Originally posted by jhd11@Sep 18 2005, 12:34 AM
Mike,
Thanks for the info. The car is a completed car w/ log book, current tech and some race history. Since I will just be learning I expect to be passed a lot! The car I am thinking about is in High Point and advetrtised in the NC Region classifieds. Do you know it? The sunroof looks to have 2 bars across to secure. Have not seen the car in person yet but hope to see t soon. Also thanks for the invite to VIR. Would love to meet you an pick your brain!
Joe Downer
Charlotte N.C.
[snapback]60472[/snapback]
Joe,
The fact that it is a finished car (I believe) makes the sunroof less of an issue. If you were thinking of starting from scratch I would recommend looking for a different car, but it's really not a big deal.
By all means go to see the car in person. I was fortunate enough to have a couple of friends (one of whom occasionally works in tech for NC Region) come with me to look at what became my car. Both have raced rotaries in the past and were a tremendous help!
I don't know of the car, but I did just look in the classifieds. If it's the one I think you're looking at, here are my observations; 1) I've heard the name. There are lots of 1st gen drivers and the cars vary somewhat in potential. Fortunately, the drivers tend to vary a great deal more!
2) 6 race wheels ain't much! Diamond wheels cost in the neighborhood of $70 each. My car came with 16. I currently have 1 set of good Toyo race tires (They will be the spec tire after the SIC this month so you won't be able to run anything else), 1 decent set of Hoosiers (at this point I will probably end up using them at a test day some time in the future but otherwise are of no use to me), 1 set of Toyo rains and 1 set of lousy Hoosiers (I park the car on them when it's not being used). The stock wheels may serve the latter purpose for you. If possible find somewhere you can buy *USED* street tires and get something an inch or more taller than race tires. It makes getting the car on and off the trailer a lot easier! Now, after all that realize that I don't have a single spare Toyo. You will want at least one and two would probably be better (I have at least 2 spares lined up for the Goblins weekend. I just don't own them unless I use them) 3) The 4.88 rear end is good for starters. Eventually, you will probably want to get a 5.12, but they are VERY expensive ($700+) and you need to spend the money on the driver first. The 4.11s are essentially useless unless you have lots of paper you don't want to blow away. (I got one of those, too!)
Finally, without seeing the car it sounds like a good deal. My car was quite a bit more expensive than that. The car I believe you are looking at is probably at the low end of what I've seen pricewise, which either means it's a really good deal or you're going to need to spend money on it to make it fast. That's not necessarily a bad thing. What you are going to need immediately is something that doesn't break. A first gen with a new (or newer) motor should fit the bill. You spend a *LOT* of time on the track in school and you have to get through the school and then *FINISH* two races afterwards to get your license.
BTW, another plus with a rotary is that you can run pump gas. Instead of buying 110 octane at the track for I'm-afraid-to-look-how-much, you can fill your 5 gallon jugs at the local gas station with 87. Most rotary owners run pre-mix, but that usually amounts to 1 oz. or so per gallon.
Speaking of money, I hope you realize this is not a cheap sport! In addition to the car you will need (this is *NOT* necessarily a complete list) a helmet, firesuit, driving shoes, nomex socks, driving gloves and at least access to a tow vehicle and trailer *JUST* to get to the school. That stuff should last you a while, but it's a lot of cash to lay out up front.
This is getting a little long and I could probably ramble on all night. If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to take a stab at them. Just take your time and spend wisely. And please let me know if you are planning to come up to VIR next month. I think it would be a big benefit to look at some other cars and talk to some drivers. Who knows, someone might know the car or live close enough to want to go look at it with you.
If you're not an SCCA member, you can either pay to come in as a spectator (I think it's $20) or join the club. I'm a big fan of going to the races first. I spectated once, crewed several times and flagged corners before I bought my car. I really can't explain how much I learned doing it that way. If you are already a member of SCCA (or plan to become one) you either have to be on someone's crew list or you still have to pay to come in as a spectator. If you want, I'm sure I can find a crew list to get you on.
Good luck, and I look forward to meeting you!
