Costs of
Formula Vee
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It is rather difficult to predict how much you
should or can spend to get into Formula Vee. Some blokes may go in ten tenths
and have a budget equal to the national debt while others may start with an
older car and a modest budget and do very well.
The introduction of Formula
Vee 1600cc using what amounts to a bone stock,
unmodified 1600cc VW engine has opened up a whole
world of 1200cc engines and bits at very
attractive prices.
Formula Vee
regulations are very tightly controlled and have
not greatly changed over the many years of Vee
competition. This ensures that owners of older
machinery remain competitive with the most modern
of machinery.
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Know this! |
A mega price tag doesn't necessarily guarantee a
fast car.
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Useable older 1200cc vee's can be had for as little as
AUD $3000 and most good used, ready to race cars can be had for around
AUD $6000 to $9000.
Better used cars and trailer packages can be had starting
from AUD $12000 and the very best and newest gear from AUD $15000 and
way up
depending on age and spares package included.
Top-shelf brand new turnkey cars from $30,000 to $40,000
with the best of everything. Prices
can vary significantly depending on many factors including the cars make and age, type
and age of engine, modifications, amount of spare parts included in the
deal, overall condition, trailer rig and other factor too numerous to list so use these
figures as a very rough indication only.
Running
Costs The costs involved
with fielding a competitive VW engine package are
not remotely near as dramatic as other forms of unrestricted
race cars as the controls in place have kept a lid on
development of the simple 1200 and 1600cc VW engines.
Therefore huge sums of money are not really necessary in
order to get good results from what is close to a
stock engine. A quick scan thru classifieds will reveal
fresh and competitive engines from reputable
engine builders for as little as AUD $3000 not yet run
in! On going general running
and maintenance costs i.e.: tyres, brakes, engine rebuilds, fuel and oil
etc. will vary due to how often you race, crash, how much fabrication you do
yourself and other factors way too numerous to list. Having said that, engines
will last a full season (and more) of racing between
significant rebuilds and tyres are quite capable of
lasting the season. Crash damage
is often not as dramatic as it may first appear as the
front suspension, engine and drivetrain and brakes being
pretty much stock VW type 1 fare, can be fairly easily
sourced from the many VW specialists dotted around the
country and many more parts can be found with some
scrounging at local automotive wreckers.
The chassis themselves are
relatively simply constructed tubular steel space
frames and are very strong and altho damage is
usually confined to the corners of the suspension,
the chassis can be re-jigged and tubing replaced in
event of a big off!.
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Don't be dazzled
by mega flashy paint jobs with chrome wheel nuts
and brand new everything else as it is not
always necessary to spend unlimited money on the
very latest equipment to be competitive!
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Costs of
Formula Vee will depend heavily on how many hi-tech
goodies your car carries around, your technical
ability, how often you wish to race, ambitions, bravery etc etc! The best place
to get a good idea of Formula Vee costs is at a race meeting
where you can speak to many different drivers
and check out a variety of cars and gear. |
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