2010 USACI SPL Rules
This section of the USACI rulebook was written by the USACI Rules & Ethics committee in order
to retain the basic ideas that have always made auto sound competition fun and fair. Each year,
USACI forms a committee of members to gain input from its competitors, the goal being to make
the contests fair, fun and challenging. This rule Book and any subsequent refinements are the
result of those meetings. It is USACI’s sincerest hope that these rules will be received as an
example of the organizations continuing efforts to promote the competitor’s responsibility to know
and adhere to the rules contained herein.
USACI reserves the right to make written amendments to this rule Book without prior written
notification to its members. USACI will however, make every effort to notify active members via
the Internet and/or by distributing any written changes during the registration process of a
sanctioned USACI contest. All competitors and enthusiasts are encouraged to visit our web site
at
www.usaci.org for rules updates, event schedules and event results.
The rules set forth in this section of the rule Book shall be used by the USACI official(s) and/or
judging staff at all USACI Sanctioned events. It is the responsibility of event officials and staff to
adhere to these rules to the best of their ability. In consideration of that, each competitor should
read this manual and have a thorough understanding of its contents when designing or improving
a competition mobile audio system. Ultimately, it is the competitors’ responsibility to know and
abide by the USACI rules.
Best regards,
Ralph L. Randall
President, USACI
(c) Copyright 1986 - 2010 United States Autosound Competition International, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of United States Autosound Competition International, Inc.
USACI OUTLAW SPL GENERAL RULES
DIVISIONS:
Outlaw SPL divisions are based on the configuration of the system and vehicle. Specific
guidelines for each division will be discussed in their respective sections of this book.
POWER CLASSES: See Appendix A – Power Class and Division Limitations
AMPLIFIERS DEFINED:
One amplifier is considered one power supply, one system board, driving 1 or 2 channels. A 3-4-
channel amp would be considered two amplifiers. A 5-6-channel amp would be considered three
amps and so on. A single heat sink with more than one power supply or system board may be
considered more than one amplifier at the discretion of USACI.
A car audio system’s total wattage shall be determined by the highest manufacturer rated output
divided by the proper number to ascertain the 4 ohm power output, or the manufacturer’s 4 ohm
rating, whichever is higher. If any amplifiers rating cannot be determined, that amplifier will be
moved to the highest power class in that division until such time as a rating can be determined.
USACI reserves the right to independently test any amplifier to determine the true RMS power
rating and reclassify that amplifier as needed.
BATTERIES and BATTERY LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED:
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.
A 12 volt battery is defined as a battery that has a nominal terminal voltage of 12-Volts, consists
of 6 internal series-connected cells, and is lead/acid or gel-type. A 16 volt battery is defined as a
battery that has a nominal terminal voltage of 16-Volts, consists of 8 internal series-connected
cells, and is lead/acid or gel-type. A battery shall have no more than two “unique” battery
terminals connected to the system, one being positive and the other being negative. Batteries
with more than two posts connected to the vehicle or system will be counted as multiple batteries.
Batteries that exceed these 800 cubic inches or exceed allowed number of cells will be
considered multiple batteries. (Example: 801-1600 cubic inches is tow batteries. 12 volt battery
with 7 to 12 cells would be two batteries, and so on).
These limitations apply to all classes with defined battery limits. Any class and/or division that
allows unlimited batteries will not be bound by this definition. “Stock” battery may be relocated
and/or used to power the audio system. (1 + Stock = 2 batteries total in the vehicle).
PROPER POWER CLASS:
A competitor may not compete in a power class other than the one that his/her total system
power dictates. The exception to this would be the unlimited or “OPEN” power class
Any and all amplifiers within the vehicle under test will be included in the system’s total power.
This sum will not include the power, if any, of the systems source unit (radio, cassette tape or CD
player) unless it is actively driving a speaker or a group of speakers. All amplifiers in the vehicle
must be operational and actively used in operating the sound system during testing or be
physically removed. At local events amplifiers may be left in the vehicle provided the event
director has the ability to definitively determine the amplifier is not in use.
