1998 Van Diemen RF98/2 FF Honda "Groot"

[pleavens]

SOLD

Thanks Apexspeed!

“Groot” is my 1998 Van Diemen RF98/2 FC converted to FF spec with Honda power in 2014. Since my purchase, I have run the car in 3 seasons of autocross and 1 hillclimb event. The car is extremely competitive in autocross running top scratch times at the 2018 SCCA national championships, but could easily be returned to road race trim. I am selling to make room for a Stohr sports racer.

-Honda Fit conversion (2014)
-LD200 gearbox
-Penske 3-way adjustable shocks (rebuilt & dynoed by Guy Ankeny 2017)
-Medina Spares “fork” style front and rear sway bars
-1 set OZ Magnesium wheels (wheels new in 2018, set used Hoosier R25B)
-2 sets OZ Aluminum wheels (one set new 2018 Hoosier Rains, one set used Hoosier R25B)
-1 set travel wheels
-Full set of alignment rod carriers front and rear with rods, strings and weights
-Misc speciality tools included
-Original “T” style sway bars with cockpit adjuster for front bar
-SCCA Logs (2007) and newer manuals from Honda conversion

Location: Chehalis, WA
Contact: Phil Leavens (360) 740-4472 9-5 weekdays (Pacific time)

Photo Gallery
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...BLqU0AiG4t3w9F

Upgrades for Autocross Use

1) Wheelbase Shortening
The car has Medina Rear A-Arm Mounts to shorten the wheelbase to 102”. I have the original mounts but the Medina mounts also have a setting to emulate the original arm position.

2) Steering Arms
The car has a set of shortened arms installed (with a second set of spares) to speed up the steering, while providing 100% Ackerman. We've used these arms at speeds up to 100mph and found the car to still be stable. I do not have the stock arms but new arms are available through Primus racing for either full or zero Ackerman.
https://www.primusracingparts.com/Fr...yle_p_389.html

3) Fixed First Gear
2.8462:1 Fixed First from Taylor that could be removed and sold separately if not needed. Standard slider shaft comes with car.
https://www.taylor-race.com/1337-ratio-2846-fixed-first


Gearing
Top gears installed: 16/35 - 18/34 - 19/32
Extra gears included: 14/36 - 15/30 - 16/31 - 18/32 - 21/31 - 21/25

Trailer Also Available

2014 MTI 14x7 + “V Nose” Trailer
Aluminum Construction
E-Track on Floor
Remote electric winch
Race Ramps

Price for the car: $29,500
Trailer: $3,800

[pleavens]

Deposit in hand on car and trailer

[t walgamuth]

Deposit in hand on car and trailer

I am the tickled new owner.

I flew out yesterday to look at the car and make sure I could get in and out of it. Getting in is a little tight but with a little petroleum jelly I just slid right in. Getting out was a bit more of a challenge, but after numerous tries and a little trimming of the seat padding I think I can get out if it is on fire!

It is a lovely car. Phil is a true gentleman very generous with his time, taking time to go through many things about the car.

I don't need the trailer so that will be for sale. It is a 2014 and is 14' and 7' wide inside with no wheel intrusions. It is a good brand name trailer in very good condition.

I am looking forward to having a C mod again. The Honda engine with alternator and starter on board should make a pretty good car for an old man like me.

I have enjoyed my brief visit to Oregon and Washington. It has spectacular scenery to look at along the way. I am a Hoosier and pretty comprehensively entrenched here but If I were able to have chosen to be born out here I would have done so. The people are very nice too!

Thanks Phil!

Tom

[alangbaker]

I am the tickled new owner.

I flew out yesterday to look at the car and make sure I could get in and out of it. Getting in is a little tight but with a little petroleum jelly I just slid right in. Getting out was a bit more of a challenge, but after numerous tries and a little trimming of the seat padding I think I can get out if it is on fire!

This may be amazingly obvious to you...

...and it certainly should have been to me...

...but when you want to get out of the car, put your hands over the sides and push down on the side pod tops.

For some reason, I didn't think of that until I saw a friend doing the same thing in a Citation FC. But it worked perfectly for me.

[t walgamuth]

This may be amazingly obvious to you...

...and it certainly should have been to me...

...but when you want to get out of the car, put your hands over the sides and push down on the side pod tops.

For some reason, I didn't think of that until I saw a friend doing the same thing in a Citation FC. But it worked perfectly for me.

Yes, thanks!

I did finally figure that out.

