Formula Ford 1600 startup

[MrCippo]

Looking to get into FF 1600 next year but dont have a clue where to start. Ive done karting before and all booked now to get my B racing licence. Biggest concern is what car to buy, ie what type. Whats better and whats not so good ? My goal is win the championship after the 3rd season, dont expect to be at the top from the start but make improvements race to race.

Looking through the classifieds, theres 2 jumping in my eyes :

http://track-days.co.uk/sales/4160046.htm
http://track-days.co.uk/sales/4225142.htm

What would be better for racing around Knockhill ?

Any other tips ?

[MrCippo]

what do you think maybe i can win it sooner than that? Lets just ignore that for now, maybe its unrealistic, im really not sure, but thats my goal for now.

Any constructive info more than welcome!

[MrCippo]

i'll be entering the Scottish FF1600, so Kent engines. Yes, after the 3rd season could mean anything, I just want to get better really, dont expect anything spectacular 1st season.

[MrCippo]

fair enough, i was thinking the 2000 on the van diemen add refers to year of manufacture rather than cc / engine. maybe not ?

felix fisher run that car into the ff1600 at castle combe by the looks of things.

Edited by MrCippo on Wednesday 26th September 17:24

[MrCippo]

sorted. how important is a spare package like that ? can things be bought easily in case something needs replacing ?

[MrCippo]

i presume there will be more cars on the market once the competitive seasons are over ?

What are the questions to ask when buying one of these ff1600 cars?

Has anybody written some kinda guide?

there's also this one on ebay : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130772342849?ssPageName=...

in terms of between races preparation, besides the obvious damage (if any ) , whats to be done and how often ?

Edited by MrCippo on Wednesday 26th September 22:51

[MrCippo]

thats some good info. Meanwhile found out that the VD above has no engine at all. Not unusual, just that its not mentioned in the add.

[MrCippo]

i like that, thats a good idea, looking on the brscc website they are done for the year. good suggestion.

anymore suggestions on how to start with formula ford and be succesful ?

[MrCippo]

Great advice that on researching the cars history and contacting the named guys, looking into it already.

[MrCippo]

good advice pablo. unfortunately i wont make it to the last race of the season at knockhill but i've been in touch with some of the drivers ( long live facebook ) so thats all good. i'll try to see some more cars before buy. until than, i have my b licence test end of the month.

[MrCippo]

wish I could afford that Stu! Next time round for sure but for starters i'll stick to a 4 figure budget. Good insight info tho.

[MrCippo]

I.ll be driving only KH for a start and dont have the finances to spend even close to 8k py, that must be an exageration I hope. I refuse to think in the formula fords they spend that kind of dosh. And thats from speaking to some of the drivers. One example is tires, regulations say 3 sets can be used but by mutual conscent they all used 2 sets to save cash. I sincerly doubt it will be that expensive. I will need to include costs of travel, hotel for Sat and possib.y renting a trailer. So getting minimal sponsorship will be a must.

[MrCippo]

Carnage, a very good break down, apreciate this! As i already have some of the equipment / ppe & stuff , I think i will manage to get a full season.

Say an early 90s VD or Swift, narrowed it down a little, what else should i look for in particular when buying?

I will spectate to the WHT on Sunday so a good oportunity to see some cars.

[MrCippo]

Anybody close enough to go look at the car below and give an impartient view :

http://www.racecarwarehouse.co.uk/car_details.php?...

Looks like its been through the wars and not been raced much at all in the last 10 years, very amibous history. But i think it would make an good project if itwas to go low enough.

Race Car Warehouse

Bolney Grange Business Park
Hickstead
West Sussex
RH17

[MrCippo]

cheers alan, to me it looks like a big project, or maybe im just becoming too picky or too aware of things by looking at pictures on the Internet. I need to see some real cars and fast! WHT around the corner init?

[MrCippo]

im afraid what alan has listed wont be even close to getting this car racing. According to the owner, he cant remeber when it was last raced and in the last 10 years it has done 3 licence drives. We dont know if it actually went round a track succesfully. It might be the owners description, or me being over cautious....

It could work or it might be expensive to sort, who knows, i would only take risk if the price would allow that.

[MrCippo]

nothing to be sorry about, thats good constructive advice compared to your early mono silibical posts here. So thank you for that, apreciated.

[MrCippo]

thats good stuff guys, i am taking all this onboard, the budget is shaping up to get a car so i am on the hunt and hopefully commit to something after WHT.

Lets talk about helmets, I'm thinking about the this one :

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/helmets/r...

Any opinions ?

[MrCippo]

do the helmets not need to be FIA approved for FF ? I thought that's the case, hence looking for a FIA helmet..

[MrCippo]

say i find a rolling chassis, where could i get a cheap working engine from and at cost ? i would be after an engine that needs reconditioned...