604 Late Model Rules

Safety Rules:

  1. Safety is the primary responsibility of the RACER!!
  2. Series recommends Drivers have a SFI-Approved full fire suit (top and bottom), gloves, and shoes. Full Fire Suit (top and bottom or one-piece) is required (SFI rating optional, but highly recommended).
  3. Snell rated SA2010 or SA2015 full-face helmet
  4. Series recommends the use of a head and neck restraint system, but is not
  5. All cars must have a fully charged fire 2 extinguisher mounted within reach of the driver. Series recommends a 5 lb. halon system.
  6. All cars must have a kill switch within easy reach of the driver, and clearly marked “Off” and “On”.
  7. All cars must have a quality fuel cell with roll over valve (check valve) in fuel cell
  8. Minimum three (3) inch wide, two (2) inch if using head and neck restraint, SFI-Approved five point safety belts, mounted securely to the roll cage. (Recommend belts be no more than two years old.)
  9. Any pre-race technical/safety inspection and car or equipment is deemed unsafe by officials will result in not being allowed to compete. Official’s decisions are final!
  1. All track specific general safety rules or requirements will apply at all times to all participants (i.e. window nets, gloves, door plates, head and neck restraints, etc.) at that track.
  2. RaceCeiver one way radios are REQUIRED at every sanctioned event. Failure to have a RaceCeiver(or equivalent one-way device) could result in disqualification. Malfunction of such device (i.e. dead battery, ear phone failure, etc.) will not constitute any penalty.
  3. NO two-way radios, cell phones, or other communication devices will be allowed. RaceCeiver is the ONLY communication device permitted. Drivers caught with any other communication device will be disqualified for that event (heat or feature). No lighted signal devices(light sticks, flashlights, cell phones, etc.)
  4. No mirrors are allowed at any location on the car.
  5. ALL weight/lead must be painted white and include the car number. Weight must be securely fastened to the car with a minimum two (2) ½” diameter No weight may be attached to the back bumper. Losing weight in any race (i.e. heat, b-main, feature) will result in disqualification for that event.

Technical Rules and Regulations:

It is the obligation of each participant to ensure their conduct and equipment, are in compliance with all applicable rules and procedures, as they may be amended. Any amendment(s) will supersede any previous rules regarding that aspect of competition. An amendment is effective from the date it is added to the official rules regardless of when a competitor receives notice.

Any new components (i.e. engine, suspension, body, frame, etc.) utilized in competition must be approved by Crate Racin’ USA

officials before being allowed in competition.

Failure to receive prior approval for any component may result in disqualification, loss of points and money, and a suspension or fine of the series choosing.

Engine Rules:

  1. Chevrolet Performance Part #88958602/19258602/88858602 (CT 350) commonly referred to as “602” engine and/or Chevrolet Performance Part #88958604/19318604 (CT400) commonly referred to as “604” engine.

Weights:

  1. CT 350 or “602” – 2,200 lbs.
  2. CT 400 or “604” – 2,300 lbs.
    1. 1 per lap burn off during any race (Heat, B-Main, Feature, etc.)
    2. Cars MUST weight required weight with NO BURNOFF for
  3. These engines are sealed at the intake manifold, cylinder head, front cover, and oil pan with Chevrolet Performance cap seals, which are installed at the Chevrolet Performance factory.
  4. The ONLY seals allowed for competition are:
  5. GM twist off bolt engines will NOT be legal in 2021
  6. Chevrolet Performance cap seals
  7. Crate USA Gen IV(Green) or Gen V(Black) cable seals, RUSH cable seals, IMCA cable seals
  8. NO ACAS, NDRA, Crate USA Gen I (Silver), Gen II (Blue) or Gen III (Yellow) seals will be allowed.
  9. To compete with ANY other seal/sealing system contact Crate Racin’ USA for approval.
  10. These sealed engines must not be altered, modified, or changed from factory specs. The sealed engines must remain intact and not tampered with.
  11. Any seals that have been removed or tampered with will make the engine illegal and not eligible for competition. The penalty for anyone tampering with seals, modifying any internal engine parts, or changing the parts from stock as delivered sealed from the factory will be subject to expulsion from racing in any Crate Racin’ USA sanctioned event for the remainder of the season and future seasons, as determined by officials.
  12. No changes are allowed to the engine including the intake manifold, heads, valve covers, front cover, oil pan, harmonic balancer, or any other part(s) on or in the engine.