Competitors whose systems include amplifiers that are not manufacturer rated, are modified
internally, or not commercially available will be required to compete in the unlimited power class
of their respective division.
POWER SOURCE All audio equipment must derive its power from the vehicle power source. No
external power sources (battery chargers, etc.) will be allowed. In the case of a podium, power
must be drawn from the vehicle power source. The test vehicle’s engine may be running during
testing, but will be limited to 1200rpm. The vehicle’s emergency brake must be set during testing.
USACI OUTLAW SPL JUDGES:
Outlaw SPL judges shall be appointed by the head judge or the event sponsors and are subject
to approval by USACI. A USACI Outlaw SPL judge shall not be allowed to judge any vehicle
being entered by an immediate family member, employee, employer or substantial customer. The
head judge may appoint an alternate to judge that vehicle. It is within the head judge’s or other
USACI Outlaw SPL official’s authority to decide the application of this rule to any disputes.
JUDGING ORDER:
The head judge will determine if there is a specific judging order. Judging will end when all
vehicles have been judged. No score or refund will be given to a competitor who fails to have
their vehicle in the judging line before the judging has ended.
“5 Minute Rule”
Any competitor who allows or causes more than a 5-minute “gap” between cars at the judging
station may have 1 point deducted from their highest score at the discretion of the event director.
USACI reserves the right to run an event using either an in-place or specific order judging routine.
At any event it is the responsibility of the event coordinator or head judge to inform the
competitors involved of the details of that day’s judging format.
MULTIPLE JUDGING LINES:
Some events may form two or more judging lines in order to expedite the judging process. In
such cases all competitors in a particular power class and division will be judged in the same line
and on the same test equipment. It is the responsibility of the competitor to confirm which lane his
or her power class and division is to be judged in.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE THROUGH:
Judging shall be conducted with each competitor’s vehicle being driven through a judging line in
an orderly fashion and under its own power. The vehicle must be capable of entering and exiting
the judging area under its own power. Vehicle malfunctions may be an exception to this rule and
will be evaluated by the head judge on an individual basis.
SYSTEM OR VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS:
An equipment or vehicle malfunction is the competitor’s responsibility. Once the vehicle is in
position to be judged, the competitor shall be allowed a maximum of five minutes to correct or
repair any malfunction. After the allotted time has expired, the vehicle must be judged if possible
or given a score of zero. No repairs will be allowed after SPL testing has started. No refunds will
be given.
RERUNS:
At most events competitors will be allowed to rerun their vehicle to improve their score or
standing. If a competitor chooses to rerun his or her vehicle, the sound system must be made up
of the same size speakers, the same number of speakers, and the same number of amplifiers as
was in the vehicle on its first SPL attempt. A change in brand or power rating is acceptable
provided the new equipment does not change the power class or division of the vehicle. There
will be an additional fee for all reruns. All competitors must have an operational system in their
vehicle at the time of registration. This system must be the system the competitor competes with
at the event. Competitors may change equipment in case of malfunction, but entire systems and
enclosures may not be swapped.
Intent: The intent of this rule is to prevent competitors from sharing the same audio system in
more than one vehicle. The head judge at the event shall interpret this rule and such decision
may only be appealed to the USACI rules and ethics committee.
IN CASE OF A TIE:
In the rare event that two or more competitors in the same power class and division receive the
same final score, the winner will be determined by a run off. If after one runoff there is still a tie,
there may be additional run offs or the head official may conduct a coin toss. This will be left to
the discretion of the head event official.
Disrupting An Event
The head judge or event director reserves the right to deduct points or ask any competitor to
leave an event if the competitor’s behavior becomes disruptive during the course of the event. If a
disruptive competitor is asked to leave, the competitor will not receive a refund. Any points or
awards the competitor might have earned at that event will be forfeited. Competitors will be
responsible for the actions of their guests at the event.
