Absolutely new to this forum and thinking of getting into the SCCA Prototype classes. From what it seems though, it costs quite a bit of money starting out. Originally I thought I had a couple advantages. I have a machine shop, a small foundry, I'm a certified and very experienced welder. However, I thought my main advantage was that I have two complete and working cars that are essentially worthless to sell. A 2006 MX-5 Touring and a 2003 Suzuki Aerio SX. My original idea was to take the engines out, drop them in a chassis and get out on the track. Unfortunately, this was before I started diving into the requirements for the various classes, specifically Prototype 1 and 2.
What I'm wondering is, why in the world do all of the cars seem to be using motorcycle engines? I get that they produce a very good power to weight ratio, but is there a technical requirement stating only motorcycle engines?
Basically, I have a 2.0L MZR inline 4, 5 speed with 68,000 miles on it sitting in a car that I can only seem to get about 3.5k for at most thanks to the newer and swankier MX-5 and Mazda's huge push in advertising. That engine is a variant of the ones formerly used for the LMP2's (Please note the "variant" portion, I am aware they aren't all that similar).
I've built 2 Locosts in the past, so undertaking a build isn't all that big of a deal particularly with my set up, skill level, and general experience knowing what I'm getting myself into. Not to mention, in addition to being a general contractor these days, I have a structural steel fabrication and ironwork company so getting el cheapo aluminum from my metal suppliers and TIGing up a frame would be simple.
So, IF I wanted to build my own frame and harvest the parts off of my Miata including the tranny and engine, and honestly everything else, would I even be allowed to? I don't want to build something and find out I can't do anything with it. I know I will have to buy some things at some point, but as long as I can take care of the main components then the cost is drastically reduced thus mitigating the tears rolling down my face when it gets put into a wall.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Knowledge? Yays and nays?
Thanks everyone!