[lowside67]

I remember the very first few times I was driving Groot, I ended up with quite sore shoulders afterwards - at autocross we are often getting in and out of the car 20+ times a day and my shoulders were just not used to having to work in such a way. A few moments stretching in advance of the first time into the car in the morning helped me a lot.

-Mark

[MotorCade]

Nice buy!

Add 'bench dips' to the workout routine if you haven't already. It's basically the exact muscles you're using to push up from the car.

[marshall9]

Nice buy!

Add 'bench dips' to the workout routine if you haven't already. It's basically the exact muscles you're using to push up from the car.

Hi Cade
Pushups with elbows in tight to body work well also, for those of us with old shoulder injuries, more tricep, less shoulders, as well as variable resistence.

[t walgamuth]

Hi Cade
Pushups with elbows in tight to body work well also, for those of us with old shoulder injuries, more tricep, less shoulders, as well as variable resistence.

Yeah, it was when I had the other ff that I tore the rotator cuff loading it on my trailer. I got that fixed and it is working well. the other shoulder is suspect with an old football injury though so I will keep my fingers crossed. I may build a seat with a lift in it which will not too fast eject me from the depths of the car. (The lift seat is meant as a joke, unless it works!).

[Lynn]

Are you going to paint it yellow, Tom?

[t walgamuth]

Are you going to paint it yellow, Tom?

Is the Reynard still yellow?

When I get done paying for this one I won't have any money left for paint!

[Lynn]

Yes, it is still yellow. But I'm thinking of painting it bright green with the orange. Something like Chevy Krypton Green.

[t walgamuth]

Yes, it is still yellow. But I'm thinking of painting it bright green with the orange. Something like Chevy Krypton Green.

I like that color. It is as bright as yellow!

[Offcamber1]

Wow, great acquisition!

Let me know if you get down to an autocross in Lawrenceville.

Kip

[t walgamuth]

Wow, great acquisition!

Let me know if you get down to an autocross in Lawrenceville.

Kip

My friend Kip came to the first event I contested after my shoulder repair and helped me load etc. A true gentleman.

Thanks Kip!

I still owe you!

[t walgamuth]

Hi all. Somehow the steering wheel is mislaid at the moment. Can anyone refer me to a source of quick release hub to fit the original (presumably) 3/4" x 18 spline (I think) quick release? I have wheels available and two quick releases, both hexes. The suppliers say the only fix is to cut off my spline and weld on new ones to match what they have for sale. I don't think there is room to get in there and do that.

Groot is a 98 Van Dieman.

Tom Walgamuth
765 490 0275

[Lynn]

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/gr...=STEERQDSPLINE

[t walgamuth]

I found one nearby. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

[t walgamuth]

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/gr...=STEERQDSPLINE

Thanks Lynn!

Unfortunately they don't have anything to fit my splines. They have splines that need to be welded on my steering column. Fine if it is a new build but I don't picture welding something in with the instrument panel right above it. I have also checked Jegs and Summitt.

Unfortunately the localish shop had one that was 7/8" not 3/4".

Is there anybody who specializes in old parts new or used for the Van Dieman cars?

[chrisw52]

you can try Primus, https://www.primusracingparts.com. They have a complete steering column that comes with the quick release if it comes down to that

[t walgamuth]

you can try Primus, https://www.primusracingparts.com. They have a complete steering column that comes with the quick release if it comes down to that

Hopefully it turns up. Thanks Chris!

[lowside67]

If you haven't got it in any of the bins, any possibility this is the right spline?

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/sho...ring-wheel-hub

-Mark

[t walgamuth]

If you haven't got it in any of the bins, any possibility this is the right spline?

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/sho...ring-wheel-hub

-Mark

Well that might work. It seems to have one fat spline. It may work with mine but I'm not certain.

Does anybody know if that will work with my 3/4" 18 spline shaft?

[t walgamuth]

If you haven't got it in any of the bins, any possibility this is the right spline?

https://www.apexspeed.com/forums/sho...ring-wheel-hub

-Mark

The butterfly wheel with the quick release was hiding in the tire jackets. Luckily I also got a full wheel from Phil which I will switch to the hub release and use because I am a steering wheel wheel shuffler.

[t walgamuth]

I discovered that Groot has a fat spline too, but it is on the bottom so invisible unless you know to look for it.

[t walgamuth]

I know Phil told me this but what is the oil capacity in the sump which is also the bell housing? Also what is the gas tank capacity?