If the cause of the inappropriate behavior is believed to be alcohol or any other controlled
substance, USACI has the right to ban the competitor from competing in any sanctioned USACI
events for a minimum of one year.
To help assure that every USACI event is conducted in a safe environment, no weapons in the
possession of a competitor or anyone accompanying a competitor will be tolerated. If the
competitor does not comply with this demand, he or she will be disqualified, asked to leave the
event site or be escorted from the site by the local authorities. Any threats towards anyone
involving a weapon, however casual, shall be deemed just cause for banning the competitor from
ever again competing in any USACI sanctioned event. No refunds will be given for being
disqualified.
Protests:
If a competitor has made a plausible complaint, involving any unfair or illegal item which may be
hidden in another competitor’s vehicle in the same power class and division, and would require
disassembly of that vehicle or audio system to verify its existence, then the complaint must be
accompanied by a cash security deposit. (No checks) Such complaints may only be made after
the vehicle in question has been judged at that event and before any prizes are awarded. The
security deposit required to file a protest at a Regular or Double Points event would be $500.
Regional, Triple, and finals events will be $1000.
The Head Judge must have the security deposit in hand before any action may be taken. The
Head Judge would then appoint two qualified persons to disassemble the vehicle for inspection.
The competitor whose vehicle is in question may elect not to have their vehicle inspected by
disqualifying themselves from the event with no refund. If, in the Head Judge’s opinion, the
vehicle in question is found to be inconsistent with this rule book, the cash security deposit will be
returned to the competitor making the complaint and the competitor in question may be
disqualified from that event and all future USACI events for a period of up to two years. If an
inconsistency is ruled to be unintentional, then the competitor in question may only be disqualified
from that event. If in the Head Judge’s opinion, no inconsistency is found in the vehicle in
question, then the cash security deposit, less 20% USACI protest fee, will be awarded to the
competitor whose vehicle was inspected and it will be the responsibility of the competitor who
was protested to reassemble the vehicle or audio system.
A USACI member may protest the output of any brand and model of amplifier. The protest
procedure will entail the member sending a letter of protest to the USACI office containing the
make and model of the amplifier to be protested. A $300 nonrefundable protest fee must
accompany this request. USACI will acquire the amplifier and test the amplifiers at the USACI
offices in order ascertain if the amplifier’s actual output falls within the published output specified
by the manufacturer. If this amplifier is found to produce 120% or more of its rated power, that
amplifier will be disqualified until the manufacturer correctly rates that amplifier. The USACI
rating standard is 14.4 volts with a 4 ohm non-inductive load measured at 62hz at 1% THD.
Appealing a Decision:
If a competitor questions his or her score or the possible error in the judging process by which
that score was achieved, the competitor may seek explanation by the judge or head judge of the
event. The decision of the head judge will be considered final at that event. After the event a
competitor may petition the USACI Rules & Ethics committee to reconsider either a rule or a head
judge’s decision. Neither USACI nor an event sponsor assumes responsibility for any awards
previously given another competitor, even if in error.
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL TESTING:
All occupants of the vehicle under test shall have proper hearing protection placed over their ears
if remaining in the vehicle for testing. Refusal to wear properly placed hearing protection or
removal of it during the test shall be cause for immediate disqualification from the event and no
score or refund will be given. Neither the competitor nor the judge will be allowed to be in any
vehicle in the Super Modified class. Competitors in Super Modified will be required to control the
audio system from outside of the vehicle and the microphone/sensor will be placed on a
microphone/sensor stand to be provided by the competitor. Only the registered owner of the
vehicle or his/her attorney-in-fact may be inside the vehicle during SPL testing. The SPL
microphone may not be placed on the same side of the vehicle as the competitor. Competitor
must remain in the front of vehicle (forward of “B” post) during testing. (Updated 12/23/2008)
An audio system’s Sound Pressure Level will be measured using an approved sound pressure
level meter. Software for this test must be the current version of the USACI Outlaw SPL
competition compact disc. The director of the USACI event will provide a disk in case the
competitor does not have his own disk.
