Like Stan, and Jay, and probably Steve, I thought the best direction with F600 was to build it on a FF-type platform rather than F500. Seems to be a lost opportunity now.
Some cost containing proposals follow:
- round tube suspension
YES
- common billet aluminum uprights
Can work, but who gets the exclusive contract? Open source design?
- common stainless exhaust (also restricts HP)
Won't work, as there is no such thing as a common design to fit all make/model/year of engines.
- open diff
Spool is MUCH cheaper and is easily tuned with some experimentation...just ask the Amac and other(?) DSR guys.
- aluminum wheels - probably FC width
YES
- constant velocity joints in axles
YES...the ubiquitous VW 94mm design is as cheap as $45 retail.
- common steering box
Why a "box"? F500 steering racks are about $300.
- 2-way adjustable shocks
YES, but with additional restrictions...perhaps a spec make/model.
- The FB shifters are rather expensive. Are they worth the cost in a "cheap" platform?
- Group buys on necessities like fuel cells, fire extinguishing systems, electrical items, wiring harness, etc
- perhaps a common fuel cell
I've built and rebuilt my car enough times to know what things cost in time as well as money.