What does the perfect F600 class need?
Let's think long term (say 5 years), what do you think the F600 class needs to be a success?
Here are a couple of my thoughts:
1. Loosen up the rules on rubber suspension to allow for better control of the wheel rates. My analysis indicates that we can do just about any wheel rate (within reason) with a 2" diameter x a 2" long elastomer. Remember this is just my thoughts on this issue.
2. Longer wheelbase for better driver and engine package.
3. Wider car for better driver package and better mechanical grip. I have to say that the best F500 cars handle very nicely on smooth tracks in particular.
4. Shock absorbers, do we even need or want them?
5. 10" diameter or 13" diameter. The 10s work great but the brakes work harder. It can be done with 10" and 10s cost a lot less.
6. What should the target cost of a complete car cost?
The purpose of this post is NOT to start a war, just to listen to ideas from those outside of the F500/F600 community.
All ideas are welcome. Thanks ... Jay Novak
two approaches to the future of f600
While I would love to see a 600 mc powered ff style chassis (at 850 or 900 lbs), it would be hard to keep cost under 25K, which would be my first goal (we have enough high dollar classes to choose from). Some things that might make it possible are: spec brake callipers......$500 shocks......open dif or spool (no limited slip).....stock engines with IIR to keep power at current levels. If everyone used the same upright/bearing/hub/caliper, that would allow large quantities to be made reducing that cost substantially also. You would still have the freedom to build whatever you want using those pieces.
Keeping closer to f500 specs would encourage retrofitting those cars and help with car count.....and help keep cost down. Lengthen the wheelbase (90 max).....keep width the same....body rules the same....flat floor.....same rear axle rules.....stay with 10 in wheels (cheaper, lighter). Add to that the same comment about using a spec upright/bearing/hub/caliper.....it's a really big cost savings. It's hard to build an f500 under 25k these days.
Either way, I would allow the use of shocks that cost no more than $500 each (a claiming rule might be neccessary to police that).
The class will be great either way.....and I will build a car either way!
Jerry