Ex Academy VX1600 Car - Worth Considering?
Discussion
I'm looking at an ex-Academy VX1600-engined car, for track days and possible racing.
The basic spec of these cars seems to have been pretty good as far as a low-cost trackworthy cars is concerned, but I fully realise that the engine is pretty long in the tooth now and that there is more potent race machinery about.
So, would it fit into any current active racing class, such that I'd get a race, or would I be Lonely-Joe, touring round at the back of the field?
Alternatively, I have the potential to re-engine it with a Supersport K1600 engine (unsealed). Would it fair any better in this guise? Would it need to be sealed? If so, how would I go about this?
The basic spec of these cars seems to have been pretty good as far as a low-cost trackworthy cars is concerned, but I fully realise that the engine is pretty long in the tooth now and that there is more potent race machinery about.
So, would it fit into any current active racing class, such that I'd get a race, or would I be Lonely-Joe, touring round at the back of the field?
Alternatively, I have the potential to re-engine it with a Supersport K1600 engine (unsealed). Would it fair any better in this guise? Would it need to be sealed? If so, how would I go about this?
These cars have their own race series - Classic Grads - see here: http://www.graduates.org.uk/default.asp
Performance is never going to set the world alight but the racing is reputedly very close. On the road you'll still have fun just don't expect to be able to outdrag anything quicker than a warm hatchback.
Performance is never going to set the world alight but the racing is reputedly very close. On the road you'll still have fun just don't expect to be able to outdrag anything quicker than a warm hatchback.
Laurence7 said:
Alternatively, I have the potential to re-engine it with a Supersport K1600 engine (unsealed). Would it fair any better in this guise? Would it need to be sealed? If so, how would I go about this?
If you want a K series powered car, why not buy one in the first place? They are quite different cars. The 1600 VX cars use a live axle, and the K series cars use Dedion rear suspension, and the chassis are completely different to accomodate this.
If you were to buy an ex academy K series car, then it would be eligible for the Graduates "Super Grad" class.
However, if you wish to race in one of the more technically open series, such as Mag 7's, then you can race with almost whatever you like.
Do you want to "Race", or have you considered sprints and hillclimbs?.
Edited by Red Seven on Tuesday 30th November 10:01
Red Seven said:
If you want a K series powered car, why not buy one in the first place?
They are quite different cars. The 1600 VX cars use a live axle, and the K series cars use Dedion rear suspension, and the chassis are completely different to accomodate this.
If you were to buy an ex academy K series car, then it would be eligible for the Graduates "Super Grad" class...
...Do you want to "Race", or have you considered sprints and hillclimbs?.
Good points well made, Red. I didn't realise the Academy cars from that era were live axle.They are quite different cars. The 1600 VX cars use a live axle, and the K series cars use Dedion rear suspension, and the chassis are completely different to accomodate this.
If you were to buy an ex academy K series car, then it would be eligible for the Graduates "Super Grad" class...
...Do you want to "Race", or have you considered sprints and hillclimbs?.
My thoughts were to use a Supersport engine and box that I already have available, but it sounds like I'd end up with a bit of a mongrel if I were to put them in one of these early Academy cars, so I think that option's a non-starter.
The attraction of the VX1600 car is low purchase price, so, a cheap way to continue racing on a budget (I've raced before, but not Caterhams). Given that I'd want to race it (rather than Sprint/Hillclimb it), is the Classic class of the Graduates Championship still well supported?
The costs between racing a classic and a super/mega will be minimul, end of season costs might differ with rebuilds if required, speak to Andy Macmillan and he should direct you well. Spotted this, dont think youll get much better value for your money.You'll always have a need to get a bit more power out of the car so if you start with a classic, wont be long before you get bored with it. The mega grads arent that far off K R300 power!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-CATERHAM-SEVEN-RACE-SPE...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-CATERHAM-SEVEN-RACE-SPE...
Racing a classic grad, will be considerably cheaper (less expensive) than racing a super or Mega grad. The Yoko 539s should last you a whole season whereas you'll need 3 sets of 048Rs, more if you anticipate a lot of testing. Also the faster cars need engines/gearboxes refreshing more often (especially the tran-x box)
There is absolutely no way I would even attempt to put a K-series in a live axle 1.6VX - EVERYTHING is different, you'd end up spending far more than just buying a half-decent K-series would cost you.
Classic Grads is well-supported and is very close and fair, and as Incorrigble says is by far the cheapest way of going Caterham racing. If you want a K-series to race at the moment I'd be buying one of the many Roadsport A cars that have come to the market since the end of the season. RSA is a team-supported championship in the "official" series so can be quite expensive, but the cars are dead easy and cheap to convert "back" to Supergrad spec (lights, screen, dampers and narrowtrack) and you can pick a well-maintained one up for £9k-£10k these days.
Classic Grads is well-supported and is very close and fair, and as Incorrigble says is by far the cheapest way of going Caterham racing. If you want a K-series to race at the moment I'd be buying one of the many Roadsport A cars that have come to the market since the end of the season. RSA is a team-supported championship in the "official" series so can be quite expensive, but the cars are dead easy and cheap to convert "back" to Supergrad spec (lights, screen, dampers and narrowtrack) and you can pick a well-maintained one up for £9k-£10k these days.
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