Ford Racing Puma. Talk to me...

[cragswinter]

It's just a question, more of a wondering really.

Ford Racing Puma-cheap but fun track toy??

I know it'll be underpowered, I know a standard puma could be bought & "optimised" cheaper but I just fancy one, & it's a much more interesting prospect than the usual clio cup.

There seems to be a distinct lack of info out there, I just wondered if anyone had experience of them?

Also posted this in the ford forum but I thought there might be a few ex-owners who are in here

[EDLT]

Well they aren't cheap, there are only two on PH and they are around £5k. You could make an 'ordinary' £800 1.7 into a better track car with the £4,200 left over.

[rallycross]

Not cheap.

Good fun on Smooth B roads.

Pretty dire on all other roads.

Underpowered on track and even with only 150'bhp need an LSD but only less than 10% of them got an LSD.

I took my one on track along with my Dc2 'and the integra was far better on the track even with much smaller wheels/ tyres and more compliant suspension.

[Chrisw666]

Expensive front brakes as standard, calipers can be rebuilt (Alcon one IIRC) but quite a few have been replaced for more normal ones.

[Chrisw666]

EDLT said:

Well they aren't cheap, there are only two on PH and they are around £5k. You could make an 'ordinary' £800 1.7 into a better track car with the £4,200 left over.

I'd take this option.

[rhinochopig]

Chrisw666 said:

Expensive front brakes as standard, calipers can be rebuilt (Alcon one IIRC) but quite a few have been replaced for more normal ones.

IIRC they had issues with the piston seals - not really suitable for use on a road car???

[Chrisw666]

rhinochopig said:

IIRC they had issues with the piston seals - not really suitable for use on a road car???

I think they are race spec calipers, hence the need to and abilty to rebuild them. Much like the sachs dampers on a Clio Trophy.

[EarlOfHazard]

I heard the same thing about the Lots Carlton's brake calipers. As the pistons moved out (as the pad wore out), they would corrode, resulting in needing new calipers, or a rebuild. I'm not sure if this is true or not though...

[cragswinter]

Heard the craic re alcons but it will just be a track car really. I figured it'd be fairly decent fun if a little low powered & with the seats & brakes it wouldn't need much apart from maybe some decent pads, some 888's & a pair of harnesses.

[daemon]

cragswinter said:

Heard the craic re alcons but it will just be a track car really. I figured it'd be fairly decent fun if a little low powered & with the seats & brakes it wouldn't need much apart from maybe some decent pads, some 888's & a pair of harnesses.

I would have thought way underpowered for a track day car.

[cragswinter]

daemon said:

I would have thought way underpowered for a track day car.

Aye but I have this perverse anti-power thing on track, who doesn't like passing more powerful machinery in something slightly "shopping cart"?!

Tbh I drive a Nissan gtr on track often enough so I don't need anything powerful as I get that fix with the big Datsun

[Chrisw666]

I'd not be buying a FRP to track, they are the kind of car that will if cared for appreciate.

The best PUMA's are around £2k, you'll get a rust free one, better suspension, uprated brakes, an LSD and some extra power with £3k to spend if you can use spanners to any level of competency.

[redgriff500]

cragswinter said:

Aye but I have this perverse anti-power thing on track, who doesn't like passing more powerful machinery in something slightly "shopping cart"?!

Tbh I drive a Nissan gtr on track often enough so I don't need anything powerful as I get that fix with the big Datsun

Sounds like you'd be better off with an MX5 then.

Cheap fun track car.

[David87]

I had one and it was quite good. Have a read of my profile for lots more info.

[Stuck In A Lift]

A lot of the parts are unique to the car, and are becoming more and more scarce.

Great little car for A/B road hoons though.

The brake squeel will drive you to despair on most mundane journeys.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Rather disappointed on PH of all places people seem to think POWAHH!!! is critical for a good track car

One thing that nobody has mentioned - the body parts for FRPs are NLA, and any that you can't find will cost you an absolute fortune. You really don't want to risk an off...

I would get a good 1.7 and spend the money track prepping it.

[cragswinter]

David87 said:

I had one and it was quite good. Have a read of my profile for lots more info.

Do you have a link-I'm on my phone at the moment & it's not showing anything on your profile??

As for everyone else's negatives, I'm aware of the parts issue & that they're rediculously expensive compared to clios but I'm looking for advice from folk who have driven them, ie what are they like? Do they feel underpowered?

There's one for sale locally so I might have a look at that one...

[David87]

http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...
There you go. Get one with an LSD if you can.

[David87]

Hmm, that link doesn't seem to work from my iPhone. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and press 'view full website', then come back to this thread via that.

[Andy665]

Maybe cheap (relatively) to buy but not to run

Parts are expensive and quite difficult to source

Underpowered for a track car

Loved both of mine, awesome machine across country, better balanced than the Integra Type R I had at the same time