries may not be swapped out during the course of an event.
6-7j	The use of aftermarket interconnects and power cabling is permitted.
6-7k	Temporary structural reinforcements to the vehicle are prohibited during competition. This includes attaching straps, suction cups, sand bags, etc. to the vehicle. However, pressing on the doors, windows, trunk and / or laying on the hood, roof, etc. is acceptable providing no other applicable rules are violated.
6-7l	Amplifiers may be mounted on the back of the rear-most seats provided no other applicable rules are violated.

Street Max Division Installation Restrictions
6-8a	Speaker walls are permitted but not required.
6-8b	Subwoofer enclosures may be placed in or on the rear seat(s) of the vehicle. (The rear seat(s) may be removed or folded at the competitor's discretion.)
6-8c	Podiums are permitted.
6-8d	Commercially available center consoles are acceptable provided they displace less than 2 cubic feet of air. "Custom" or homemade center consoles are prohibited.
6-8e	The sum total of "stiffening" capacitors in the Street Max 1-2 class is limited to a maximum of 1 Farad. The sum total of "stiffening" capacitors in the Street Max 3-4 class is limited to a maximum of 2 Farads. Additional Guidelines: If an amplifier has an integrated "stiffening" capacitor, then the capacitance of the amp's capacitor will be included when determining compliance with this rule.
6-8f	Competitors in the Street Max 1-2 class are limited to 1 battery and competitors in the Street Max 3-4 class are limited to 2 batteries. Additional Guidelines: Aftermarket batteries are acceptable. Batteries must be of the 12-volt variety. Hybrid (ie 12/16 volt) and/or custom-made batteries are prohibited. The physical size of each battery is limited to 800 cubic inches (13110 cubic cm) or less. (Height x Length x Width. Excluding the battery terminals.) The physical shape of the battery is irrelevant. The primary battery must be located in the same general area as the OEM battery location. (For example, if the OEM battery location is under the hood, the primary battery must be located under the hood as well. Aftermarket battery trays and/or custom fabricated battery brackets may be installed provided no other applicable rules are violated.) The secondary battery (if installed) may be mounted behind the B-Pillars or under the hood provided no other applicable rules are violated. Batteries may not be mounted underneath the vehicle. (Underbody battery boxes, racks, etc. are prohibited.). Batteries may not be swapped out during the course of an event.
6-8g	The use of aftermarket interconnects and power cabling is permitted.
6-8h	Temporary structural reinforcements to the vehicle are prohibited during competition. This includes attaching straps, suction cups, sand bags, etc. to the vehicle. However, pressing on the doors, windows, trunk and / or laying on the hood, roof, etc. is acceptable providing no other applicable rules are violated.

Super Street Division Installation Restrictions
6-9a	Speaker walls are permitted but not required (with the exception of the Super Street 1-2 NW class - please see the special note below).
6-9b	Podiums are acceptable.
6-9c	Center consoles that displace less than 2 cubic feet of air space are acceptable. (Both commercially available and custom or homemade consoles are acceptable.)
6-9d	There are no limits to the number of "stiffening" capacitors that may be used.
6-9e	There are no limits to the number or type of batteries that may be used.
6-9f	Battery boxes located underneath the vehicle are acceptable provided they are located behind the plane that is defined in rule 6-2.
6-9g	The OEM alternator may be replaced or "beefed up". A maximum of 2 alternators may be installed in the vehicle.
6-9h	Temporary structural reinforcements to the vehicle are prohibited during competition. This includes attaching straps, suction cups, sand bags, etc. to the vehicle. However, pressing on the doors, windows, trunk and / or laying on the hood, roof, etc. is acceptable providing no other applicable rules are violated.
6-9i	A Special Note on the Super Street 1-2 No Wall Class: The rules for the Super Street 1-2 No Wall Class are identical to all of the other classes in the Super Street division with the following exceptions... Speaker walls are prohibited. Modifications behind the B-Pillars may not extend above the plane that is used to determine compliance with the "wall test". All auto sound equipment (with the exception of source units, video displays, and signal processors) must be located below the plane that is used to determine compliance with the "wall test". Floor cut-throughs are not permitted. Battery boxes located underneath the vehicle are prohibited.

Extreme Division Installation Restrictions
6-10a	All "loading walls" must be located behind the door jambs. In addition, loading walls must be constructed from a completely clear material.
6-10b	Battery boxes located underneath the vehicle are acceptable.
6-10c	Fully encapsulated or "caged" alternators located above the hood, in front of the grille, or underneath the vehicle are acceptable.
6-10d	There are no specific installation restrictions pertaining to the Extreme Division unless noted elsewhere in this rulebook.

Monster Division Installation Restrictions
The Monster Division is an exhibition-only class. This class is not eligible for the Extreme Cup or overall World Record. Only class records may be established. Eligibility requirements (such as points, certified score, etc.) are waived for this class. Participation at the World Finals is by invitation only. Contact the dBDRA for more information.