The SPL judge will be responsible for making sure the SPL meter is set up and functioning
correctly.
The competitor must have the vehicle ready to test prior to entering the judging lane. After the
SPL microphone/sensor has been placed, the software loaded, hearing protection properly
placed over the occupant’s ears and the system readied, the competitor should signal the judge
that he or she is ready for the test.
Once the test begins, the competitor has thirty seconds to try and achieve the highest score
possible. The music, tone or sweep may be restarted and/or the tracks can be changed as often
as possible within the thirty-second time window. The competitor may choose to stop the SPL
testing at any time before the end of the thirty-second time limit but the judge must be able to
verify that the correct software is being used during testing. The use of tone generators, doublers
or any other device that externally (outside of the closed signal chain) generates or alters the
frequencies that the system is playing during SPL testing is expressly prohibited and will result in
disqualification with no refund. Any tampering with the microphone/sensor or attempt to create a
measurement by any means other than SPL produced by the audio system will be considered
grounds for immediate disqualification and possibly being banned from future competition in any
sanctioned events. The senior USACI official present will investigate for any evidence of such
tampering and the ruling of this official is final.
THE COMPETITOR
DEFINING THE TERM “COMPETITOR”:
The term “competitor” applies to the vehicle’s owner, an employee of its owner, an immediate
family member, or a person bearing a power of attorney for the vehicle’s owner. If a competitor is
unable to attend an event, he or she may designate someone to drive the vehicle through the
judging line. The designated person will be considered a competitor and will assume all
responsibilities of such. A “competitor” may not run any vehicle under his name or membership
number unless said vehicle is legally registered to the competitor in his state of residence prior to
the event date. (A bill of sale will not fulfill the requirement for this rule. Updated (12/23/2008)
Defining the term “Pro”:
USACI Stock and Street Beat classes 1-4 are not open to “PRO” competitors. Any person who
meets any of the following conditions is considered a “PRO”.
Competitor works for a car audio dealer, manufacturer or distributor, or has worked for
any of the aforementioned at any time within 1 year of the competition date.
Competitor receives financial compensation for using a specific manufacturer’s
equipment
Competitor receives free equipment or equipment for less than 50% of MSRP from a
reseller and/or manufacturer
Competitors immediate family member(s) meet(s) one or all of the previous conditions
(A competitor may appeal the 1year rule by contacting the USACI office to receive a
variance. Such variance will be decided on an individual basis.)
Any competitor who does not meet the above conditions may still compete in and “PRO”
division should he/she choose to do so. This competitor upon determining he/she prefers a
“non-pro” class may move back to a stock division provided he/she still does not meet any of
the above criteria.
RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPETITOR:
The competitor is responsible for his or her vehicle and audio system and any physical or
mechanical damage resulting from their use or misuse of the vehicle and/or the audio system
therein. It is the competitor’s responsibility to know and abide by the rules contained in this book.
If an amplifier rating cannot be determined by the head judge at any event it is the responsibility
of the competitor to provide manufacturers literature or other paperwork to verify the power rating
of the amplifiers in question.
QUALIFYING FOR COMPETITION IN THE USACI FINALS:
A competitor member accruing 200 or more points for SPL or 100 or more points in Sound
Quality within the competition season will automatically qualify for an invitation to the USACI
World Finals. USACI will award additional World Finals invitations in each state based on points
accrued in comparison to the total number of points available in that state. In states with no points
and in specific cases to be decided by the Rules and Ethics Board, USACI may issue “special
invitations”.
A competitor may compete in multiple divisions at the world finals if the competitor so chooses.
The competitors must compete in the division and class in which he/she accrued the majority of
his/her points prior to competing in any other class or division.
