48 replies to this topic

[av8tor]

6. Graphics, it looks nice but not necessary to spend so much money on looks.

 

that is not true, one should never cut corners on quality graphics, or on their graphic designer for that matter.  All the front runners have beautifully designed cars, you don't think it is their talent that moves those cars do you?  It is the power of the vinyl!  Proven time and time again, good looking cars are faster!!  (and the Ti brake line banjos)

[Ron Alan]

Number one item on my list of cost savings..................

 

Pro Motor.  For a few reasons,such as:

If the donor car has been maintained and in relatively good mechanical condition  I check out the state of health of the engine.and if the leakdown is low and compression is good and dyno results are respectable  then I feel why spend money needlessly.I just service with new timing belt,water pump,plugs,wires etc.. If I have no delusions/aspirations of running for a nation championship or SCCA Majors, I feel at clubman level, there is more to be gained by working on the loose nut behind the steering wheel . I spent around $7k building the big block that powers my vintage circle track car that makes 600HP, so I find it difficult to justify spending near that for claims of 130HP to chase plastic trophies.  

Spoken like a true backpacker! Sorry, you make it too easy

 

But to your point...skimping is only relitive to your goals! I agree with you 100% if your goal is to have fun and care less about where you end up in the field. But for those who have goals of being near the front...skimping on the power plant is ill advised. That said...goals and reality often collide...your ego will determine the cost saving decisions you may or may not make.

 

Using the size of a motor to determine relative rebuild cost doesn't really fly. If it does the carting and motocross world are a bunch of freaking thieves! 

[Ron Alan]

6. Graphics, it looks nice but not necessary to spend so much money on looks.

 

that is not true, one should never cut corners on quality graphics, or on their graphic designer for that matter.  All the front runners have beautifully designed cars, you don't think it is their talent that moves those cars do you?  It is the power of the vinyl!  Proven time and time again, good looking cars are faster!!  (and the Ti brake line banjos)

To this point, ever seen the wind tunnel differences between a wrapped car and a nicely waxed painted car?? OMG!

[Jim Drago]

Spoken like a true backpacker! Sorry, you make it too easy
 
But to your point...skimping is only relitive to your goals! I agree with you 100% if your goal is to have fun and care less about where you end up in the field. But for those who have goals of being near the front...skimping on the power plant is ill advised. That said...goals and reality often collide...your ego will determine the cost saving decisions you may or may not make.
 
Using the size of a motor to determine relative rebuild cost doesn't really fly. If it does the carting and motocross world are a bunch of freaking thieves!

At this point the quality of the cars is so good and more importantly SO deep in the field. I agree, this is a very hard are to skimp unless as you said your are content running towards the back of the pack. I am amazed how many quality cars show up now at each race I attend.

[Dave D.]

Ron, you're right, it is all about ego and insecurities. A therapist would have a field day in the paddock on any given race weekend. That said, I am secure enough to say that even though I might not run up front at a Majors, I really don't care. However I more than likely will not be a bottom feeder either. People will always find a way to justify what they do or spend on their passions. If it works for them,fine, who am I to judge. I was just giving my opinion that some of the spending has gotten out of control in my eyes. Trust me, I have been there, just in another hobby/obsession where I spent way more energy,time and money in the pursuit of winning than any "normal" person would. I guess I just got over that.  

     I guess I'll just go back to lurking since I don't tow the political line of winning at all costs.............................

[38bfast]

Ron, you're right, it is all about ego and insecurities. A therapist would have a field day in the paddock on any given race weekend. That said, I am secure enough to say that even though I might not run up front at a Majors, I really don't care. However I more than likely will not be a bottom feeder either. People will always find a way to justify what they do or spend on their passions. If it works for them,fine, who am I to judge. I was just giving my opinion that some of the spending has gotten out of control in my eyes. Trust me, I have been there, just in another hobby/obsession where I spent way more energy,time and money in the pursuit of winning than any "normal" person would. I guess I just got over that.  
     I guess I'll just go back to lurking since I don't tow the political line of winning at all costs.............................

Dave your attitude is what makes racing the most fun. The closer you get to the front the highs and lows get much more extreme. For some the only option is a win and anything less if is a low. Generaly more lows than highs. When your starting out its the most fun.

[av8tor]

http://www.ebay.com/...&chn=ps&lpid=82

They make these for Miatas too.  Do not think for a second that you can win without them...

[Bench Racer]

That'd ^ be a couple sets of tires, I'll take the tires.

[Jim Drago]

There is a big difference between win at all costs and racing a properly built race car for the class you are competing in. Not sure it is so much a subtle difference as totally different mindset? To each there own... To me the costs of getting to/ from the track, entry fees ,tires and the value of my time to be away from work and family are significant and all are a cost. To me racing anything but a properly prepared car is not something I get enjoyment from. Therefore spending my disposable income this way seems foolish to " me". " I" would skip a few weekends a year in order to race a competitive car as I don't enjoy driving around, I enjoy racing and by definition you race to win or at least have a chance to win. Different strokes/different folks