As requested, here is a bit about my new racecar.....
Well I finally came over to the dark side, I own not only an import car but a VW! But its ok, the car was built in California. It is a 1993 Cheata Formula Vee. This is a car that is run in the SCCA. It is powered by a 1200cc VW flat-4. The car utilized many vw parts, including the trans, front end, and steering. The idea behind this is to keep costs down and attract weekend racers.
So as a gift to myself I bought this. It came from ebay. The car has some interesting engineering parts in it most importantly that zero-roll rear suspension. The guy really liked to anodize stuff blue, all of the aluminum is done this way. Anyway, I won't bore you about all its cool features.
So I bought this as an unrunning car. The owner had stored it for 5 years after buying it and decided that he was never going to use it. I spoke to the engine builder from 2 owners ago. It turned out the motor was rebuilt right before it sold, with only 2 races on it. So I decided today to try and start it. I jumped it, added some gas and it fired right up! So it looks like I got a good deal! I won't be racing just yet, I have to go over the brakes, get the fuel pump working, inspect electrical, ect....no worries if I find something that needs replacement, as the car came with so many spares they didn't all fit in the Tahoe! He even gave me the body molds......
I have had the car for a month now. I have proceded to pull apart the top of the motor (comes apart much like a SOHC). I did this to lube everything up due to sitting. And I am glad I did as there was no oil on anything! I am replacing the rod bearings for good measure. IT is also intresting to note everything, and I mean everything inside of there is polished and balanced. I guess this racing thing is serious!!!
The goal is to go through all those little problems and be racing by the end of June!!!
Enjoy the pictures (note the position you drive in!)...more to come in the future.
Jim
