Mount dampers to engine

[Dunk Mckay]

What would be the pros and cons of mounting dampers to the engine?

We were discussion the feasability of doing this with an R6 engine. Replacing the oil breather cover at the rear with a plate (still with a breather vent of course) not which the dampers can be fixed.
(side note: we normally replace the stock cover with a carbon one anyway)

The reason for this is to avoid having to compromise on suspension geometry. As it stands either wishbones are not optimum or the rockers are loaded with with some bending/torsional loads.

As well as vibrations and stiffness discussions, would anyone question the legality of doing this?

[mech5496]

As far as I know, stressed engines are forbidden in FSAE. If your rockers or dampers mount on engine, that makes it a stressed member and therefore it should be illegal.

[Ben K]

Originally posted by mech5496:
As far as I know, stressed engines are forbidden in FSAE. If your rockers or dampers mount on engine, that makes it a stressed member and therefore it should be illegal.

What rule is this...?

Ben

[MCoach]

T3.13.6 The attachment of the Main Hoop braces must be capable of transmitting all loads from the Main
Hoop into the Major Structure of the Frame without failing. From the lower end of the braces there
must be a properly triangulated structure back to the lowest part of the Main Hoop and the node at
which the upper side impact tube meets the Main Hoop. This structure must meet the minimum
requirements for Main Hoop Bracing Supports (see Rule T3.4) or an SES approved alternative.
Bracing loads must not be fed solely into the engine, transmission or differential, or through
suspension components


This is the only rule that I'm aware of.
Which, if you go by the alt. frame rules doesn't apply.

[Cardriverx]

There is no rule against loading the engine, as long as there is still a rear tube structure that satisfies T3.16.6 (basically your rear end can't JUST be the engine/trans, there needs to be frame).

Like MCoach said, you could also do alt frame rules if you have the time.

[MegaDeath]

There are no rules against this. We did this exact damper mounting on our car last year.

[Dunk Mckay]

Originally posted by MegaDeath:
There are no rules against this. We did this exact damper mounting on our car last year.

Oh cool. Did you have any issues with it? Don't suppose you have any photos?

[Michael Royce]

Guys,
There are no rules against stressed engines.

There are no rules against attaching your dampers to the engine (or gearbox).

There ARE rules against using the engine or gearbox as a part of the structure that could take a load from the Main Hoop in a roll over.

[MCoach]

Originally posted by Michael Royce:
Guys,
There are no rules against stressed engines.

There are no rules against attaching your dampers to the engine (or gearbox).

There ARE rules against using the engine or gearbox as a part of the structure that could take a load from the Main Hoop in a roll over.

^ This ^

Sorry, wasn't trying to imply that you couldn't do it. Was trying to point out that the only thing that applies under no stressed motor is feeding your main roll hoop into your engine. Suspension is all ok for this.

[MegaDeath]

Originally posted by Dunk Mckay:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MegaDeath:
There are no rules against this. We did this exact damper mounting on our car last year.

Oh cool. Did you have any issues with it? Don't suppose you have any photos? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No issues, we kept the OEM gasket for the breather and never had problems with oil seeping out around the gasket. I don't have any pictures on my computer, but I could get some in the next couple days.