USACI competitor members will accrue event points based on the following schedule.
Single point or “Regular” event
First place 15 event points
Second place 12 event points
Third place 10 event points
All other competitors’ 5 event points
At “DOUBLE POINTS” or TRIPLE POINTS” events the above values are doubled or tripled
respectively.
“Regional” event
First place 45 event points
Second place 40 event points
Third place 35 event points
Fourth place 30 event points
Fifth place 25 event points
All other competitors’ 15 event points
Judges may receive event points for judging an event. The accrual of events points for judging
shall be equal to a first place finish at that particular event. Event points accumulated by judging
may be used to qualify for finals but will not apply toward any point champion awards. Judges
opting to receive financial consideration for judging not receive points for the same effort.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES & CRITERIA
EVENT REGISTRATION:
Event registration will generally begin approximately one hour prior to the stated beginning time of
the contest. After the contest has begun, the event director, at his or her discretion may accept
late registrations and opt to add a surcharge to the stated event registration fee for late
registrants if he or she so desires.
Each vehicle can be entered and judged in only one power class but in as many divisions as it
may qualify to compete in. A separate registration is required for each division’s judging. A
competitor may enter more than one vehicle in the same event but only in different power
classes. Vehicles may reenter that same power class as many times as the event schedule will
allow. (Retries)
All vehicles must be licensed and be “street legal” as per federal regulations to compete in the
Stock, Super Stock, or Modified divisions. Vehicles that do not comply will be entered and judged
in the Super Modified or Port Wars division. USACI will require all of the following OEM
equipment to be installed and fully functional at all times while being judged in the Stock and
Modified divisions:
Headlights, Tail Lights, Speedometer, Emergency Brake, OEM or equivalent automotive seats,
OEM Windshield.
VERIFICATION JUDGING CRITERIA:
The verification judge will verify the power ratings of each amplifier installed in the competitor’s
vehicle to ensure that the vehicle has been entered in the appropriate power class. It is the
competitor’s responsibility to prove the manufacturer’s rated power of the amplifier if requested.
Documents that are altered or not publicly available will not be accepted. The verification judge
may install a voltage meter in any vehicle in the Stock division to monitor voltage during the run.
While this is optional at single points events it will be mandatory at all multi point events.
If a competitor’s audio system does not, in the judge’s opinion, meet all of the following basic
requirements, the competitor may be disqualified from the event or be reclassified to the unlimited
division. The vehicle and audio system must be fundamentally safe for the judging area. The
audio system must consist of components that use some form of 12 VDC negative ground power
supply. The vehicle and audio system must operate under its own power while being judged.
Maximum voltage may not exceed 18 volts DC in any USACI class. Other voltage limits may
apply depending on specific class requirements.
DEFINING THE DIVISIONS
While system configuration does play a large part in classifying all competitors’ vehicles, only
those competitors that do not derive any of their income from the selling or installing of any car
audio equipment or have received any car audio equipment or installation assistance from a
sponsoring car audio equipment manufacturer or retailer may compete in the Stock division.
Stock division competitors are unable to accept any financial assistance for travel expenses from
any manufacturer or retailer of car audio equipment.
The intent and spirit of the preceding paragraph is to allow the competitor with a limited budget
and technical knowledge to enjoy the fun of Outlaw SPL competition without the intimidation
factor of having to compete against professionals that may have a distinct advantage over them.
STOCK Division: Competitors may not compete in the stock division if they meet any of the
requirements for a “PRO” competitor as defined previously in these rules.
Alternator, capacitance, battery, voltage, and amplifier limits are defined in “Appendix A” (located
at the end of this book).
Pickups may have equipment (batteries, amps, crossovers, etc.) located in the bed. This
equipment may not protrude above the factory bed rail or more than 36 inches from the front wall
of the factory bed. (Not the bed lip). No Speakers or enclosures are allowed outside the cab. Bed
cuts are not allowed. Factory panels may be removed in the cargo area to facilitate system
installation. Podiums will be allowed.