 

After much research, Crate Racin’ USA along with Chevrolet Performance officials determined that in some cases the original factory cylinder heads and valve springs do not meet the required correct install height. To correct this, shimming will be allowed to meet the correct install heights listed in the chart below. These updates are published in the Chevrolet Performance Technical/Specification Manual.

 

Valve Spring Specifications – New (Unused)
Description CT350 (602) CT400 (604)
Valve Spring P/N 10212811 12551483
Diameter (A) 1.250” 1.32”
Free Height (B) 2.021” 2.145”
Installed Height (C) 1.70” 1.78”
Lbs. @ installed height (+/- 4 lbs.) (D) 80 lbs. 101 lbs.
Open Height (E) 1.270” 1.300”
Open Pressure (+/- 8 lbs.) (F) 195 lbs. 260 lbs.
Coil Bind (G) 1.20” 1.21”
Wire Diameter .177” .178”

 

CT 400 (604) Beehive Springs for Fastburn Heads
Valvespring P/N 12625033 (Blue)
Free Height 2.122”
Installed Height 1.780”
Lbs. @ installed height (+/- 4 lbs.) 98 +/- 4.5 lbs.
Open Height 1.300”
Open Pressure (+/- 8 lbs.) 267 +/- 13 lbs.
Coil Bind 1.210”
Wire Diameter Ovate [4.29 x 5.37]
Retainer 19303149 (8 Pk) Mass 11.9 g
Keeper 19302868 (16 Pk) Mass 3.9 g
Spring Seat 19303150 (8 Pk)
Valve Spring Service 12499224 (16 Pk)

 

  1. No vacuum No evac systems of any type, including but not limited to the breather system style.
  2. Engine’s Chevrolet Performance serial number, and when applicable, Crate USA build certification number, must be clearly visible to series technical inspectors.
  3. Driver’s finishing in the top 5 may claim/purchase the engine of any car finishing ahead of Claim fee is $6,000. Engine claimed will be just as it comes from Chevrolet Performance and WILL NOT include any accessories, carburetor, water or fuel pump, wires, distributor, etc. Refusal of claim will result in immediate disqualification and penalized the same as an engine that was found illegal inside the seal system (infraction penalty #1 below).

 

Engine Infraction Penalties:

  • Any violation of the engine rules and/or factory specs inside the sealing system of the engine will result in the driver and/or owner being disqualified from that event and suspended from series competition for 365 days and pay a $1,000 fine. After that period, the driver can only compete in series events with an engine equipped with original CP cap seals, or Crate USA seals from an authorized rebuilder approved and authorized by Crate Racin’ USA officials. Driver and/or owner will be notified in writing of series’ decision, via certified mail. All official’s decisions are final.
  • Any violation of the engine rules and/or factory specs outside the sealing system of the engine will result in the driver being disqualified from that Driver and/or owner may be suspended from series competition for up to but not more than 30 days and fined up to but not more than $500 at series’ officials’ discretion. Driver and/or owner will be notified in writing of series decision. All decisions are final.

Engine Protests and Claims:

  1. Protest fee for a complete tear down on an engine that finishes the feature event is $1,300. Complete tear down is the only option available. The protest fee must be paid to the race director or technical director, in cash, within 10 minutes after the checkered flag has fallen on the feature. Must finish in the top 5 to be eligible to protest. $300 will go to the series and/or track. Remainder of the protest money ($1,000) will go to the winner of protest. Any part or parts found to be illegal will be confiscated.
  2. Driver’s finishing in the top 5 may claim/purchase the engine of any car finishing ahead of Claim fee is $6,000. Engine claimed will be just as it comes from Chevrolet Performance and WILL NOT include any accessories, carburetor, water or fuel pump, wires, distributor, etc. Refusal of claim will result in immediate disqualification and penalized the same as an engine that was found illegal inside the seal system (infraction penalty #1 above).

