Originally Posted by
autodoctor911
to connor: Wow, a 2.8L sports racer with ASR aero rules, and modern aero development. That sounds like a formula for some really fast cars. How are those miata or LT suspension components going to hold up to several thousand pounds of downforce in an endurance race, no less? OK, I see that is for the front, still a little weak for a 250-300HP car with high downforce. I would allow the GT version too, as well as allowing any duplicates of the rear suspension used, up front, making spares easier.
I like your concept. I am not sure how many home builders are out there, but it is an interesting formula that could definitely be as fast or faster than DSR, or CSR type cars for less money if done right.
I hope you accept drivetrains from mid engined cars as well(Fiero, MR2, Boxster) It would open up the class to possibly be a PCA class as well. I would love to build a Prototype with a Stock base Boxster drivetrain, and a lightweight tube chassis and ungodly downforce, if it could be done for a reasonable amount of money, and I'm sure there would be a pretty large market for such a car, with all of the Porsche club racers and even those wishing to have a track day special instead of tearing up their expensive late model Porsche.
I think you could gain some traction with this concept if you get some cars built and run them. I think the rules may need some tweaking though, and I wouldn't limit it to IT endurance events.
I think a 2.5/2.7L porsche engined version(200-265HP depending on year) would be the best, most marketable version. If it were to resemble a RS spyder, or better yet, the new LMP car that Porsche will soon release, all the better. Base Boxster engines and transmissions are not too terribly priced, and should be extremely durable. I would be willing to bet that an engine and transmission would last for many seasons in stock form. The Spec Boxster and Cayman interseries(slightly different engine) cars have proven to have very long engine life, with very few, if any failures.
P.S. I would suggest allowing base Boxster engines up to 02 for the current 2.8L class, unless there are other engines available with more than 217HP, then there is the 03-04 2.7 with variable lift cam(245HP). If the 217HP is too much, the 2.5 used from 97-99 is under 200hp, but more limited in supply, and less reliable. If you are just limiting to 2.8 L engines, the the 265HP direct injection 2.7 from the new(2013up) Boxster would be killer. The engines are fairly heavy though, as are the 6 speed transmisssions. It may be prudent to allow the more powerful engines at a higher minimum weight with driver if the cars are not using much ballast with the lighter engine options and a larger driver.