Modifications: No modifications will be allowed to the interior of the passenger compartment or
exterior of the vehicle in order to facilitate the audio system. The floor, ceiling and dashboard
must be OEM or equivalent to include all fabrics, coverings and carpets. Speakers larger than 8"
and any speaker being used for SPL must be located only in the designated “cargo” areas behind
the “B” pillar. In passenger cars this would be either in the trunk or hatchback area. Enclosures in
the cargo area of all vehicles competing in the Stock division must be installed behind the rear
most passenger seats. Neither the enclosure, nor any device(s) affixed to the enclosure may
protrude above the top of the rear seat back or block the view out of the rear glass. Neither the
enclosure nor any devices affixed to the enclosure may protrude above the bottom of the side or
rear glass panels. No modifications will be allowed to the exterior of the vehicle and all portions of
the system must remain inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle is defined as inside of the factory
bodylines, roof, and floorboard. Equipment in or on trailers, hitch racks, luggage racks and so on
will not be permitted. No portion of the enclosure or audio system will be permitted to be located
outside of the vehicle to include the bed of a pickup.
Trucks, vans, SUV’s and cargo vehicles competing in the Stock division will be qualified thus:
In full size trucks originally equipped with forward facing rear seats, the cargo area will be defined
as being under or behind the rear seat only. In less than full size trucks or trucks with side facing
rear seats, the area behind the “B” pillars will be considered cargo area. In both or either of these
cases, the enclosure or speaker will not be allowed to protrude forward of the “B” pillars nor may
the enclosure or any devices affixed to it protrude above the bottom of the rear or side glass
panels. This will also apply to any vehicle that is originally manufactured with no rear passenger
seats. In vans and SUV’s with OEM rear seats, the cargo area will be defined as the area behind
the rear most seats. Vans and SUV’s that are originally manufactured without rear seats cannot
compete in the Stock division.
On vehicles with removable or convertible walls or panels, all equipment and all parts of the
enclosure must remain inside the passenger area and may not protrude into or be located in an
open air “bed” or other storage area not covered by the same roof that covers the passenger
area. Jump seats in the cargo area, behind the “B” pillar, and below the lowest window may be
removed.
Exception: In the case of a single cab pickup truck the box, speakers, and amplifiers may extend
forward of the “b” post but must not extend further forward than the rear of the truck seat back.
Seat back must be locked in place and the seat mounting may not be moved to facilitate system
installation.
The head judge at the event will interpret this rule.
Microphone/sensor Placement:
The microphone/sensor can be placed anywhere forward of the “B” pillar in the passenger
compartment with a microphone/sensor globe attached. Special panels or enclosures for globe
placement will not be allowed. The microphone or sensor may not be placed anywhere that is
deemed “hazardous to the equipment” by the head judge.
Other guidelines:
Battery and Alternator may be upgraded, however the battery may not produce more than 14
volts while the engine is not running and the alternator may not produce more than 14.7 volts.
The driver or passenger’s seats may not be relocated from the factory mounting location.
Any construction or speaker placement that may manipulate the SPL meter may be considered
reason to reclassify the vehicle to the Port Wars division or disqualification. This decision will be
at the discretion of the head judge.
Bed cuts will not be allowed in Stock Class.
A center console may be installed provided the console is not designed in such a way as to
manipulate the interior of the vehicle for the purposes of SPL. This will be at the sole discretion of
the head official.
Rear passenger seats may be folded down during testing but may not be removed, nor may any
part of the seat be removed. Rear seat backs may be unbolted and folded over for testing but
may not be removed from the vehicle.
Amplifiers may be attached to the seat backs and folded down during testing. In such cases the
seat must be able to return and lock into the factory position after testing. Factory panels in the
cargo area may be removed to facilitate the system installation.
The audio source (head unit, changer, etc) may be removed from the vehicle during SPL testing.
