Best GT40 replica for racing

[jonathanb]

Seems like I've opened a can of worms!

I have been circuit racing a Shelby GT350 for a long time and have so many spare parts, engines etc, I want to build something that is really going to handle, stop and go properly.

I think you all have very valid points.

Chassis and weight are very important as is drivetrain and parts availability etc.

Cost too is a consideration.

If anyone is currently racing a particular replica and is wiping the boards, I would love to know as I don't want to go trailblazing if someone has done it before.

Thanks.


JB.

[Ian K]

JB,

There are plenty of people racing various makes and appear to be doing quite
well.

Dean Lampe just did the Run'n'Gun in his heavily modified RCR
Ross Nicol races his highly modified RF
Ron McCall races his RCR
I can't tell you the number of GTDs that do various sprints, hillclimbs
and such in the UK - but a brief run down includes Robin Batt, Martin
Weigold, Paul Thompson, and more. Bob Usher-Sparks used to race
a Chevy powered GTD as well.
I have seen ERAs in action, and Buzz Clarke attempted the One Lap of America
in his CAV.
And then there's Tim K's Tornado and of course Bud Jones's GTD racing out
here in California.

You haven't really opened a can of worms, it's just that there is no right answer.
I'll stand by what I said, all of the current offerings will make solid platforms to
work with, but will need large doses of money and development to seriously
compete in head to head racing. Frank Catt has been doing this for years with
GTDs, and a lot of what he has learned has made it's way to Mick Solis' Southern GTs
(or maybe it's the other way around ) CAV have a number of options to make
their car more track friendly, and RCR has done a fantastic job on Dean Lampe's
car.

Ian

[Dean Lampe]

I will jump in here and say that my RCR is doing very well against the competition at some of the local events. I have not modified the car at all. I have added some things like a fuel system better suited for racing, more gauges to monitor key indicators, a dry sump hot little Yates motor and 17 inch wheels but I have built the basic car as delivered to me. The difference is that I have spent the time and money to set it up for the track. You can't expect to buy a kit and just go racing. Once you have it built, the work begins. The final adjustments and chassis tuning make all the difference. The RCR is a kit that will allow you to adjust it to the specs you need for your individual needs. I have posted my specs as it is raced. I would like to see the numbers from some of the other manufacturers. How is their bump steer? What is the cross weight balance? What is the ride height for optimum suspension setup? How have they adjusted their rebound and compression settings? What springs are they running? What is their sway bar diameter and arm length? Before you take someones advice about which car is best for the track, make sure they know how to measure the quality of a track car. There are a lot of people here who I think can give you this info. Good luck on your search. If you need specifics about my car, just let me know.

[Gordon Levy]

Jac, go back to sleep. It's only a dream.

[91740Gt]

I think you have to decide what type of "racing" you wish to participate in and buy or build to suit the REGULATIONS.

For years i have successfully raced FGT40 (a GTD based car but built and modified by me) in nearly a hundred races. Last out two weeks ago where it ran 40 laps at Snetterton as part of a four car team in the 4 hour meeting that had over 30 teams running as well.
Be very aware of the huge mechanical and paintwork wear and tear, as well as the bodywork damage that can occur when making your decision because you will certainly need quick and reliable access to spares and a bank !!!

You pays your money and takes your choice but big bucks do not always equate to the best car for racing. Quality of build and reliability must come before huge horsepower because in my personal racing knowledge i have seen so many fall by the wayside by breaking prematurely or being unreliable.

To finish first, first you have to finish ..........

GT.

[Keith Hardy]

That's a cool photo Graham.....

[Dalton]

That's a VERY cool photo. I like Cobras, and it's not often they are made to look comparatively like a tall, vintage car.

Dalton

[Auto Futura-CAV Factory]

May I add one pic to the discussion...?

[Mike Drew]

Was this the car I saw in the Classic paddock at Le Mans this year?

[Auto Futura-CAV Factory]

Yes Mike, we were there for the 2007 Le Mans and Ray Mallock drove the car.

[jonathanb]

Is anyone racing the CAV GTR?

Those English responses, have you any laptimes you have managed from some of the major circuits? Say Brands, Snet, Donington.

Thanks,


JB.