Clubsport purchase

[DoogieT]

2004 will be my first year of trackdays having caught the bug on two days at Goodwood and Brands (Indy) earlier this year.

I am, of course, dreaming of the day when my SR4 rolls off the trailer or, more importantly, goes around a track.

Unfortunately the IRS (and the other half) have other ideas so I am going to start by buying a Clubsport for trackdays only (and a trailer)

Has anyone got those vital pieces of information/advice that will enable me to buy the right car?

Better chassis numbers/colours?

Things I should look out for, good and bad.

Places to buy the car and trailer (I've found a few)

Best places to source spares/tyres...++

Any tips on actually driving a Clubsport (I've read about the starter motor / clutch / spin issue...thanks)

Are there any downloadable manuals?

There is obviously plenty for me to learn so anything you think of would be great.

Thanks for the great forum.

Doug

[nildram]

DoogieT said:

2004 will be my first year of trackdays having caught the bug on two days at Goodwood and Brands (Indy) earlier this year. I am, of course, dreaming of the day when my SR4 rolls off the trailer or, more importantly, goes around a track. Unfortunately the IRS (and the other half) have other ideas so I am going to start by buying a Clubsport for trackdays only (and a trailer) Has anyone got those vital pieces of information/advice that will enable me to buy the right car? Better chassis numbers/colours? Things I should look out for, good and bad. Places to buy the car and trailer (I've found a few) Best places to source spares/tyres...++ Any tips on actually driving a Clubsport (I've read about the starter motor / clutch / spin issue...thanks) Are there any downloadable manuals? There is obviously plenty for me to learn so anything you think of would be great. Thanks for the great forum. Doug

Hi Doug,

Lots of good questions there. Let me see if I can answer some for you.

1) Chassis numbers. Obviously the later the better. Some of the cheaper cars out there have old style chassis with lower roll protection support bars, and difficult-to-adjust suspension, so I'd suggest avoiding these.

2) Colour. Pretty irrelevant really. Check the condition of the bodywork though if that sort of thing bothers you as most will have been raced and bashed a few times.

3) Tips on driving. Hang on tight. Take off the rear anti-roll bar to make it more forgiving and less sideways everywhere. Drive it like you're in a go-kart (i.e. give it some abuse) and you'll go faster and it won't bite - too often. :-)

4) The only manual I know of is available from www.radicalmotorsport.com/downloads/manuals/Radical%20Motorsport%20Owners%20Manual.doc

Other things to check are how recently the engine was refreshed, plus make sure it has flat slide carbs.

All in all, you'll have a lot of fun, and probably a fair bit of frustration too :-)

[doogiet]

Thanks Nildram

Plenty of info.

Does anyone know a way of finding out the range of chassis numbers, ie chassis manufactured in 2000?

Any ideas on the best places to look for the car?

Thanks again

Doug

[nildram]

Mine's chassis 150, and was manufactured in 2001, if that's any help.

[nildram]

How big is your budget? I know of a few for sale around the place at a variety of prices...

[doogiet]

Wish I had 42K or 16K but only got around 10K plus a bit for a trailer.

I've seen theres a couple around at the moment at 8K and 11K but chassis numbers are low (10 and 18).

Many Thanks

Doug

[nildram]

For 10k, you're going to struggle to get a recent or decent car, I'm afraid.

[doogiet]

Thanks Will have to start where I can and get the SR3/SR4 later.

I read your SR4 is on its way....hope to see it soon

Best

Doug