Buy, Build or Convert

[BeerBudgetRacing]

I've been following this forum and have found people getting into FB in several ways.
- Buying a car from a regular builder
- Converting an existing car (FF for example) to FB
- Building from scratch.

Buy:
http://www.stohr.com/f1000.html
http://www.phillymotorsports.com/f1000-info.html
http://www.racingconcepts.info/summerhawk/
http://www.phoenixracecars.com
http://www.rfrcars.us/

Convert:
There is a thread here on someone converting a spare FF frame...
What frames are the best candidates for converting?

Build:
http://ludemannengineering.com

Well, the engineering is beyond me. The fabrication I have no problem with.
Does anyone have/sell/share plans?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Purple Frog]

IMHO If you are thinking about being a home-builder i would contact Jay Novak about a NovaCar conversion.

[Mike B]

IMHO If you are thinking about being a home-builder i would contact Jay Novak about a NovaCar conversion.

There's not a whole lot of fabrication involved in the Novak conversion.

Convert:
There is a thread here on someone converting a spare FF frame...
What frames are the best candidates for converting?

The most plentiful, which is the late model Van Diemen. A Citation would also be a good start, if you can find one.

Well, the engineering is beyond me. The fabrication I have no problem with.
Does anyone have/sell/share plans?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

When we converted an RF93, we started with a general plan but it was specific to the Yamaha engine and our bespoke differential (and that chassis). The design "evolved" as construction progressed, with little or no documentation, and evolved further with on-track experience. I think you'll find that to be the case with all the one-off conversions.
I suggest getting a chassis, laying out the major components to develop a conceptual design, and start building. If you're a good fabricator, you're probably good at solving design problems, but you need the basics to get started.

That's my worthless $.02.

[ghickman]

I may be the only one on the FB forum that has designed / built / raced his own design and is also building a production chassis. If you are new to this forum my machine shop in SoCal is building the Phoenix Race Works cars.

In my opinion it would be better to purchase a car ready to race. The problem with building your own car is you spend way more time building when you really should be getting time behind the wheel, and having fun doing it.

If you want to run at the pointy end of the grid there are several cars (new & used) for sale that could get you there.

If you'd like to take a drive down to San Diego you are welcome to come visit our shop where we have 2 cars under construction and 1 completed to sit in.

[JerryH]

As Mr Hickman suggested, I would reccommend buying if you want to go racing anytime soon. Having built several cars over the years, I can tell you everyone (myself included) always underestimates the time required to get the thing on the road.

If you want to convert an existing chassis, take a close look the Van Dieman Novak conversion kit. It is a good unit and saves a bunch of time.

If you decide to buy, there are some names left off your list.....including the JDR (jdrmotorsport.com) which just won the runoffs.

Jerry Hodges
JDR Race Cars
jdrmotorsport.com

I've been following this forum and have found people getting into FB in several ways.
- Buying a car from a regular builder
- Converting an existing car (FF for example) to FB
- Building from scratch.

Buy:
http://www.stohr.com/f1000.html
http://www.phillymotorsports.com/f1000-info.html
http://www.racingconcepts.info/summerhawk/
http://www.phoenixracecars.com
http://www.rfrcars.us/

Convert:
There is a thread here on someone converting a spare FF frame...
What frames are the best candidates for converting?

Build:
http://ludemannengineering.com

Well, the engineering is beyond me. The fabrication I have no problem with.
Does anyone have/sell/share plans?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[ghickman]

It goes without saying the JDR is top dog right now, and well designed at that.

I always try not to be negative to those that want to attempt to build their own or do a conversion.

It makes me tired just thinking about building cars.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

If you decide to buy, there are some names left off your list.....including the JDR (jdrmotorsport.com) which just won the runoffs.

Jerry,

The list was in no way meant to be complete - thank you for the addition.

I'm sure they will be others... I think FB will be growing for quite a while.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

It goes without saying the JDR is top dog right now, and well designed at that.

I always try not to be negative to those that want to attempt to build their own or do a conversion.

It makes me tired just thinking about building cars.

That's quite an endorsement if you build a competing product...

As for building my own - I understand the issue of time in seat v. time in shop.
So the question then switches to who sells "kits". No one seems to approach this like the old kit-car thing where you buy pieces in stages and assemble yourself.

That would solve the design issues, reduce fabrication (assuming the frame was made) and make more parts common/available.

I've been facinated by JJ Ludeman's stuff:
http://ludemannengineering.com/2012/...chips-finally/
but doesn't anyone make some of these pieces already? It seems these should exist in every car....

Just thinking out loud....

[ghickman]

The 2013 PRW chassis is available in "KIT" form.

We sold one earlier this year like this. Our kits are very much like you'd see on a HIGH END home built aircraft for those that are familiar with that market.

You can contact Dustin Wright for more information at 623-337-3437.

[JohnPaul]

If you wan to fabricate yourself you can get a Citation kit and build arguably the best FB car available. 2 time runoffs winner.

[last]

Hi,
If you are interested in building a car from "kit form", the Citation is available as one. This not only applies for FB, but also for FF & FC.
What it would include;
completed chassis
complete a-arms & suspension links
bellhousing
uprights w/ brakes/ rotors/spindles
bodywork
oil tank
Whats left to do;
fitting/assembly
wiring/electrical
plumbing
painting
thanks, nick
www.fuhsfab.com

[Mike Devins]

So the question then switches to who sells "kits". No one seems to approach this like the old kit-car thing where you buy pieces in stages and assemble yourself.

Actually the Nova conversion is very much like an old kit car, Buy an existing VD, sell off the parts that you don't need, use the money to buy a rear subframe from Nova Racing. Then buy an engine and start building up the chassis.

You can reuse the original body and wings. My company also works closely with Nova and we have developed alternate sidepods, diffusers and engine covers.

[Nicholas Belling]

The nova is probably the most affordable and value based kit.

Finding a donor 98 or newer van dieman is fairly easy.

And the performance of the van dieman chassis is amazing. Just look at which car is leading the pro2000 series for the last couple years.

[Jnovak]

NovaRace/Piontek Eng. can have a Van Diemen kit ready to ship in a few weeks. Normally lead time is about 10 days but at the moment we are doing a 5 car production run for our new F600.

If you are interested contact Dave Piontek at Piontek Engineering.

Davepiontek2@gmail.com

Thanks for all the kind words about our Nova Diemen F1000 conversion kit.