Wireless remote controls may be used to operate the system from outside the vehicle and their
use is encouraged. Head units or other source units may be located in a “podium” during SPL
testing if they are part of the signal chain. The podium must be designed so the judge can easily
open and inspect the contents of the “podium”. The vehicle emergency brake must be set during
testing.
Super Stock
This division uses the Stock rules with the exceptions as noted below.
“PRO” and “CONSUMER” competitors as defined previously in this book will be allowed in Super
Stock.
Modifications:
Modifications will be allowed to the interior of the vehicle below the window line and behind the
“B” post. Factory panels above the window line must remain in tact. No modifications will be
allowed to the interior of the passenger compartment forward of the “B” pillars. The floor, ceiling
and dashboard must be OEM. Speakers larger than 8" and any speaker being used for SPL must
be located only behind the “B” pillars. The speakers and enclosure must not protrude beyond the
leading edge of the “B” pillars or above and imaginary line from the lowest window line of the
vehicle to the next lowest window line of the vehicle. This applies to all vehicles including cargo
vans and SUV’s. No modifications will be allowed to the exterior of the vehicle and all portions of
the system including batteries must remain inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle is defined as
inside of the factory bodylines, roof, and floorboard. Equipment in or on trailers, hitch racks,
luggage racks and so on will not be permitted. No portion of the enclosure or audio system will
be permitted to be located outside of the vehicle,
EXCEPTIONS: Pickup trucks with the rear of the cab and/or front of the bed cut out in order to
allow speaker or box placement in the truck bed are allowed in the this division. Any cut must not
exceed the overall height of the bed or the vehicle window line, whichever is lower. In these
vehicles the floor of the truck bed may not be lowered or cut. Wheel wells must be OEM. Vehicles
using the bed of the a truck for speaker enclosures may use the entire bed area.
There are differences in allowances for Alternators, capacitance, batteries, voltage, and
amplifiers. These differences are defined in “Appendix A” (located at the end of this book).
Trunk Division:
Trunk Division will use the “Stock Division” rules with the following exceptions:
Modifications: Speakers larger than 8" and any speaker being used for SPL must be located
only in the designated “Trunk” area behind the rear passenger seats. Enclosures in the Trunk
Division must be installed behind the rear most passenger seats. Neither the enclosure, nor any
device(s) affixed to the enclosure may protrude above the factory rear deck. The rear deck may
not be cut out or modified in any way. You may however remove the factory speakers normally
located in the rear deck. Amplifiers must be located in the trunk area. Amplifiers may be attached
to the seat back and lean forward with the seat back during testing but must not interferer with the
seat being placed back into the factory position. Extra batteries may be located in the trunk but
cannot be located inside the passenger compartment.
Vehicles without a “Trunk” will not be allowed in this division. “Hatchback” vehicle are not allowed.
Rear passenger seats may be folded down during testing but may not be removed. Rear seat
backs may be unbolted and folded over for testing but may not be removed from the vehicle.
Amplifiers may be attached to the seat backs and folded down during testing. In such cases the
seat must be able to return and lock into the factory position after testing. Factory panels in the
trunk area may be removed to facilitate the system.
Trunk division is open to consumers and pro’s.
MODIFIED DIVISION:
Alternator, capacitance, battery, voltage, and amplifier limits are defined in “Appendix A” (located
at the end of this book.)
Modifications:
No modifications will be allowed to the interior of the passenger compartment forward of the “B”
pillars. The floor, ceiling and dashboard must be OEM. Speakers larger than 8" and any speaker
being used for SPL must be located only behind the “B” pillars. The speakers and enclosure must
not protrude beyond the leading edge of the “B” pillars. This applies to all vehicles including cargo
vans and SUV’s. No modifications will be allowed to the exterior of the vehicle and all portions of
the system must remain inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle is defined as inside of the factory
bodylines, roof, and floorboard. Equipment in or on trailers, hitch racks, luggage racks and so on
will not be permitted. No portion of the enclosure or audio system will be permitted to be located
outside of the vehicle,
EXCEPTIONS: Pickup trucks with the rear of the cab and/or front of the bed cut out in order to
allow speaker or box placement in the truck bed are allowed in the modified division. In these
vehicles the floor of the truck bed may be lowered to the level of the floor of the cab provided
such change does not make any portion of the bed lower than the top side of the vehicle frame.
