Originally Posted by
dsmithwc04
I completely see your point Steve. However, there are plenty of used parts for FE that are cheap. An FE frame just sold for under $500 that was never used. Body parts are available used and very cheap. I find it hard to believe that the FE is any more expensive to repair than any other car in the price range. Yes, Enterprises does not give any breaks on new prices for parts but we also don't ever have to worry about buying the next super new go-fast bits which are WAY more expensive than new stock FE parts.
I also agree that FE is not for everyone, as I mentioned earlier, but as far as this thread is concerned I just don't see how anybody can argue against the FE being a very attractive option for those wanting to run fast cars, in a competitive class, for relatively low cost. Maybe driving an FE won't help get to Indy Car, but then again anybody worried about cost in SCCA club racing isnt' exactly eyeing Indy Car.
FE is the best option available at the moment for many of the problems that plague open wheel club racing IMHO. However, if a better option comes along ( spec tires, engine, gearbox, shocks with atleast 2 way adjustability, and development chassis and aero and not to mention parts being available from more than one source) then I would gladly look into it. I'm not married to FE and I will never say there can't be a better option. There just isnt a class that accomplishes what FE can for the price, period.
Some things FE can improve on includes allowing at least 2 way adjustable shocks instead of the current rebound adjustment only, more spring options, paddle shifting (because it could draw interest from younger folks looking for technology that makes them think of F1?), gear ratio change options. That would be easy stuff to change and greatly improve the class I think. Maybe even allow aero development although this could greatly increase cost to run.