Engine Claim Procedure:

  • Competitor, either driver or car owner, finishing in the top five of the feature race, must hand a Crate Racin’ USA official $6,000 cash within five (5) minutes after the checkered flag falls on the feature race.
  • Engine will be removed and inspected by CRUSA officials upon being If legal, competitor claiming engine will receive the engine and will have to have engine re-sealed by a certified rebuilder of their choice. Series will provide seals for re-sealing. If engine is found to be illegal, driver being claimed will be penalized as outlined in infraction penalty #1 below and claiming driver will receive refund of their claim money.
  • Series will have a new Chevrolet Performance 604 engine on hand at all Touring Series events for purchase. Series will work to insure that claim procedure is being done fairly and justly and allow competitors the opportunity to compete in a multi-day event. This rule is not intended to eliminate someone from competition as a result of claiming their engine on the first night of a multi-race event.
  1. Any time an engine is protested, and driver/car owner accepts the protest and agrees to tear down, the engine being protested, along with the carburetor, must be removed and/or inspected Any refusal for removal, impound, or inspection will result in disqualification.
  2. There will be NO counter/reverse protesting or claims allowed (cannot protest or claim car finishing behind you).
  3. If an engine is torn down by series’ and not protested by another driver, series will provide gasket set and Crate USA engine seals to the Certified Rebuilder of choice, of the driver being torn down.
  4. Only two (2) people from the car being protested, and the driver filing the protest will be allowed in the determined tech area during any tear Driver initiating the protest must be present, unless extreme circumstance and arrangement is made with officials. All official’s decisions are final.
  5. Failure and/or refusal to tear down any engine or refusal to allow your car to be inspected by series officials at any time will result in a 365-day suspension and a fine in an amount to be determined by series officials.

Engine Setback Rule:

  1. Engine setback will be 6” from center of top ball joint to the #1 spark plug with a 1-inch
  2. There will be a 50-pound penalty, mounted forward of the engine plate, for each 1/2” of setback beyond seven (7)
  3. No cars with more than an eight (8) inch engine setback will be allowed to compete.

Carburetor Rules:

  1. One four (4) barrel carburetor Any manufacturer.
  2. Must have conventional, “Holley” style No tunable boosters. No individual cylinder tuning. Willy’s Equalizer Carburetor is legal and the Official Carburetor of Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series.
  3. Engine must be naturally
  4. CT 400 (604) Engines – may use one (1) carburetor spacer (one (1) inch, one-piece with .040 tolerance maximum) and two.
  5. standard paper gaskets (maximum 070 thick), one gasket between intake and spacer, and one gasket between spacer and carburetor.
  6. CT 350 (602) Engines – may use one (1) carburetor spacer (two (2) inch, one-piece with .040 tolerance maximum) and two.
  7. standard paper gaskets (maximum 070 thick), one gasket between intake and spacer, and one gasket between spacer and carburetor.
  8. Spacer MUST NOT extend into intake manifold at any spot
  9. Mechanical fuel pump Cam driven or belt driven.
  10. No electric fuel

Distributor Rules:

  1. Any standard distributor type electronic ignition MSD ok.
  2. No magnetos and No crank
  3. No electronic traction control devices Drivers finishing in the top 5 may protest another top 5 finishers box for $100. Series keeps $100 protest fee.

Starter Rule:

  1. All cars must have a starter in working order.

Water Pump Rules:

  1. Cast or aluminum water pump
  2. No electric water

Exhaust Rules:

  1. Collector type headers Must have four (4) tube into one (1) collector.
  2. Mufflers not required UNLESS track mandates If mandated, mufflers must have some type of internal noise dampening characteristics i.e. baffles, extruded holes, screen, chambered, etc. Mufflers must meet local speedway’s noise decibel requirements.
  3. No tri-y headers or merged headers
  4. No square tube

Fuel, Fuel Cell, and Fuel Pump Rules:

  1. An approved fuel cell, 32 gallon maximum, must be securely mounted in the trunk area of the car, inside a .20 gauge metal

box supported by a minimum of 2” x 1/8” steel straps.

  1. Fuel cell must be completely visible from rear of car.
  2. Gasoline, Racing Gas, or E-85 fuel No methanol or alcohol. None of the following chemicals are allowed in any fuel used for competition: No nitrous oxide, propylene oxide, nitroethane, MTBE, hydrazine, or ethylhexanol.
    1. Gasoline or Race Gas– specific gravity NOT to exceed .744 at 60 Any gasoline or race gas with a specific gravity of .745 or greater will be disqualified. Fuel is subject to testing on site, or fuel samples may be taken and sent to an independent lab for testing.
    2. E-85– specific gravity not to exceed .7855 at 60 Any E-85 with a specific gravity of .7856 or greater will be disqualified. Fuel is subject to testing on site, or fuel samples may be taken and sent to an independent lab for testing.
    3. It is the competitor’s responsibility to know what is being put into their fuel cell.