All modifications should approximate the OEM in appearance and function (updated 12/23/2008)
Microphone/sensor Placement:
The microphone/sensor may be placed anywhere in the passenger compartment forward of the
“B” pillars with the microphone/sensor globe attached.
The competitor may elect to have the microphone/sensor placed on a microphone/sensor stand
supplied by the competitor.
Other guidelines:
The vehicle passenger compartment and the listening/measurement compartment shall be one
and the same. Driver and passenger’s seats must occupy the same air space. Passenger’s
compartment shall consist of the following boundaries:
Factory roof line
Factory windshield position
Factory fire wall position
Factory inner door panels.
Only OEM or automotive seats that are commercially available may replace driver and
passenger’s seats. Home made, custom made, or seats designed for use in other than an
automobile are not acceptable. The driver or passenger’s seats may not be relocated from the
factory mounting location.
All speaker enclosure or baffle boards, other than those in the doors, kick panels or floorboard
must be located behind the “B” pillars.
Any construction or speaker placement that may manipulate the SPL meter can be considered
reason to reclassify the vehicle to the Super Modified division or disqualify it. This decision will be
at the discretion of the head judge.
SUPER MODIFIED DIVISION:
This division uses the Modified division rules with the following exceptions.
Modifications:
Modifications will be allowed to the interior of the passenger compartment. The floor, ceiling and
dashboard may be modified. Ceilings may be lowered and floors may be raised.
Alternator, capacitance, battery, voltage, and amplifier limits are defined in “Appendix A” (located
at the end of this book).
Other guidelines:
The factory windshield and side glass may be replaced. There must be at least one 8.5 x 11 inch
unobstructed view port directly in front of the steering wheel. There must be two view ports to
allow an unobstructed view of the SPL sensor during testing. These view ports must be located
on opposite sides of the vehicle and behind the “A” pillar. The microphone/sensor may be placed
anywhere forward of the “B” pillar within the following guidelines.
The microphone/sensor may be placed in a foot well or other microphone/sensor specific
location only if the location and entrance to said location is below dash level. The location may be
no more than 10 inches deep and no less than 13 inches in height and width. If the
microphone/sensor is to be placed above dash level, it may only be placed on the windshield, 12
inches from the passenger side “A” pillar, 4 inches from the top of the dash, and one inch from
the windshield. (Sensor may be attached to the windshield using the factory provided suction
cups.
Super Modified Division Passenger Compartment Restrictions:
Many of the following rules and drawings are courtesy of Wayne Harris and DBDRA. USACI
would like to thank Mr. Harris for his generosity in allowing us to utilize these guidelines for the
Super Modified cabin measurements.
The following rules will outline what competitors may and may not do in the Super Modified
division. No other modifications to the passenger compartment will be allowed.
A dash will be required in every competition vehicle.
Guidelines:
If the dash is OEM then no exterior modifications to the dash may be made. (Filling the dash with
expanding foam and other materials for reinforcement and support is ok provided no other rules
are broken.) Vehicles using the OEM dash are exempt from the following guidelines with the
exception of the rules in regards to the relationship between the dash and the windshield.
The highest point of the top of the dash may not extend above the horizontal plane determined by
the base of the windshield.
The lowest point of the top of the dash may not be located any lower than 3 inches below the
horizontal plane determined by the base of the windshield.
Calendar
Wed Sep 23, 2020 7:37 pm by big bass joel
Subject: rules on b-pillar in a regular cab F-150 
