'98-'05 VD FC's, what are the differences?

[anders johan graff]

Hey, all.

I'm sure this question has been asked, and I did search, so, please, forgive me ahead of time.

What are the year-by-year differences on the FC's from '98 through '05? Is there a best year, or anything like that?

...also, with all the rumblings about Zetec motors, how difficult is it to convert a '98-'05.


Again, please forgive me if I am rehashing.


Thank you very much,

andy graff

[jonbaytos]

Andy there are many diffs between 98-05 fc chassis.Too many to list in fact.Some you can see some not.Zetec conversion is easy on all of these chassis but can be costly.15000.00 is a good starting point.I would be happy to elaborate if you want to call.Jon B 727 744 5255

[bbaytos]

Hey, all.

I'm sure this question has been asked, and I did search, so, please, forgive me ahead of time.

What are the year-by-year differences on the FC's from '98 through '05? Is there a best year, or anything like that?

...also, with all the rumblings about Zetec motors, how difficult is it to convert a '98-'05.


Again, please forgive me if I am rehashing.


Thank you very much,

andy graff

The differences are fairly simple. The 98 car was the first car of that design. The bodywork is slightly different on the 98 car compared to 99-05. The 98 car has 2 piece sidepod floors with a different tail and different sidepod tops. The suspension is same as 99 except for aero tubing and rear top wishbones. THe 99 car has one piece sidepod floors and different tops as well as different tail (engine cover). It was not till 01 that the nose changed to a more squared look.Also the chassis was a little wider at the shoulder area,again slight changes to cockpit sides,Tail panel and nose pieces. THe original 98 wings are not very effective so most folks run either 99 or 2000 style front wings. The basic chassis has remained somewhat the same therefore o1 bodywork will fit a 98 with some work. Also in 01 the suspension was 1 1/2" wider per side all the way around. As far as updating to Zetec the conversion could be done to 98-05. For more details on any year Van Diemen chassis call Brad Baytos 706-658-2672 ext.387 at Elan Van Diemen. or e-mail

[anders johan graff]

Thanks for the responses! I will probably call, but, I'm low on time....

I have heard that the '98 has chassis issues, but those were cleaned up in '99. I've also heard that the '01-'05 cars are identical... ...true?

Any and all responses are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

-andy