 

 Drivers finishing in the top 5 may protest the fuel of car or cars finishing ahead of them. Protest fee is $150. Driver filing protest must have money with them and notify track or series official within 5 minutes of the checkered flag in that Fuel sample(s) will be taken and sent to an independent lab chosen by the series for testing. All official’s decisions and lab results are final and official.       ALL OFFICIAL’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL, AND INDEPENDENT LAB USED WILL BE AT SERIES’ DISCRETION.

Body Rules:

  1. Crate Racin’ USA body rules will See 2021 Body Diagram/Specifications.
  2. No raised or gurney lips of any type allowed on body.
  3. Doors and quarters must be flat or may have an outward No doors or body panels allowed to be rolled inward.
  4. No tunneling of any type allowed underneath body, along frame, or around fuel cell
  5. Stone shield for remote oil filter or transmission is 24” x 24” maximum, located near rear engine plate. Roof supports or “C” pillars on both sides must be made of equal
  6. Window openings are allowed but must be the same size opening on left and right side. If clear Lexan is used, it must be used on both sides. BOTH sides have be either open or both sides must be closed.
  7. Curved or arced roof supports 3” maximum arc allowed at widest point. Will be checked with straight edge extended from roof edge to door edge.
  8. No mirrors at any location on the car.
  9. No Radios, or any type of two-way RaceCeiver one-way communication is the ONLY communication device. Please see Safety Rules for more Roof supports or “C” pillars on both sides must be made of equal material.
  10. Window openings are allowed but must be the same size opening on left and right side. If clear Lexan is used, it must be used on both sides. BOTH sides have be either open or both sides must be closed.
  11. Curved or arced roof supports 3” maximum arc allowed at widest point. Will be checked with straight edge extended from roof edge to door edge.
  12. No mirrors at any location on the car.
  13. No Radios, or any type of two-way RaceCeiver one-way communication is the ONLY communication device. Please see Safety Rules for more info.

      Spoilers

  1. 8” maximum Must be made of solid material such as Lexan, sheet aluminum, or material of equal strength.
  2. Spoiler and spoiler supports should be made of equal material and size on all areas.
  3. No open spoiler
  4. Spoiler height, width, and angle must always be the same for the entire area of the No varying spoiler heights or spoiler angles.

Frame Rules:

  1. All frames must be of steel
  2. Square or rectangular frame must have a minimum of 2” x 2” material, .083 wall
  3. Round frame tubing must have a minimum of 1 3/4″ outside diameter, .083 wall

Suspension Rules:

  1. Standard Late Model suspension No spring loaded or shock type 4 bar rods. Only standard solid 4 bar rods.
  2. Standards Late Model suspension equals one (1) shock per wheel, except on left Left rear is allowed two (2) shocks: one in front of rear end and one behind. Shocks must be mounted vertical to axle tube, not horizontal.
  3. No torsion bar on front or rear Sway bar ok.
  4. Standard one-piece bird No split bird cages.
  5. Chassis brackets must be No movement.

Shock Rule:

  1. Shocks at any position on the car, including lift bar and torque arm shocks, must be constructed of magnetic steel or aluminum.
  2. Shocks of the “thru-rod” style are NOT permitted.
  3. Remote reservoirs are permitted.
  4. Each shock may have a maximum of two (2) external adjustment mechanisms. External reservoir may only have one (1) external adjustment. Adjuster mechanisms may not be hidden by the rod All adjusters must be located on the shock body, on the shock rod, or on the remote reservoir. Cockpit adjustable shocks NOT permitted.
  5. NO remote adjustment or shocks This includes electronic adjustment whether hard wired or wireless.
  6. Shock/Damper devices that are or can be referred to or defined as an “inerter” or referred to or defined as a “j-damper” are not permitted anywhere on the car.
  7. All official’s decisions are Rules can and may be adjusted in order to maintain fairness. New or updated devices or suspension parts should be approved before use in competition.

Wheelbase Rule:

  1. 103” minimum wheelbase.

Roll Cage Rules:

  1. All cars must have a suitable and deemed safe steel roll cage protecting the driver’s compartment, including headrest.
  2. Side roll bars are mandatory and must extend into the door A minimum of three (3) bars must be on the left side.
  3. Each bar must be at least 1 1/2″ in diameter, with a minimum material thickness of .083”.
  4. Roll cages must be welded to frame.

