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View Poll Results: Which is the best 'new' FF1600 chassis to buy? | |||
Van Diemen | 4 | 33.33% | |
Ray | 4 | 33.33% | |
Mygale | 0 | 0% | |
Spectrum | 4 | 33.33% | |
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll |
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Thread Tools | Display Modes |
6 Dec 2014, 19:55 (Ref:3482574) | #1 | |
Rookie
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
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Best 'New' FF1600 Chassis?
Hello all,
I previously raced in FF1600 back in the early 90's against some of the big names that have gone on to do great things (Verges, Magnussen, Ingall, et al), but sadly, lack of funding forced me to drop out and remain left behind. I am now back in a position to start looking at getting back into racing, and from witnessing Formula Ford races this season, I feel comfortable FF1600 is where I would like to be. I would like to purchase a new car, ideally for a team to run, with options to go it alone with a friend of mine. From watching many races, many different chassis seemed to do the winning, in many different conditions. I'd like to ask for peoples thoughts openly on chassis choice, as all Van Diemen, Ray, Mygale and Spectrum seemed to be 'dominating' in various races I saw. It shows a true open field and competitiveness in FF1600 if so many different cars of manufacture and age can run right at the very front, and shows alot of what the higher formula categories could learn from FF1600. Thanks, B. |
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6 Dec 2014, 20:37 (Ref:3482588) | #2 | |
Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 47
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It depends on what championship you'll run it in. If you're in the BRSCC I'd run a Van Diemen as Medina go to every race.
Those Spectrums always seem to be at the front in the WHT though |
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8 Dec 2014, 14:53 (Ref:3483140) | #3 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 36
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The beauty of FF1600 is that a good driver will be quick in most cars (as has always been the case).
In the last 2 or so years I've seen Van Diemen's, Rays, Spectrums, Swifts and Mygales win races in very competitive grids. For convenience, I'd consider a Van Diemen or Ray, as parts can easily be found. While all cars have strengths and weaknesses, Van Diemen's seem to be the most consistent across varying conditions and circuits, they are also very popular and spares are readily available via Medina Sport. I'm sure you'll find a dozen other people with a dozen different opinions though and as I said before, a good driver will be able to mix it in any of the chassis. (just avoid anything built 1993-99) |
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12 Dec 2014, 22:19 (Ref:3484520) | #4 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 34
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The chassis with the broadest tuning window seems to be the Ray. Late Van Diemen's are plentiful and therefore very supportable but has a very specific setup required to get the most out of it and its developments have greatly decreased in recent times. It also is very soft at the rear end which makes the setup tough at times. A 90-92 Van Diemen is also a fair choice on a short track or in wet conditions. Dry conditions on a high speed track favours the Spectrum but it doesn't have the trackside support nor the ability to perform consistently well in the rain. The Mygale does not have the development time nor trackside support to consider it a viable choice in the 1600 series at this time.
A team would provide the greatest success over the short term led by Dempsey and Medina. Considering the continued development of the chassis and the lead team running it, Dempsey with the Ray would be the best choice followed by Medina and the Van Diemen. One offs with other teams can find success but are few and far between. If you run yourself a Ray will bring you the most success however considering the 2015 schedule, a Spectrum might be the way to go if you can find the support and do the testing required to find the best setups. |
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13 Dec 2014, 07:22 (Ref:3484603) | #5 | ||
Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,027
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My advice would be to make sure you take the same care and research buying a fast engine as you clearly are with the chassis.
Kent units can vary a lot in power output, even from the same engine builder. Try to get one with a known provenance of winning if you can. |
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29 Dec 2014, 22:38 (Ref:3488505) | #6 | |
Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
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Its all a bit of a black art in some ways. A 1992 Van Dieman won the National Championship plus a couple of other series this year. It had, for a large part of the season, Bilstein non adjustable dampers.
Go figure... |
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27 Jan 2015, 13:44 (Ref:3497991) | #7 | |||
Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,920
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Quote:
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__________________
Built and Engineered FFZetec 2006 festival winner. 3rd 2009 & 2012 FFZetec festival final |
6 Feb 2015, 09:11 (Ref:3501852) | #8 | |||
Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,027
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Quote:
I'd still want to see that proved on a dyno before I parted with the cash though.... |
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21 Apr 2015, 10:00 (Ref:3529634) | #9 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 34
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The new block was made with improvements that make the block more reliable but in no way does it make power more consistently. It wil make the same power as a poor or good engine based on how it's built up. The only way to ensure a good engine is to buy one from one of the many builders out there.
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