Transmission Rules:

  1. Must have at least one forward and one reverse gear in working
  2. No straight drives or in and out boxes.
  3. Drive shafts must be painted white for safety.
  4. Carbon fiber drive shafts are legal.
  5. Ball spline transmissions strongly recommended to run carbon fiber drive shaft only for safety.

 Brake Rules:

  1. Steel brake rotors
  2. No carbon fiber, titanium, or other exotic material brake systems

 Wheel Rules:

  1. Any brand or type of wheel
  2. Must be mounted with lug
  3. No knock-off or center-lock
  4. 14” maximum wheel
  5. Wheel covers must be securely Recommend that wheel covers have a minimum of 5 mounting points. Wheel covers having only 3 attachment points must be bolted on at all 3 points using a minimum 1/4” or 5/16” magnetic steel hex head bolt and fastening (nut assembly) system. Cars that lose a wheel cover may be subject to disqualification.

Tire Rules:

  1. Hoosier Racing Tire D-21 stamped Crate Racin’ USA and shoulder
    1. D-21 must punch 46 or harder when checked Series’ durometer is official durometer, and all official’sdecisions are final.
  2. Any tire that fails to punch properly will be disqualified for remainder of the Any tire in question may be confiscated.
  3. No Grooving and siping are allowed (4/15/2021). Official’s discretion will be used, and all official’s decisions are final.
  4. Hoosier Racing Tire D-55 stamped Crate Racin’ USA and shoulder
    1. D-55 must punch 60 or harder when checked Series’ durometer is official durometer, and all official’s decisions are final.
  5. Any tire that fails to punch properly will be disqualified for remainder of the Any tire in question may be confiscated.
  6. Grooving and siping are allowed on the D-55 No needling allowed.
  7. Grinding/Buffing of tire is No visual cuts should be present on tires. Use of carbide/nail style discs is prohibited.
  8. All tire sidewall markings (i.e. compound, date code, shoulder plate, Crate Racin’ USA, ) must be visible and not removed or covered.
  9. Tires must remain in factory manufactured condition. Any alterations from factory manufactured tire is prohibited. ALL decisions are FINAL. Series may or may not use laboratory testing to test for any alteration of tires, and tires must meet the factory supplied If the inspected tire does not comply with this benchmark, the competitor will be disqualified. Series may use any means necessary to determine if tire(s) meet Hoosier supplied benchmark, and that decision is the sole discretion of the series. All decisions are final.
  10. Warning:Crate Racin’ USA and Hoosier Racing Tire strictly forbids any chemical alteration of the tire carcass and/or tread compound, such as but not limited to tire soaking or use of tread “softener”. Crate Racin’ USA and Hoosier Racing Tire also forbid the physical defacement (altering, removal, or covering) of tire sidewall markings in any Failure to comply with this warning could result in premature or catastrophic tire failure and may result in serious injury or death.
  11. Drivers finishing in the top 5 may protest the tire of car or cars finishing ahead of them. Protest fee is $150. Driver filing protest must have money with them and notify track or series official within 5 minutes of the checkered flag in that Tire samples will be taken and sent to an independent lab chosen by the series for testing. All official’s decisions and lab results are final and official.
  12. Penalties for illegal tires:
  13. First Offense – $500 fine and 30-day suspension from any CRUSA sanctioned event
  14. Second Offense – $1,000 fine and 90-day suspension from any CRUSA sanctioned event
  15. Third Offense – $2,000 fine and 365-day suspension from any CRUSA sanctioned event
  16. Failure to allow any tire(s) to be confiscated will result in an additional $500 per tire fine added to any other fines and penalties. All decisions are final.

Weigh-In Rules:

  1. Series officials reserve the right to weigh any car at any time during any event.
  2. The track scales or series scales used on site will be the official scales used to determine legality of weight.
  3. Heat race and B-Main/Consolation race winners, transfer cars, and any cars instructed to do so, must proceed directly to the scales to be weighed immediately after the completion of the event. Do not go to your pit area before crossing the scales, as this will result in a disqualification.
  4. The top 5 finishers in the feature event will be required to proceed directly to the scales at the completion of the main event.
  5. A car failing to make weight on the first attempt will be allowed to be backed off the scales and rolled back on for a re-weigh. This will be allowed ONE time and under the supervision/direction of Crate Racin’ USA officials.
  6. Any car weighing light after qualifying or heat race, that car will be penalized to the rear of the next scheduled preliminary event.
  7. Any car weighing light after the Main/Feature event will be penalized to the last finishing position.